Hemp 101:
Nature's Best Secret

History of Hemp

The Hemp plant is the most versatile crop in the entire plant kingdom and has shown its uses throughout history. The first book was written in China on Hemp paper, and the U.S. was founded on Hemp. George Washington was the largest Hemp farmer in the world during the late 1700's and Thomas Jefferson called on farmers to "plant Hemp seed, not tobacco". Hemp was even considered legal tender for almost 200 years in the U.S.

The "hempseed" is actually a fruit that is extremely nutritious for humans as well as animals. Hempseed is considered by leading researchers and doctors to be one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet. It is made up of 25% protein, phosphorus, potassium and Vitamin A. It is the best vegetable source of the EFAs, containing Omega 3 linoleic acid (20%), and Omega 6 linolenic acid (53%), in a near-perfect ratio for absorption by the body. It also contains the rare nutrient gama linolenic acid. These EFAs, which are 80% polyunsaturated fat, are considered good fats. Hempseed also contains three times the Vitamin E contained in flax.

Hemp is the "non-drug" variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L., which was re-legalized for cultivation in 1998 by the Canadian government. It is administered and regulated by Health Canada.

Hemp has been grown for thousands of years for seed, oil and fibre uses. It was used to make sails and rigging in the 19th century, the canvas of covered wagons, and the original Levi's pants.

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Hemp Nutritional & Therapeutic Benefits

The hemp plant is the best-balanced plant source of EFAs (essential fatty acids)! Hempseed oil contains 55% linoleic acid, and 5% linolenic acid and is known as "Nature's Most Perfectly Balanced Oil".

The fatty acid families, Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid) and Omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) cannot be manufactured by the body. Therefore they must be added to the food ingredients or supplemented by a properly balanced food product, and are thus deemed essential. Few commercially prepared foods include the proper balance, which can lead to deficiencies in skin and coat condition, cardiovascular health, heart, immunity, energy levels, behaviour and joint health.

Benefits of Hemp Meal:

• Rich in complete protein (41%), branch-chain amino acids, Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids (EFAs), and dietary fibre.
• Cold-milled from live viable hemp seed that is grown sustainably, without the use of herbicides or pesticides.
• Contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), additives or preservatives, and is gluten-free.
• Is an excellent dietary source of easily digestible, gluten-free vegetable protein.
  Contains relatively high levels of the branched-chain amino acids that are important for the metabolism of exercising muscle.

Benefits of Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil:

• Nature's richest source of essential fatty acids (80%), and a rich source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid).
• Offers the ideal balance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids (3:1) for life-long consumption.
• Contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), additives or preservatives, and is gluten-free.
• Hemp is a naturally-occuring antioxidant, meaning it acts as a preservative, keeping the product stable for months.

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Hemp and the Environment

Hemp is great for the environment because as a weed, it requires little to no pesticides to grow. It grows very quickly (to about 10-20 feet in less than a year). Hemp also rejuvenates the soil it is grown in as opposed to depleting it.

It takes about a half-pound of chemicals to process a cotton shirt, whereas a hemp shirt requires almost no chemicals in its production. So you can see that purchasing a hemp garment instead of a cotton garment has a direct positive effect on our environment.

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Hemp Informational Links

In addition to our professional credentials, we are also pet owners and animal enthusiasts. Our animal companions are part of our families and important in our everyday lives.

>> Hemp Industries Association

>> Hemp Industries Association TestPledge Program

>> The Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA)

>> l'Alliance Commerciale Canadienne du Chanvre (ACCC)

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