12 Interesting Facts About Marijuana
For those already familiar with cannabis, some of these facts may not be new. But if you’re just starting to learn about marijuana and its many uses, you’ll likely find these points interesting. We also recommend checking out beginner-friendly cannabis strains.
Fact #1: Hemp as a Biofuel
Biofuel is produced from so-called energy crops. Some of the most well-known are switchgrass, willow, poplar, sugar beet, and sorghum. Hemp is a fast-growing, high-yield crop that can thrive even in poor, uncultivated soil, making it an excellent source for biofuel. A half-hectare hemp plantation can produce over 10 tons of biomass. Estimates suggest that hemp is four times more profitable than growing corn or beets, making it a competitive energy source. Harnessing hemp’s energy potential for ethanol or fuel pellets could meet up to 15–17% of Russia’s primary energy needs.
Fact #2: Cannabis Fights Global Warming
The value of energy crops lies in their high yield and low maintenance. They produce significant biomass in a short time, giving back more energy than is used to grow them. Plus, when plant biomass is continuously renewed (new plantings replace harvested ones), it doesn’t increase CO2 concentrations. As a renewable energy source, unlike fossil fuels, hemp can help address both the greenhouse effect and the need for affordable fuel.
Fact #3: Cannabis and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand
Growing industrial hemp is profitable! It enriches the soil and stabilizes the land. No herbicides or competition with other crops are needed, even on large agricultural areas. Hemp doesn’t require special soil preparation, and the harvest can be collected with standard farming equipment.
Fact #4: Hemp Paper
Hemp stalk fibers contain about 85% cellulose, compared to only about 30% in wood. Plus, wood-based cellulose requires extra processing, including bleaching and other chemical treatments. So, what’s more sustainable—destroying forests or using hemp, which doesn’t require chlorine or dioxides?
Fact #5: Hemp Fabrics
Major companies like Armani, Adidas, and Ralph Lauren have recently started producing clothing from hemp textiles. Men’s Warehouse and Calvin Klein also use hemp fabrics. There are dozens of smaller manufacturers as well!
Fact #6: Hemp-Based Plastics
Several European car manufacturers use hemp for composite materials, such as dashboard panels in some BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen models. General Motors, Honda, and Chrysler are also starting to use hemp as a raw material for composites. Why? Hemp additives increase the strength of almost all materials used in car manufacturing.
Fact #7: Minimal Soil Demands
Hemp doesn’t need much to thrive. The hardiest industrial hemp varieties require only water. Pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides are usually unnecessary.
Fact #8: A Renewable Resource
As mentioned earlier, hemp is unique as a biofuel crop. One hectare of hemp can yield about 25 tons of biomass per year. With proper processing, one ton of biomass can be converted into 460 liters of bio-methanol. That means each hectare can produce up to 11,000–11,500 liters of methanol, potentially replacing diesel fuel.
Fact #9: Replacing Many Materials
Hemp can be used for everything from biomass and biofuel to textiles and cellulose. It can also replace wood in fiberboard production—hemp boards are twice as strong as those made from wood fibers.
Fact #10: Hemp Cosmetics—A Recent Trend
Popular hemp-based cosmetics include shampoos, face creams, and oils. Revlon, for example, offers such products. In Prague, there’s a pharmacy known for its universal hemp ointment, which is a natural remedy proven effective for treating psoriasis, diaper rash, chemical and thermal burns, insect bites, abrasions, acne, and post-acne marks.
Fact #11: Pet Food and Other Products
Hemp-based products for pets include dry food, vitamin and nutritional supplements, and bedding. Hemp seeds are used as feed for rodents, birds, and aquarium fish. Hemp oil is considered an ideal supplement for carnivorous pets living indoors. Plant-based hemp supplements improve animal health, aid digestion, and help maintain muscle tone.
Fact #12: Food Products
Hemp oil is used to enrich food, and industrial hemp seeds provide phytic acid and myo-inositol. Cold-pressed hemp oil is a rich source of protein and is recommended for preventing rickets, alopecia, and dermatitis. Coarse hemp flour is balanced in fats, proteins, minerals, fatty acids, and vitamins. Hemp cake (the byproduct of oil extraction) can be made into a cheese-like product that can replace beef or pork. As a seasoning, a little hemp salt is recommended, which is also said to help maintain strong erections.