Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant grown for industrial and commercial use rather than as a medicine or for recreational use. It contains very little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound in cannabis that can cause a “high” at higher levels. It is typically rich in fibre and seeds. In the UK, industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.2% THC and can only be grown under a Home Office licence.
Although hemp comes from the same plant species as medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa), it is cultivated very differently. Hemp is grown for its stalks, fibres, and seeds, which are used in textiles, food, building materials, and a wide range of everyday products.
Under UK law, licensed hemp farmers may only use the stalks and seeds of the plant. The flowers and leaves are classed as controlled parts of the cannabis plant and cannot usually be processed by licensed growers.
Humans have grown hemp for thousands of years, and it remains one of the most versatile crops in the world. Common uses of hemp include:
