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Hemp can help: Nature’s Swiss Army Knife to a Sustainable Future (and it Doesn’t Even Need a Battery Pack)

Hemp can help: Nature’s Swiss Army Knife to a Sustainable Future (and it Doesn’t Even Need a Battery Pack)

Let’s face it, folks, the planet needs a makeover. Climate change is doing the Macarena on our glaciers, plastic islands are chilling in the oceans like uninvited guests at a pool party, and the whole “sustainable living” thing can feel about as exciting as watching paint dry.

But fear not, eco-warriors and weary consumers alike! Enter hemp, the world’s most underappreciated superhero with a resume longer than your grocery list. This isn’t your stoner uncle’s cannabis (though hemp’s cooler, cousin can take some credit for the good mood); hemp is a powerhouse plant with the potential to revolutionize our world – and it does it all without needing a cape or a costume change.

Need clothes that are comfy, stylish, and made from a plant that practically grows itself? Hemp’s got your back (and your legs, and your arms). Craving a building material that’s strong, fire-resistant, and good for the environment? Hemp’s got your roof (and your walls, if you’re feeling adventurous). Looking for a biofuel that doesn’t involve arguing with your spouse at the gas pump? Hemp’s whispering sweet nothings in your gas tank (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea).

Hemp’s benefits don’t stop at your carbon footprint. This wonder plant is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein and healthy fats that can keep you feeling energized and ready to tackle that overflowing recycling bin. Hemp-derived CBD oil is also gaining traction for its potential to alleviate anxiety, pain, and inflammation, basically turning you into a zen master who can finally compost that banana peel without existential dread.

But wait, there’s more! Hemp is a champion of economic equity. Because it requires minimal resources to grow and thrives in various climates, it can empower farmers and create new opportunities in rural communities. This translates to a more vibrant and equitable economy, which means everyone gets to win (except maybe those landfills overflowing with plastic).

So ditch the single-use plastics, swap your sweatpants for some comfy hemp joggers, and consider investing in a hemp-based surfboard (they’re a thing, and they’re awesome). Hemp may not be able to solve world hunger overnight, but it’s a mighty big step towards a future that’s good for the planet, good for our health, and good for our wallets. Hemp can help. Let’s give it a chance.

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Unleashing the Power of Hemp: Crystalline Nano-Cellulose for Next-Gen Materials

 

In an era where sustainable practices are paramount, the quest for eco-friendly materials has led to some amazing discoveries. Crystalline Nano-Cellulose (CNC), a material with unique mechanical and structural properties, has emerged as a game-changer across multiple industries. What makes this even more fascinating is the source of this CNC – hemp hurds, the inner woody core of the hemp plant. In this post we dive into a recent study conducted by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, to research the extraction and applications of CNC from hemp hurds.

Materials and Methods

The study utilized hemp hurds from NHA Gold Member Tropical Hemp Corp. as raw materials. The hurds were cleaned and pre-treated through alkaline solutions to eliminate impurities and lignin. The CNC extraction process involved a series of steps, including acid hydrolysis using sulfuric acid, mechanical shearing, sonication, and purification. The primary objective was to isolate crystalline regions within the cellulose structure. Various characterization techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for fiber morphology, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for crystallinity, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical bonding, were employed to assess the CNC’s properties.

Results and Discussion

The biggest discovery was the presence of exceptionally long nanofibers within the CNC extracted from hemp hurd. Some of these nanofibers reached millimeter lengths, a characteristic not commonly observed in CNC from other sources. The long fibers may be attributed to the unique properties of hemp hurds and the specific extraction methodology employed.

The extraction process proved to be highly efficient, yielding a significant quantity of CNC. FTIR spectroscopic analyses revealed the CNC’s purity, while XRD results demonstrated its crystalline nature. Interestingly, these analyses shows that the CNC’s purity and crystallinity increased with higher acid concentrations and longer hydrolysis durations.

