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Industrial Hemp – cultivation, legality and varieties

CBD flowers, CBD grass and CBD buds – what exactly is what and what role does play Cannabis Sativa?
Several terms related to the topic Industrial hemp confuse the minds of cannabis lovers. What many do not know is that all names are based on industrial hemp. This is the reason why cannabis fans can practice their passion legally. All legal CBD flowers, grasses and buds come from certified EU industrial hemp varieties – only these are legal in Europe. We'll explain.

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Industrial hemp flowers from Cannabis Sativa

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What are industrial hemp flowers from Cannabis Sativa?

Industrial hemp flowers are the flowers of the industrial hemp plant that form at the end of the growing season. The male flowers contain seeds of the plant and are used to make food, oils and other products.

Where can I buy industrial hemp flowers?

Industrial hemp flowers can be bought in various shops, such as organic stores or online. CBD flowers, which come from EU-certified industrial hemp seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant, are sold in the online shop. Industrial hemp contains a cannabinoid called CBD (cannabidiol), which can have many health benefits. CBD is often sold in the form of oils, capsules or creams and can be used to relieve pain and other ailments. CBD can be an effective antidote, especially for anxiety and panic.

Industrial hemp – information about the versatile raw material

Unlike the cannabis plant, which is known for its high THC content and psychoactive effects, industrial hemp contains only negligible amounts of THC. As a result, it has no intoxicating effects and is used for various applications.

What is industrial hemp and how do you recognize it?

Industrial hemp, synonymous with Cannabis Sativa L. and also known as industrial hemp, is a crop plant that comes from the cannabis family and is usually grown for various commercial purposes. Unlike THC-containing cannabis, which is consumed mainly for its psychoactive effects and is very popular, industrial hemp is mainly used for its fibers and seeds. The fibers of industrial hemp are used, for example, to make textiles, paper and plastics, while the seeds of industrial hemp are used as food and to produce oils and foods.

Industrial hemp can be recognized by a few characteristics. The leaves of industrial hemp are usually wider and flatter than those of a conventional cannabis plant. It also has no or very few flowers. The smell of industrial hemp is also different from that of marijuana and smells more like hay or straw.

Industrial hemp from Cannabis Sativa
Industrial hemp, industrial hemp flowers or Cannabis Sativa: Many people lose track of the different terms used in the field of industrial hemp.

What is industrial hemp used for?

Industrial hemp is mainly used in industry for the production of textiles, paper, building materials and food supplements. Its fibers are very robust and durable and are therefore particularly suitable for the production of textiles, such as ropes and fabrics. Industrial hemp is also used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. You can read about the extent to which there is a connection between the legality of CBD oils and cosmetic products here.

Industrial hemp is used in the following industries:

  1. Industrial hemp in the food industry: Industrial hemp has a high content of valuable nutrients such as protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. High-quality oils, flours and protein powders are obtained from the seeds of industrial hemp. These products are popular in healthy nutrition and are used in baked goods, muesli, smoothies and much more.

  2. Industrial hemp in the textile industry: The fibers of industrial hemp are robust and durable. They are ideal for producing textiles such as clothing, bags, ropes and sailcloth. Industrial hemp fibers are natural and sustainable alternatives to conventional materials and have a low environmental impact.

  3. Industrial hemp in the building materials industry: The stalks of industrial hemp can be used to produce sustainable building materials such as hemp concrete, hemp fiber boards and insulation materials. These building materials are light, highly insulating and have a positive CO2 balance. They are used in ecological construction and help to reduce the ecological footprint.

  4. Industrial hemp in the cosmetics industry: Hemp oil, which is extracted from the seeds of industrial hemp, is rich in essential fatty acids and has a moisturizing and soothing effect on the skin. It is used in skin care products such as creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos. Hemp oil can also be used in the production of natural cosmetics.

Industrial hemp is a versatile raw material with a wide range of applications. Due to its low THC content, the cultivation of industrial hemp is legal in many countries and is becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional products.

Cultivation of industrial hemp and Cannabis Sativa

Can industrial hemp be grown legally and is its cultivation monitored?

In the UK, industrial hemp can be grown legally , provided that the cultivation is approved, the seeds come from EU-certified hemp seeds from the variety catalog and the plants have a low THC content. The guidelines for the cultivation of CBD and THC are much stricter in the UK. Many CBD products come mainly from Austria and Switzerland, as the guidelines there are not as strict.

Anyone who obtains the necessary licenses to grow industrial hemp in the UK should be prepared for strict controls. The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) is responsible for control and monitoring in the areas of food, fisheries and agriculture. There are very specific implementing regulations in place for the cultivation of industrial hemp.

Which Industrial Hemp varieties can be grown in the UK?

There are various varieties of industrial hemp that are approved for cultivation in the UK. These varieties are specially bred to have a low THC content. The exact varieties that are approved in the UK can vary depending on the legislation. It is advisable to contact the relevant authorities for information on the current regulations.

When is industrial hemp harvested?

Industrial hemp is usually harvested in the fall when the plants are mature and their seeds have ripened. The fiber is obtained from the stems of the plant, while the seeds are used to make oil and food.

The legality of Cannabis Sativa in the UK

Is Cannabis Sativa legal?

The legal situation regarding Cannabis Sativa in the UK states that it is legal as long as it is not used for consumption, but exclusively for industrial purposes, among other things. In this country, there are strict rules and regulations for the cultivation, processing and sale of industrial hemp – there are also regulations for seeds that are used for cultivation. In contrast to industrial hemp, the regulations for HHC products are unclear, even if they come from industrial hemp.

Does Cannabis Sativa contain THC?

Industrial hemp does not contain THC, which is known to be a psychoactive element in cannabis. It therefore has no psychoactive effects and is legal. However, the legalization of THC is planned.

Industrial hemp: varieties and products at a glance

What types of industrial hemp are there?

There are different strains of industrial hemp that vary in size, shape and color. Some of the most common strains are fiber hemp, seed hemp and flower hemp. Each strain has its own characteristics and is used for different purposes, which is why there are also different terpene profiles.

What are industrial hemp products?

Industrial hemp products include textiles such as fabrics, ropes and yarn, paper, food products such as hemp protein powder and hemp seed oil, as well as building materials and cosmetics.

Industrial hemp is known in both male and female forms. Like other plants, industrial hemp has male and female plants, but they differ in their properties and uses

What does industrial hemp smell like?

Industrial hemp has a slightly earthy and grassy smell, but it is generally less noticeable and less intense than that of cannabis, which, unlike industrial hemp, is known as a consumer product.


Autor Johannes Harms
About the author

Johannes Harms

As one of the pioneers of the German cannabis scene, Johannes Harms has developed over the years into one of the most sought-after cannabis experts in Europe. Driven by his passion for cannabinoids, he has specialised in the formation of terpenes in the cultivation of photoperiod cannabis plants. Thanks to his in-depth knowledge in the field of sensory and microbiological testing, he has been part of an independent sensory panel for several years.