When we think of hemp we tend to think of marijuana and drug use. Sadly, this misconception hides what is quite possibly the world’s most versatile, useful and eco-friendly plant. Although hemp is derived from the same plant as marijuana, it is processed without marijuana's drug THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In fact, hemp was grown widely in many countries in the past, including the US. Even presidents Washington and Jefferson grew hemp and the Declaration of Independence released on July 4, 1776 was written on hemp!

Hemp is particularly useful in making organic clothing and accessories such as bags, because the bark of the hemp stalk is very rich in cellulose and natural, long fibres. On a like-for-like basis, hemp is a far stronger, more absorbent and insulating material than cotton. Hemp fibres can be woven into extremely durable clothing material. The original Levi Strauss jeans were actually made from hemp and use of hemp for making clothes dates back 10,000 in China.

It is also far easier to grow hemp organically than it is cotton, because hemp grows faster and is affected by fewer pests (1 acre of hemp produces as much as 2 acres of cotton). This means that hemp is often grown without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides unlike most conventionally grown cotton that finds its way into high street clothing shops.

Not only can hemp be grown organically, it is also kinder to the environment because it can be grown in poor soil virtually anywhere, producing up to three crops per year. And since hemp is naturally drought, pest, and disease resistant, the requirement for synthetic chemicals and water-intensive irrigation is reduced.

The benefits of wearing hemp clothing are that it is a very durable material with high tensile strength meaning that it lasts longer, it is soft on the skin but hard wearing, it ‘breathes’ in the sense that it is porous – staying cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather. Hemp can block many of the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, resistant to mould and fire-retardant.

Hemp is eco-friendly and organic. The perfect choice for the shopper with a conscience. In denying hemp its rightful place as the best material for clothing and accessories in preference to pesticide-laden conventional cotton we are robbing the world of one of its most precious gifts.