Potential Implications

The discovery of these long nanofibers has opened up a world of possibilities for innovative applications. One such potential application is in composite material reinforcement, where the length of nanofibers could substantially enhance mechanical strength. The study’s findings demonstrated a tenfold increase in compressive strength and a fourfold increase in tensile strength when hempcrete, a sustainable building material, was reinforced with CNC from hemp.

These results hint at the potential for hemp-derived CNC to revolutionize various industries, including construction, electronics, and even the semiconductor industry.

Summary

The study conducted by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has successfully unveiled the potential of hemp hurd as a source of Crystalline Nano-Cellulose (CNC). The discovery of exceptionally long nanofibers within the CNC extracted from hemp hurd is a groundbreaking revelation. This novel characteristic holds the promise of driving innovation in numerous industries.

The utilization of hemp hurd aligns perfectly with global sustainability initiatives. While obtaining the longest CNC fibers may require a compromise in purity, the trade-off is well worth it considering the tremendous structural advantages these long nanofibers offer.

As we progress in our pursuit of sustainable materials, Crystalline Nano Cellulose (CNC) emerges as a key ingredient. CNC not only offers eco-friendliness but also exhibits the ability to enhance the performance of various products across a diverse range of industry sectors, including:

  1. Aerospace
  2. Automotive
  3. Construction
  4. Electronics
  5. Textiles
  6. Packaging
  7. Biomedical
  8. Energy
  9. Agriculture
  10. Environmental Remediation

The future of technology and sustainability may just be entwined with hemp.

Read the study

This article appeared on the website of the National Hemp Association

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A fascinating new study is bringing together hemp and bees.

Hemp production in the U.S. continues to, quite literally, grow year after year. In 2019, there were 511,442 acres of licensed hemp across the country. And at the same time as the hemp expansion, bee colonies across the country are experiencing a rapid and alarming decline. According to Greenpeace, honey bee hives are experiencing a thirty to fifty percent decline.

But at the intersection of these two seemingly unrelated news stories, sits an opportunity. As per a recent study out of Colorado, bees and hemp could be the future. Turns out that bees love hemp flowers. And no, these bees aren’t creating honey from cannabis resin (except potentially in honey by a French beekeeper). Instead, they are using hemp as a stop gap measure to get ready for the winter.

Hemp goes into flower just as most other flowering commercial crops have stopped. So, could hemp help feed struggling bees with a supply of pollen heading into winter?

hemp and bees represented by hemp plants flowering

The Study on Bees and Hemp

In 2019, Biomass and Biology [1] published, “Bee diversity and abundance on flowers of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).” Scientists took to the fields of Colorado to assess bee diversity and abundance within experimental hemp crops. Using specialized traps set throughout the field, researchers collected samples between August 4th through September 9th, 2019.

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Throughout the study, they collected nearly 2,000 bees from twenty-three different bee genera. They also pulled hundreds of other species of insects, some of which are also essential pollinator species. Approximately eighty-six percent of the insects they collected were bees.

Many of the bee species categorized in the study were from ground-nesting and solitary species, but the most common bee collected was the Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera). This bee lives in community hives. Perhaps not surprising as there were active commercial bee operations within the nearby area for use among other crops (sunflowers, canola).

The team had a few theories as to why there was an abundance and wide diversity of tiny pollinators. They wrote, “We hypothesize that the presence of plants that shed large amounts of pollen could be the attractant, in addition to the possibility that the study was conducted in a region where agriculture is intensive, and there may have been fields with sunflowers and cucurbits nearby.” Furthermore, “Hemp begins flowering when other mass flowering crops have completed blooming, making it an excellent pollen resource for bees.”

Why Bees Need Hemp

Until recently, the relationship between bees and hemp crops was relatively unstudied. Hemp flowers represent an opportunity for bees to continue collecting pollen to feed new larvae. This, just as other crops wrap up the flowering cycle. The majority of common commercial crops in the U.S. do not require pollination by insects (relying on wind instead), but that doesn’t mean that bees don’t take advantage of the situation.

