​​How Smokable Hemp is Making a Comeback

Industrial hemp plays an integral role in the advancement of the cannabis industry. Approximately 50 million adults consume cannabis daily. Additionally, the industry is on pace to bring in nearly $200 billion within the next few years. Countries like Mexico look to become the largest recreational cannabis market in the world within a few years. In short: the industry has plenty to offer. Recently, smokable hemp is what consumers want from the industry (again.)

Roots of hemp horticulture

Cannabis has been utilized for its industrial properties for quite some time. Cannabis was identified as early as 3000 B.C. Emperor Fu Hsi is often credited for introducing the medicinal purposes of cannabis to his people. Cannabis, referred to as 'Ma" during this period, was employed as a medicated tea (ironically, still popular today.) There is also an indication of cannabis being used by Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Some historians believe that the Egyptians originated from hemp-based paper and hemp-based clothing. The prevalence of cannabis during these periods grew widespread into the centuries to come.  

Furthermore, Hemp is one of the oldest symbols of industrialization. During the Sung Dynasty of 500 AD, there is a reference to the Emperor known as Shen Nung, who practiced hemp cultivation with his citizens. The teachings were of the first occurrences of hemp being cultivated for cloth. It is also believed that hemp made its way to European countries about 1,200 BC.

What is smokable hemp? 

Smokable hemp is the term given to cannabis buds containing less than 0.3% THC. The latter is the psychoactive cannabinoid known for producing a 'high' amongst patients. Conversely, smokable hemp is non-psychoactive. Additionally, smokable hemp contains other healthy, non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG. These qualities make smokable hemp a respectable alternative to traditional cannabis joints. 

Strains to keep an eye out for:

OG Kush

Hawaiian Haze

Sour Space Candy

CBG - Bubba Kush

The legal aspect of smokable hemp

Under the laws set by the 2014 Farm Bill, farmers have been granted the ability to grow crops for limited hemp research initiatives. Nevertheless, due to a new adaptation of the colossal agriculture legislation passed and signed into law during the 2018 legislative term, cannabis' industrial form, hemp, is legal under federal law. Still, farmers must comply with the bureaucratic red tape outlined by the state they operate their hemp farms in.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that farmers planning to cultivate hemp would be eligible for federal crop insurance.' Additionally, thanks to the SAFE Banking Act, updated banking laws give hemp farmers a ton more breathing room. The popularity of hemp and hemp-derived products is once again among us. Similar to the 1960s, consumers are turning to smokable hemp.

Smokable hemp's market potential

As of 2021, farmers operating in the United States have been licensed to cultivate roughly ¾ of a million acres of Hemp. This figure is a 500% surge than the years of hemp cultivation prior. 

Since the passing of the updated 2018 Farm Bill, a total of over 17,000 state licenses to cultivate cannabis industrially via hemp were issued to farmers as well as researchers during 2019. This is a 470 % increase compared to 2018. 

Further, there was a 500% annual spike in hemp processing licenses issued last year. Summarily, the hemp side of the cannabis industry is multiplying. Some economists believe hemp can become a standalone market. This is due to its mass legality and the market appeal associated with organic and healthy lifestyles. Hemp is a more durable textile that has yet to be duplicated. Hemp is just better.

Summarily, hemp is driving the cannabis industry, and so is traditional cannabis consumption. When you combine the two, smokable hemp is granted with a high ceiling.