Why Hemp Clothing Isn't Made From Hemp Grown in North America
If you've ever made the mistake of confusing hemp with narcotics, you're not alone. Though industrial hemp - used to make various foods and fibers - and "the other hemp" - used for recreational and medicinal purposes - are from the same Cannabis sativa species of plant, the two actually have a very different biological and morphological composition.
The most significant difference between the two plants is the relative level of psychoactive properties of the plant products. Recreational hemp is made up of high levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid know as THC and very low levels of the anti-psychoactive CBD cannabinoid. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC (less than 1%). That means it's virtually impossible to receive a high from smoking industrial hemp.
Nevertheless, widespread confusion about the two plants remains prevalent throughout North America. This is likely due to the fact that all forms of cannabis are banned as crops in the US, (it is illegal to grow them). In Canada, the cultivation of hemp has recently been made legal, but only the species used for food, such as those used to harvest hemp seeds (which are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids).
In fact, growing hemp is only legal in a few countries in the world, including Russia, the Philippines, Romania, Poland, India, China, parts of the Europe Union, and Canada. Many European countries permit hemp to be cultivated and have had hemp subsidy programs since about the 1990s, and as a result, they have the technology and know-how to produce the purest quality finished hemp fibers for clothing manufacture.
While it may be illegal to grow many types of hemp in North America, it is not illegal to buy products made from them. Up until the 1920s, most of the clothing made for humans was actually constructed of hemp textiles, believe it or not. But as hemp and hemp based drugs became conflated, the use of this plant fell out of popularity.
Today, organic clothing comes in many forms, one of which is hemp clothing made from organically-cultivated hemp fibers. So don't be afraid to invest in this green clothing option. You'll be doing the environment some good and will get a comfortable, natural, eco-friendly garment that feels as great to wear as it is to buy.
About the Author
Fashion & Earth provides eco consumers with hemp clothing at affordable prices. With their hassle free returns policy and, extremely popular Rewards Program you really have nothing to lose! Go ahead - check them out and experience the feeling of wearing organic, fair trade clothing. The feeling of empowerment and pride that comes with wearing your values! http://www.FashionandEarth.com
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