Explained: What Is Hemp, The Cannabis Species With Amazing Medicinal Benefits
Hemp is a non-psychotic plant with immense medicinal and industrial benefits and more states are joining the bandwagon in making its cultivation legal.
The Tamil Nadu government is underway to make hemp cultivation legal in the state for medicinal and industrial usage, as demand for this cannabis species has grown over the past few months.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission held a discussion on the 'promotion of hemp crops' and have further directed the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University to submit a report on the crops' feasibility in the state.
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Thus, Tamil Nadu may become the fourth state after Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to introduce a hemp cultivation policy. Earlier in May, the Assam's Directorate of Agriculture & Staff of State Innovation & Transformation Aayog (SITA) also held a meeting to promote the cultivation of hemp after realising the economic viability of the plant.
What is hemp?
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) or Industrial Hemp is a non-psychoactive plant of the cannabis (Cannabaceae) family that is a rich source of high-quality fibre with great medicinal properties. Often confused with cannabis varieties used for marijuana and hashish, hemp contains around 0.3-1% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- the compound responsible for creating psychoactive effects. Hemp also contains cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), etc.
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What are its benefits?
Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamin E and various minerals. Whole hemp seeds are a great source of soluble and insoluble fibres, which is substantial in prevention of constipation, ulcers, and haemorrhoids. The seeds are also found to be helpful in inducing higher oestrogen levels in the body.
According to the World Health organization (WHO) the CBD is also therapeutic in various mental disorders like Alzheimer's, depression and anxiety.
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Hemp seeds act as an antioxidant that helps in minimising free radicals in the body, which can lead to cell damage. Hemp oil is rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which can reduce symptoms of Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) like breast tenderness, irritability and bloating. Hemp seeds are also a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is known for reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. These fatty acids are also great for the skin and mitigates symptoms of eczema as well.
Hemp has a variety of Industrial benefits as well. The hemp stalk fibre is used in the textile industry while the pulp from the hemp leaves is used to manufacture paper and other building and packaging materials. The medicinal alkaloid cannabidiol (CBD) found in the hemp plant is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
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The hemp plant consumes less water and also increases soil fertility, thus proving to be a productive crop as well.
Is hemp cultivation legal?
According to Sections 10 (iii) and 14 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS) Act, state governments are permitted and can regulate cultivation of any cannabis plant for industrial and medical purposes.
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In 2018 the Uttarakhand government became the first state to grant a licence to the Indian Industrial Hemp Association (IIHA) for the cultivation of industrial hemp over a 1000 hectares land.
In 2021, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also issued a direction stating, ¡°The hemp seed, hemp seed oil and hemp seed flour can be sold as food or used as an ingredient in a food for sale subject to conforming standards.¡±
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