There is a large educational gap in the U.S. industrial hemp industry due to a 50-year prohibition that started in 1970. This government change eliminated knowledge, research, training, and agricultural infrastructure and instead created biased stigma and evolving regulations. It wasn’t until the 2018 Farm Bill that industrial hemp was re-legalized and the door was once again opened for this ancient crop.
Now advocates, like Green Fox, are working hard to educate other farmers, processors, and the public about the benefits, versatility, and major distinctions of industrial hemp versus marijuana. Here are 8 things you didn’t know about industrial hemp that will break misconceptions and negative stigma.
Hemp and marijuana are not the same. While they both come from the same Cannabis Sativa plant family, industrial hemp is specifically grown for consumption and industrial use. And unlike marijuana, industrial hemp has an extremely low THC content making it suitable for consumption rather than recreational use.
Industrial hemp can only contain up to 0.3% THC (the primary psychoactive compound associated with a “high”), which is too low to produce any effects or give a “high”! Where marijuana typically has a THC concentration of 15% or more.
Industrial hemp’s THC levels are heavily regulated and monitored to ensure that they stay under 0.3%. Hemp plants undergo testing while they grow in the field and after they are harvested. If they are under the 0.3% THC level, they are deemed compliant and cleared for production. Because our industrial hemp plants are compliant with Minnesota Department of Agriculture THC regulations, they are legal! And our hemp-based products like Hemp Hearts and Hemp Seed Oil can be shipped to all 50 states.
Industrial hemp is an extremely versatile crop that can be used in a variety of ways and industries from the food on your table to bedding in your horse's stall, and the walls in the school down the street. How? Each part of the hemp plant is unique! The core of the plant contains fibers that be processed into a variety of eco-friendly products. Hemp seeds can be pressed for oil or hulled to produce a variety of edible, nutritious products for humans and animals.
Here at Green Fox we are committed to zero-waste processing which means we proudly use 100% of the hemp plants we grow. From the leaves to the roots, each part of the plant serves a purpose because we intentionally designed our process to maximize use and reduce waste. The seeds of the plant are dehulled to make our Hemp Hearts for human consumption. Those outer shells, or Hemp Hulls, are used in animal diets*. We also cold-press the seeds for our nutrient-rich Hemp Seed Oil. The coproduct of our oil process makes “cake” which is a popular animal supplement* and garden additive.
The main stalk of the plant is used in our line of animal bedding and sustainable building materials. Our team separates the fibers and the “shiv” (hurd) through a process called decortication. The hurd is then packaged for our Hemp Hurd Animal Bedding and the fibers are used to make hemp acoustic panels and insulation batts.
Our farmers then leave the roots in the soil as part of our regenerative farming practices to protect and feed the soil naturally for the next growing season. The leaves are also left in the field to protect against erosion from snow and wind.
*Disclaimer: Hemp products use in animal feed is regulated and varies by state and species. Consult with your vet and check local laws before feed supplement use.
Hemp seeds are an all-natural, plant-based source of protein. Even when shelled, Hemp Hearts contain 10g per serving. No processed protein powders or chemicals added. Other nutrients naturally found in hemp seeds are omegas-3,6 & 9, iron, and fiber. Making them a great nutritional boost to any meal. Check out our Recipes page to see how to use hemp seeds and gain inspiration!
Hemp is a low-impact, highly adaptable crop and typically grows anywhere from 6 to 11 feet tall! It requires less water and tending than most traditional crops and does not need pesticides. It regenerates the soil and has a faster growing cycle, maturing in just 3-4 months compared to 20+ years for trees!
The hemp plant is considered a “carbon sink” because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the ground, improving soil health and reducing greenhouse emissions. One acre of hemp absorbs more carbon than one acre of trees!
We know hemp is a hot topic. But through education and understanding, we can change misconceptions for the better. Industrial hemp isn’t something being passed around at parties. It’s contributing to climate stabilization while supporting a circular, sustainable economy, healthier people and animals, and greener communities.