15 What other uses for hemp are there?
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This article is from the Hemp / Cannabis / Marijuana FAQ, by Brian S. Julin verdant@twain.ucs.umass.edu with numerous contributions by others.
15 What other uses for hemp are there?
One of the newest uses of hemp is in construction
materials. Hemp can be used in the manufacture of `press
board' or `composite board.' This involves gluing fibrous
hemp stalks together under pressure to produce a board which
is many times more elastic and durable than hardwood.
Because hemp produces a long, tough fiber it is the perfect
source for press-board. Another interesting application of
hemp in industry is making plastic. Many plastics can be
made from the high-cellulose hemp hurd. Hemp seed oil has a
multitude of uses in products such as varnishes and
lubricants.
Using hemp to build is by no means a new idea. French
archeologists have discovered bridges built with a process
that mineralizes hemp stalks into a long-lasting cement.
The process involves no synthetic chemicals and produces a
material which works as a filler in building construction.
Called Isochanvre, it is gaining popularity in France.
Isochanvre can be used as drywall, insulates against heat
and noise, and is very long lasting.
`Bio-plastics' are not a new idea, either -- way back in the
1930's Henry Ford had already made a whole car body out of
them -- but the processes for making them do need more
research and development. Bio-plastics can be made without
much pollution. Unfortunately, companies are not likely to
explore bio-plastics if they have to either import the raw
materials or break the law. (Not to mention compete with
the already established petrochemical products.)
``The Emperor Wears No Clothes The Authoritative Historical Record of
the Cannabis Plant, Marijuana Prohibition, & How Hemp Can Still Save
the World'' by Jack Herer pub. Queen of Clubs HEMP Publishing, 1993.
Note: 93/94 edition of the Emperor only.
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