What is Hemp Biomass?
| Professor Herb
Hemp biomass refers to the plant material from the hemp plant that is not typically used for the extraction of CBD or other cannabinoids, but rather for other industrial and agricultural purposes. This biomass can include the stalks, leaves, flowers, and seeds, as well as the stems and other plant parts after they are harvested.
Hemp biomass is commonly used in a variety of ways:
- Cannabinoid Extraction: While hemp biomass is often associated with non-cannabinoid uses, lower-quality plant material (like leaves or stalks) can also be processed for small amounts of cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and others, although these parts are typically lower in concentration than the flower.
- Bioenergy: Hemp biomass can be converted into biofuels such as ethanol, biogas, or biomass pellets, which can be used for heating or power generation.
- Animal Feed: Hemp seeds and certain parts of the plant are processed into animal feed, as they contain a variety of beneficial nutrients.
- Fibre and Textiles: The stalks of the hemp plant are rich in fibre, which can be processed into textiles, ropes, and even biodegradable plastics.
- Composites and Building Materials: Hemp biomass is used to make eco-friendly building materials such as hempcrete (a lightweight, insulating material made from hemp stalks and lime) and composite materials for the automotive and construction industries.
- Soil Remediation: Hemp is often used in phytoremediation, a process where plants are grown to absorb contaminants from the soil, as it can absorb heavy metals and other pollutants.
- Paper: The fibre from hemp biomass can be processed into paper, which is more sustainable compared to paper made from wood pulp.
Hemp biomass is a highly versatile, sustainable material, offering potential in many industries, from energy production to manufacturing and agriculture.