For centuries, hemp was used to make paper around the world. It was only in the early 20th century that its production and trade were prohibited due to narcotics laws. Hemp paper is made from cellulose, which is found in trees and hemp plants. Hemp plants contain up to 85% cellulose, making them a great source for paper production.
In addition, fewer chemicals are needed to make hemp paper than tree paper, and it can be recycled twice as often. Hemp was used to make paper for 2000 years until wood pulp replaced it in the 20th century. It is believed that William Randolph Hearst and DuPont worked together to eliminate hemp as a competition in the paper industry. By 2000, the production of flax and hemp pulp totaled 25,000 to 30,000 tons per year.
In the same year, a study by Merrill concluded that hemp pulp paper was favorable compared to those used with wood pulp. However, it will take years to develop the infrastructure for an alternative hemp paper industry that can really take its toll on the conventional paper industry. Industrial hemp is defined as a non-pharmacological variety of Cannabis sativa with 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less. In Germany, the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act) completely banned the cultivation of hemp between 1982 and 1995 in order to prevent its illegal use as a narcotic. The chemical composition of hemp leaves is similar to that of wood, making it a great choice as a raw material for making paper. Starting in 1994, most of the French hemp harvest was used to make high-quality rolling paper, banknotes and paper for Bibles (paper from India).
Since then, hemp has come a long way in the eyes of the general public. In conclusion, while it may take years to develop an infrastructure for an alternative hemp paper industry that can really take its toll on the conventional paper industry, it is clear that hemp has many advantages over wood pulp when it comes to making paper. Hemp plants contain up to 85% cellulose, fewer chemicals are needed to make it, and it can be recycled twice as often. It is also believed that William Randolph Hearst and DuPont worked together to eliminate hemp as a competition in the paper industry.
