hemp - Future of hemp
In the last decade, hemp was widely promoted as a crop for the future. This is stimulated by new technologies which make hemp suitable for industrial paper manufacturing, as a renewable energy source (biofuel), and the use of hemp derivatives as replacements for petrochemical products.
In 2006, hemp was Canada's most profitable crop, increasing nearly 87%. In America, pro-hemp laws have been passed in a dozen states, five in North Dakota (ND) alone. Under the new ND law, farmers no longer need permission from the DEA to grow industrial hemp, which now is distinguished from "marijuana".http://votehemp.com
ND was very close to its first growing season, but the DEA delayed the applications too late to begin the season. Hemp has made leaps and bounds in 2007.
Hemp Plastic is a new technology based on 20-100% hemp fiber-based plastics that can be molded or injection molded. The use of fiber-reinforced composites and other natural plastics are expected to become more popular as oil prices rise and the world becomes more environmentally aware.
The increased demand for health food has stimulated the trade of shelled hemp seed, hemp protein powder and hemp oil as well as finished and ready-to-eat food products (waffles, granola bars, ice cream, and milk for example) using these derivatives as ingredients. The use of hemp oil in the manufacture of body care products has also increased.