The many reasons why hemp enjoys a high popularity

Think hemp, and what first comes to your mind? Most likely, marijuana and getting high. But hemp is as far removed from the psychoactive drug, as say, chalk and cheese. Until recently hemp was primarily used in the medical and beauty industry. But in the last few years, especially thanks to legalisation in many countries, hemp benefits have reached far and wide. From medicinal and beauty uses, hemp and its derivatives are now used in the food industry and even the construction industry.

The global industrial hemp market size was estimated at US $4.13 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8 per cent from 2022 to 2030. The market is driven by the growing demand for industrial hemp from application industries, such as the food and beverage, personal care, and animal care industries, across the globe. The seeds product segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of more than 20 percent from 2022 to 2030.

The high nutritional values and beneficial fatty acid and protein profile of hemp are driving the demand for hemp products. The products manufactured from hemp are eco-friendly, renewable and sustainable. For example, paper produced from hemp fibre requires fewer chemicals for processing as compared to paper produced from wood pulps. Then there is ‘hempcrete’ for construction. Unlike traditional concrete, it is a growable product and is a byproduct of hemp fibre processing.

Going back in time

Hemp has been around for ages. A multi-purpose plant, hemp has had a long tradition throughout civilisations, especially in China and India. According to a 2019 study published in Science Advances, a team led by archaeologists Yang Yimin and Ren Meng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing reported clear physical evidence that mourners used cannabis in Central Asia some 2,500 years ago. There is evidence of hemp fibre being used to improve pottery as far back as 10,000 years ago.

In India, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ellora caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, has evidence of hemp on its walls. Built between the 6th and the 11th centuries, the caves dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, had cannabis mixed with the plaster covering the painted walls and ceilings, along with some clay and lime, to preserve the structure. And it sure worked, given that thousands still throng the culturally rich site.

Hemp in Ayurveda and alternative medicine has long been a sought-after ingredient. Traditional cuisines like the ones in Uttarakhand – Garhwal and Kumaon region – make ample use of bhang or hemp. The plant is also seen as a means to reduce carbon emissions and global warming.

Medicinal miracle

Of course, the use of hemp in medicines is probably one of the oldest benefits the plant has given us. Gauri Paliwal, team lead of diet at ToneOp, a dietary guide app, says, “Since the ancient era, hemp has been used for treating medical conditions. But in the past decade, it gained more popularity for its many health benefits. Hemp is beneficial for one’s health because it is rich in good fats and is a plant-based protein.”

There are many reasons hemp seeds are gaining popularity in the health industry. Adding it to your daily diet can be the best way to manage stress and anxiety issues, as they have a high amount of vitamin B, magnesium and proteins. Moreover, it’s known for managing various lifestyle-based diseases such as PCOD and heart disease.

Ahmedabad-based nutritionist Naina Mahajan says, “Hemp is useful for keeping the immune system functioning. It is perfect for pain management. It also acts as an antioxidant. Hemp is loaded with gut-friendly fibre, vitamins and minerals. Besides, the seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. ”

With a vision to be the pioneering vertically integrated cannabis health and wellness brand that is also environmentally sound, Mumbai start-up Bombay Hemp Company Pvt Ltd (BOHECO), focuses on creating a sustainable and robust science-led ecosystem for the cannabis industry in India. Founded in 2013 by Sanvar Oberoi, Yash Kotak, Delzaad Deolaliwala, Avnish Pandya, Chirag Tekchandaney, Jahan Jamas, and Sumit Shah, the startup supplies premium hemp leaf extract and industrial hemp products.

Beauty beckons

Hemp is currently regarded as the ultimate ingredient in skincare, earning heightened popularity. Pallavi Parwani, founder of Fiducia — an artisanal line of small batch, organic, clean and all-natural handcrafted skincare and body care products — says, “Hemp as an ingredient has been gaining a lot of popularity, especially in the personal care sector. Not only is hemp seed oil an amazing ingredient with a lot of anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits to the skin, but it also ticks a lot of boxes in the sustainability arena.”

“Hemp is that power ingredient which works for most skin types. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients that moisturise the skin, balances sebum production and has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties,” says Ritika Jayaswal, founder and CEO, Nourish Mantra, a natural beauty brand.

Creative curve

The hemp fibre is used to make ropes. Indian artist Mrinalini Mukherjee is known for her dystopian hemp sculptures that hang from the ceiling by hooks and bewitch art lovers with their eerie beauty. She used knotting to craft hauntingly beautiful pieces. Canvases made of hemp were once very popular due to their durability. Greats such as Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and Thomas Gainsborough created their classic works on hemp canvas. Hemp canvas is also less likely to contract and expand from exposure to moisture. Because of this, the likelihood of severe cracking of the paint over time is reduced. Recently at the Venice Biennale 2022, Korean contemporary artist Ha Chong-Hyun exhibited paintings on hemp canvas.

Due to their sustainability, hemp fibres have regained popularity in the textile industry in recent years. The HempFabricLab by BOHECO is a one-stop shop for designers, creators and exporters to get their fix of sustainable fabrics.

The Himalayan Hemp Eco Stay project, pioneered by architect couple Namrata Kandwal and Gaurav Dixit, uses a mixture of hemp, wood and lime for construction in a small hamlet in Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. The homestay uses hemp in innovative ways. The monolith wall panels, precast block partitions, and roof insulation are all hemp-based, with hemp oil used for polishing the walls and hemp-based lime and mud plasters covering the interiors.

Food of the gods

Cannabis-laced brownies have been doing the rounds for years, especially during the era of Counter-Culture in America. But of late, attitudes towards ingesting hemp in food form have undergone a sea-change. On November 15, 2021, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notification that hemp seeds, oil and flour shall be sold as a food ingredient as long as it conforms to their standards.

Needless to say, soon there were bakeries and eateries dishing out hemp-based or infused food and beverages. Established in April 2022, The Hemp Factory (THF) is India’s first cloud kitchen brand serving exclusive hemp-infused foods. It has partnered with BOHECO and the chief goal is to introduce hemp foods and derivatives into the dietary lifestyle of people.

“Integrating hemp with traditional dishes is not an easy task. Unlike others who use hemp as a mere topping, our principal ingredient is hemp,” says Navneet Shetty, co-founder of The Hemp Factory.

Hemp’s popularity seems on the upswing.