Article
Article
Hemp
Article By:
Nelson, Elton G. National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland.
Last reviewed:October 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.314400
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The fiber and the plant Cannabis sativa. The hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (see illustration), is a member of the flowering plant family Cannabaceae in the order Rosales. The fiber from hemp plants has long been used as a source of industrial fiber. It should be noted that hemp fiber from C. sativa should not be confused with Manila hemp (abaca), which is not related to true hemp. Hemp fiber, which for many years was the major raw material used in the manufacture of rope, is used mostly in the production of small twines, linenlike fabrics, and canvases. In addition, it is used to some extent in making special types of paper. Importantly, the dried leaves and flowering tops of the hemp plant constitute the drug marijuana. See also: Abaca; Fiber crops; Marijuana; Natural fiber; Paper; Rosales
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