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The cannabis revolution in Canada has taught us that this plant is our friend and not our enemy. On top of the medical benefits of marijuana as a plant, another cannabis-derivated product is growing in popularity. Hemp clothing has been around for centuries, but it's only recently that people have begun to understand its potential for both style and sustainability.
If you're new to hemp clothing or curious about what all the fuss is about, read on! We'll explore some basics: what exactly is hemp? How does it compare with other fabrics like cotton? And why should you care about the environmental impact when picking out my clothes anyway?
Hemp is not to be confused with marijuana, even though they share some similarities, like the plant they come from. Both come from the Cannabis Sativa plant.
Hemp is a variety of cannabis that has been cultivated to produce fibre, seeds, and oil. Unlike marijuana, hemp doesn't have levels of THC high enough to create any psychotropic effects when consumed or burned. The law states that hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp can be grown in many regions worldwide with favorable climates, such as Canada, because it requires less water (and pesticides). Hemp is a plant that has been cultivated for centuries, and it's used to make things like rope, paper, cloths, plastics, etc.
Hemp clothing, also called hemp textiles or hemp fabric, is made of this renewable material.
There are a few key differences between the two. First, cotton is a water-intensive crop, and hemp requires much less. Cotton also needs more pesticides to grow, while hemp doesn't need any of that stuff at all.
Hemp is naturally resistant to many pests, bacteria, and fungi. This means it doesn't need the harsh chlorine processing (bleaching) or excessive use of fertilizers like cotton production does, which can release toxic chemicals into the air and water supply.
As a result, hemp dresses, for example, use 60% less energy for production than their cotton counterparts!
What all this means is that hemp is more sustainable than cotton as a clothing material. In the environmental crisis we're currently living in, every gesture counts.
Hemp is also much more comfortable than cotton. It is softer, more breathable, and even better at regulating your body temperature. In our cold Canadian climate, this is a huge perk.
You might be wondering why hemp clothing doesn't have that terrible, itchy feeling that you get from wool or polyester? Well, because of the natural oils in the plant and how they're processed into fabric. If anything, hemp clothes are more comfortable than cotton ones!
The simple act of wearing hemp clothing can help you feel happier and healthier! For example, our hemp shirts.
Cotton clothing is often made of short fiber crops that are already nearing the end of their usefulness. Hemp, on the other hand, is a long-fiber crop that can be harvested one time every two years or more often if required to meet market needs and desires.
This gives you a much longer-lasting garment that has less of an environmental impact. It's also a good investment for your pockets. Changing clothes every few months can get expensive in the long run.
The process of making a piece of hemp clothing starts with growing the plant. Next, the plant is harvested and then broken down into hemp hurd.
The hurd is spun into yarn which can be used for a variety of purposes such as clothing or cordage to make rope or twine. The final step in making fabric from hemp fiber is called getting, where you soak the fibers to break them down, so they're easier to work with.
Finally, the fabric is designed and sewn into clothing.
While it takes over 200 gallons of water to make one cotton t-shirt, the process of making hemp fabric requires less than 30 gallons of water. Therefore, you can feel good about your choice to wear clothes made from this environmentally friendly fiber!
Clothing is not the only thing you can do with hemp. Hemp can be used in various products such as paper, textiles, insulation, and more! This means that hemp textile production doesn't just benefit the environment; it also benefits your home by being an eco-friendly option.
Hemp oil is a valuable resource that can be used for all sorts of things. It is rich in Omega-III and Omega-VI fatty acids and Omega-Linoleic acid (more commonly known as omega six). Hemp oil has an SPF value of 12, which makes it perfect to use when cooking with oils or just as a moisturizer.
We also have specially formulated hemp oil for your pets, promoting a healthy coat and skin and reducing stress/anxiety.
For humans, we have everything from shower gels to hair conditioners and moisturizers. Immerse yourself in the culture of the cannabis plant today!
Believe it or not, you can actually smoke hemp! Keep in mind that with under 0.03% of THC, hemp is not going to get you high. It's a great natural alternative for those who want the benefits of marijuana without the psychoactive effects.
Did you know hemp leaves are used in top-quality cigars, like the Cannagar!
Hemp is a plant that can be used to make an array of products, so it's no surprise the market for hemp-based items has been steadily growing. It turns out that this versatile product actually offers some pretty amazing benefits over other types of fabric.
As you may have guessed by now, we think that there are many reasons why hemp makes such a great material choice for clothing and household goods - not least because it's better for the environment!
If you're interested in using hemp as part of your everyday life but don't know how or where to start, head on over to the HempWeb online store today. We carry all sorts of different goodies from clothes and accessories made with 100% organic fiber (because who doesn't want that), hemp oils, and so much more!
