THE HEMP PLANT GROWS ORGANICALLY IN JUST FOUR MONTHS.
To put this into context, Canada started researching hemp at the same time and are currently growing more than 50 000 hectares a year with a market that’s rapidly expanding.
South African research is based around ten two hectare plots dotted around the country. Commercial licenses aren’t available and the only permits granted are for research on the narcotic drug and effects of cannabis, even though hemp has no value as a recreational drug.
If we grew 50 000 hectares, we could provide around 100 000 jobs and supply eco-friendly raw materials used for construction materials, nutrition, body-care products, textiles, paper and fuel.
Hemp is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly natural resources around. It provides three main resources: the woody stalk; strong fibres from the bark and nutritious oily seeds.
As prohibition is re-evaluated, many countries are realising that banning nature is an impossible task and causes more damage than good. Over 40 countries have changed legislation around the growing of industrial hemp and the medical uses of cannabis are growing rapidly. These countries have a significant head start while we’re languishing in unnecessary research. But there’s hope. Local attitudes are changing and the demand for hemp products is climbing steadily.
Hemporium, a Cape Town based hemp shop, is also celebrating its 20th year of business. We’ve seen great growth in the demand for hemp products and raw materials. However, our main limiting factor is that we have to import our materials from countries like China, Canada, France and the U.K. And thanks to the exchange rate, we currently only cater to niche of wealthy environmentally conscious individuals rather than the general population.
We’re involved in a three year commercial incubation research trial where our farming partner grew two hectares for research, and although we learned valuable lessons in growing hemp, the area was too small for any economies of scale and we were prevented from processing and developing local products by the restrictive permit conditions.
One sector where we see massive opportunities for South Africa is the construction industry. Where the inner stalks can be used to build walls, the fibres to make natural insulation mats for the roof and floor and the stalks can be pressed into tree-free chipboards.
Even the contents of the house can be created from hemp. Seed oil can be used in eco-friendly paints and varnishes. Soft furnishings can be made from hemp textiles. Soaps and cosmetics can be made from biodegradable hemp oil. The seeds, high in protein and immune boosting omega fatty acids, can form part of the diet of the inhabitants. And all this from one plant that grows (organically) in just four months.
At the Hemp Soup Kitchen in Khayelitsha, which we helped build, we’ve been adding hemp seed oil and hemp protein powder to the soup of those with TB and HIV. The results have been nothing short of miraculous. Because the local population live mainly off white bread, processed foods, GMO maize and sugar, they’re so deficient of omega fatty acids that their immune systems cannot function properly. By adding these essential fatty acids to their diet, they’re given an immune boost to help their bodies fight any health issues they might face. Hemp could and should be a staple part of the modern diet.
Another remarkable attribute of the plant is Cannabidiol (CBD) extract. CBD has anti-psychotic effects and works through the nervous and limbic systems. It has a calmative effect and treats epilepsy, anxiety, autism and Alzheimer’s. It’s even showing promise as a potent anti-tumour agent.
For now, Hemporium provides a range of eco-friendly hemp products available at wholesale and retail, and are a stockist of Elixinol CBD hemp oil from the U.S. We even provide eco-friendly building materials and construction advice.
We cannot wait for the day when all of these products are sourced and grown locally and South Africa can prosper thanks to the jobs, houses, food and medicine that this amazing plant has to offer. Hemp truly is the green gift that keeps on giving.
By Tony Budden