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Corn is the most common crop in the US, with nearly 90 million acres planted on an annual basis. As such, it is a valuable pollen source for bees (even if it doesn’t require insect-assistance with pollination). But, corn generally finishes flowering by mid-July, leaving massive areas of the mono-cropped country with no flowers, and therefore, no pollen for bees.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported there were two million acres of canola across America in 2019. Flowering varies from region to region but generally wraps up by early August at the latest.

The authors of the study in Biomass and Biology theorized, “Hemp can thus be an ecologically valuable crop whose flowers are attractive to managed honey bees and a wide range of wild bees. In addition, access to crucial phytochemicals through pollen and nectar from diverse plant sources is important for improved survival and pathogen tolerance in honey bees.”

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With the established value of hemp as a pollen source for bees, researchers are investing in the study of nutrient-density. They also want to know if any of the pharmacologically active compounds help these bees fight off pathogens and disease during the long winter months.

The Seasonal Habits of Bees

The majority of U.S. crops that require insect pollination rely on dedicated commercial bee colonies, but there are hundreds of native solitary bee species as well. The following is a summary of the seasonal habits of the Western Honeybee, the most commonly used commercial bee species.

Spring

In the spring, with the warming temperatures, a dormant colony wakes up and seeks early-blooming species of flowers for nectar and pollen. This kick starts colony expansion, where the queen increases drone and egg production, and the colony’s population explodes.

Summer

When midsummer temperatures are hottest, the hive population is pushing the limits of its space, building new combs, producing more beeswax, and laying more eggs. The colony may swarm, spawning new colonies.

Following a swarm, the remaining bees get busy preparing for winter, even though it is still mid-summer. They focus their efforts on the collection of as much nectar and pollen as possible. They also put honey away for the long winter months. It’s at this stage where hemp may provide a significant boost to their collection efforts.

Fall

Just as honeybees are turning their attention towards food storage, hemp is coming into full bloom. Considering hemp flowers well into fall, a hemp field could offer the honeybee a final big boost of pollen. Pollen doesn’t go into the production of honey (the winter food source for bees), but it does go directly to feeding larvae. Even if hemp is naturally nectar-poor, it could help bees boost colony numbers before the winter months.

hemp and bees represented by bees busy around hive

Hemp is One Part of the Solution for Bee Population Decline

While hemp won’t solve the crisis of the great bee die off, it offers a bridge between the end of commercial crop flowering and the winter. Bees still need a viable source of nectar in August, September, and October. Commercial crops don’t facilitate this.

But, hemp offers hope for bees. Combined with other efforts, like those outlined by Federal Pollinator Health Task Force, it provides a piece to the complicated puzzle of pollinator decline.

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THE HEMP NATION GROUP

Financial Projections 2025-2030

THE HEMP NATION GROUP  |  FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS 2025-2030  |  Page 1 of 1

Disclaimer:

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The following projections are based on assumptions and estimates and are subject to change due to various market factors.

1. Introduction:

The Hemp Nation Group is a company positioned to capitalize on the growing hemp industry. This report outlines our financial projections for the period 2025-2030, considering key market trends and our strategic plans.

2. Market Growth:

The global hemp market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as:

  • Increasing demand for sustainable materials
  • Growing awareness of the health benefits of hemp-derived products
  • Expanding legalization of recreational cannabis (potentially creating a spillover effect)

3. The Hemp Nation Group’s Strategy:

To capture this growth, The Hemp Nation Group will focus on:

  • Diversification: Expanding our product portfolio across various sectors like textiles, construction materials, food & beverages, and nutraceuticals.
  • Vertical Integration: Exploring opportunities to control the entire supply chain, from hemp cultivation and processing to finished product distribution.
  • Geographic Expansion: Entering new markets with favorable regulatory environments and high demand for hemp products.

