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Hemp for Housing, Fiber, and Fuel

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• Housing- The inner core of the cannabis plant is woody and makes up 70 percent of the total weight of the plant. Since this part of the plant is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) free, it can be used in housing construction. The silica leached from the soil by the plant combines with unstaked lime to form a chemical bond similar to cement. It is both fireproof and waterproof.
• Fiber- Over the last two centuries, the use of hemp for fiber has sharply declined. However, before the industrial revolution, the use of hemp was quite popular for its strength and ability to grow quickly. Hemp was used to make the first piece of fabric ever found, and was also used to make the first paper. As other course-fiber plants were grown however, hemp was replaced in most of these roles. Manila yielded better rope, since hemp has a tendency to rot. Burlap, made from jupe, made better sacks. Paper started being made from wood pulp, since the cost of hemp pulp is approximately six times higher. Carpet was made from wool, sisal, just, and nylon. Netting was made from cotton and synthetics. There is still a modest hemp clothing industry since developments in processing have made it possible to soften the coarse fibers.
• Fuel- Biofuel can be made from the biomass of hemp. One such fuel is biodiesel, which is made from the oils in the seeds and the stalk of hemp. Another is bioalcohol, which is made from the fibrous stalks.

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