Hemp: a versatile plant and sustainable resource

Hemp (Cannabis) is, regrettably, best known these days primarily as a drug, in the form of hashish or marijuana. However, this plant has much more to offer. As a crop, hemp has played a very important role throughout human history and could also play a significant role as a sustainable resource in the future. After all, almost the entire plant can be utilised. The fruits (hemp seeds) are a high-quality foodstuff from which a valuable oil can be pressed. Various textiles can be produced from the sturdy fibre bundles of the stem. The woody core around which the fibre bundles are arranged can be used as a heating and insulation material. The plant's roots, which extend very deep into the soil and remain there after harvest, significantly increase the humus content. Hemp has played a part in many milestones; for example, the first Gutenberg Bible was printed on hemp paper and the first pair of jeans by Levi Strauss was made from hemp fibres. This book aims to provide a good overview of hemp as a crop, a medicinal plant and a sustainable resource, thereby restoring its reputation.