Market oppotunities for industrial hemp : guide to understanding markets and demand for various industrial hemp plant products

Abstract

"Industrial hemp produces several components - broadly, stalks, seeds, roots, leaves and flowers - that processors may direct toward a variety of commercial applications. In total, these components may have as many as 50,000 potential uses, according to some estimates. Exhibit I1 shares examples. With bast and hurd fibers from the stalks, product developers may make goods such as rope, insulation, textiles, compost and paper. Called hemp nuts, whole hemp seeds may serve as a baked good or granola ingredient, or they may undergo processing into various products. If crushed, then hemp seeds yield oil and seed cake. The oil has potential use in food-grade and industrial products. For example, the oil could be used for cooking or including in dietary supplements, or it may fit in formulations for fuels or paints. The protein-rich seed cake could be processed into food or animal feed. The leaves and flowers have compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD), connected to health and wellness benefits. They also could serve as a compost feedstock or animal bedding material."--Introduction