How many plants can you name that can be eaten, turned into plastic, spun into rope, and pressed into oil? Hemp (Metaflora answer #575) is the it girl of the botanical world - she can really do it all, while being remarkably sustainable!

Hemp has been around for centuries, and our earliest documented recordings of hemp cultivation date back to 2800 BCE China. It was later cultivated in Mediterranean Europe and then spread through the rest of Europe in the Middle Ages, eventually making its way over to the Americas in the 1500s, where even founding fathers like Washington grew it.

What can't hemp do? Its fibres are long and strong, perfect for industrial uses like ropes, cords, and strings. For everyday items, hemp can be processed into canvas or linen-like textiles, natural sponges, and shoes. Hemp can be turned into a biodegradable bioplastic, used for everything from cutlery to packaging.

In addition to wearing hemp, you can also eat it! Hemp seeds are a source of protein, fibre and magnesium. You'll find shelled hemp seeds, referred to as hemp hearts, in any health food store. People often add them to smoothies or salads for a little crunch. Hemp protein powder is also popular among fitness enthusiasts. Hemp seeds can be blended and strained to make a dairy-free milk alternative, and hemp seed oil has uses from paint to soap to cooking!

Hemp is derived from the same plant as cannabis, but is specifically bred to contain less than 0.3% THC (the chemical responsible for that high feeling). While they share botanical origins, the law distinguishes them based on this THC content.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, hemp's versatility positions it as a crop of the future.

Learn more: Britannica, WebMD

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