By Grethe Mattheus

The numerous benefits of Hemp have been advocated throughout history, but common misconceptions (i.e that hemp is a drug and can make you ‘high’) has kept this incredible resource from reaching its’ full commercial potential. But with a Hemp farming permit arriving in South Africa and efforts being made in the Western and Eastern Cape to get legislation amended, could 2012 be the year for hemp to once again become a hero?

Since 8000 BC hemp was the world’s largest agricultural crop and was used to produce the majority of society’s fibre, paper, fabric, lighting oil, medicine, as well as food oil and protein for both humans and animals. Unfortunately the association of cannabis hemp with marijuana, his narcotic cousin, has led to it being banned in many countries over the last century. Luckily today many countries are rediscovering the treasure that this resource holds. More than 30 nations, including England, France, Germany, China and Canada value hemp as an environmentally responsible crop and have a legal hemp industry.

Bringing it closer to home, The South African Agricultural Research council has been running trials to identify varieties that will grow well in our climate. Specific sectors have been identified that will receive particular benefit from a legalised hemp industry in South Africa. This includes agri-fibres for car parts, eco-friendly paper, natural cement, bricks and insulation for housing, animal bedding and nutrition from the essential fatty-acid rich seeds. Hemp does not only contribute to more environmentally friendly alternatives, but a well structured hemp industry also has the potential to help address socio-economic issues such as housing, malnourishment and job creation.

At the forefront of educating South Africa about the wonder of hemp and advocating the case for a sustainable industry is the Cape Town based company, Hemporium. With their philosophy of “Innovate, Educate, Cultivate” they are showing South Africa the unique potential that hemp has. Their flagship Hemp House; a project that took five years to complete, has received a wide spectrum of positive feedback from interested parties including the Department of Science and Technology.

From clothes, accessories, cosmetics and homeware to nutritional products such as Hemp oil and Organic Hemp protein powder, Hemporium can be seen as one of the leaders in our country’s sustainable lifestyle movement. In 2012 they are looking forward to planting the first of their own Hemp seeds later this year, developing new construction products and evolving their approach from advocacy to delivery.

Interesting to note that in 1856, The Encyclopaedia Britannica stated: “But it is not as a narcotic and excitant that the hemp plant is most useful to mankind; it is as an advancer rather that a retarder of civilization, that it’s utility is made most manifest”. Now, after years of industrial development and technological innovation, hemp may just be a key part of the solution that nature is presenting to help lead us back to a healthier planet and society.

For more information www.hemporium.com