4. Financial Projections:

Based on these factors, we project the following for The Hemp Nation Group:

  • Revenue: We anticipate a steady increase in revenue throughout the projection period, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% between 2025 and 2030. This growth will be driven by rising demand for our products and expansion into new markets.
  • Profitability: We project profitability to be achieved by 2029 with a net profit margin of 420% by 2030. This will be driven by increasing economies of scale, operational efficiencies, and strategic partnerships.
  • Investment: We may require additional investments during the projection period to fund expansion initiatives, research & development, and potential acquisitions.  Specific Projects Investments become available.

5. Key Risks and Uncertainties:

Several factors could impact our financial projections, including:

  • Fluctuations in commodity prices of hemp
  • Regulatory changes affecting the hemp industry
  • Competition from established players and new entrants

6. Conclusion:

The Hemp Nation Group is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning hemp industry. Our diversified product portfolio, strategic initiatives, and focus on market expansion will drive significant revenue growth and profitability in the coming years. However, careful management of risks and uncertainties will be crucial for achieving our financial goals.

This report provides a starting point for further discussion and analysis. We will continue to monitor market trends and refine our financial projections as we move forward.

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Hemp & 3d-Printing: Weaving Sustainability and Innovation

The world of 3d- printing is undergoing a fascinating metamorphosis, with eco-conscious materials like hemp filament emerging as a frontrunner. This article delves into the exciting potential of 3d-printing with hemp, exploring its sustainability credentials, economic and social impacts, and cost considerations.

 

Sustainable Marvel:

Hemp boasts exceptional sustainability qualities that translate beautifully to 3d- printing:

  • Rapidly Renewable: Hemp is a fast-growing crop requiring minimal water and pesticides. This translates to a significantly lower environmental footprint compared to traditional filament materials like ABS plastic.
  • Biodegradable: Unlike traditional plastics, hemp filament is biodegradable, breaking down naturally over time and minimizing waste accumulation in landfills.
  • Locally Sourced Potential: Hemp cultivation can be localized, reducing reliance on long-distance transportation and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic and Social Benefits:

The rise of hemp 3d-printing fosters positive economic and social impacts:

  • New Markets for Farmers: Growing demand for hemp filament creates new opportunities for farmers, boosting rural economies and providing a lucrative alternative crop.
  • Innovation and Job Creation: The development and use of hemp filament stimulate innovation in the 3D printing industry, potentially leading to new job opportunities in research, production, and application.
  • Empowering Local Businesses: The ability to 3d-print with locally sourced hemp filament opens doors for local businesses to create custom products, fostering self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on global supply chains.

Cost Considerations:

While hemp filament offers numerous advantages, cost remains a factor to consider:

  • Current Cost: Currently, hemp filament tends to be slightly more expensive than traditional options like ABS plastic. The price gap is narrowing as production scales up and demand increases.
  • Life Cycle Analysis: A holistic cost analysis should take into account the entire life cycle of the product. While the initial cost of hemp filament might be higher, its biodegradability and potential for local sourcing can translate to long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.

Financial Estimates:

Providing a definitive cost estimate for 3d-printing with hemp is challenging due to fluctuating market factors. However, a rough idea can be gleaned:

  • Hemp Filament Cost: A 1kg spool of hemp filament can range from $40 to $70, compared to $20-30 for ABS plastic.
  • Printing Costs: The printing cost itself is largely determined by the amount of filament used and printing time, which can vary depending on the complexity of the project.

A Future Woven with Hemp:

Despite the initial cost considerations, the long-term benefits of 3D printing with hemp are undeniable. This innovative approach fosters a more sustainable future, empowers local economies, and paves the way for exciting new applications across diverse industries. As research and development progress, and production scales up, the cost of hemp filament is likely to decrease, making this eco-friendly material an even more attractive option for the future of 3D printing.