Thailand’s Hill Tribes and the Great Hemp Revolution
The Hmong hill tribes of Northern Thailand are leading the country’s hemp revolution.
The Hmong people have a rich history in hemp cultivation, so why not let those who know this plant best help lead the way?
When Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit visited the Hmong people in 2005, she got a close look at all the things they were making from hemp: rope, clothes, and other traditional items.
Shortly thereafter, the Hmong hill tribes fell under the protection of Royal Projects through the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI).
The Royal Projects designation allowed the Hmong people to continue working with hemp in specific jurisdictions, and it allowed the HRDI to engage in new research, creating taller and stronger variations of the hemp plant.
Over the ensuing years, Thailand has increasingly embraced hemp applications, and the opportunities for new jobs and better quality of life are greater than ever.
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The Game-Changing Advantages of Hemp
Hemp and its many applications have the potential to add a lot of much-needed value across the globe.
Hemp as a superfood
Hemp protein powder is one of the most complete protein sources on the planet because it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s easy to digest, serves as a good source of fiber, and is a rich source of dietary minerals and antioxidants.
Hemp as a bioplastic
Most people know that plastic is harmful to the environment. This is why hemp plastic is so important. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and stronger than conventional plastic.
Hemp as clothing and fiber
The benefits of hemp clothing must not be overlooked. Hemp fiber makes for durable, lightweight clothing in many different forms and styles. Three times stronger than cotton, hemp fabric is resistant to mold and UV, and much more economical and environmentally sustainable to grow compared to the cotton alternative.
Hemp as a building material
Hempcrete is gaining in popularity as a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for building projects. It is fire-resistant, mold-resistant, and non-toxic, while helping to modulate heating and cooling needs.
Hemp as a biofuel
Hemp is used to create biodiesel, which can run in any regular diesel engine. Biodiesel is ten times less toxic than salt, and hemp biodiesel specifically is advantageous due to the crop’s ability to sequester high amounts of carbon dioxide from the environment.
Hemp as solution for climate change
Hemp plants absorb four times the amount of carbon dioxide than trees, making it an ideal solution to tackle climate change. In other words, the more hemp we grow across the world, the better. However, to make this economically sustainable, we have to significantly increase the demand for hemp-based applications. From animal feed to biofuel and plastics to hemp homes and clothing, the next step is to spread the story about this amazing plant and how the world needs it now more than ever.