National Hemp Day is on February 4 every year. On this day, we celebrate the wonderful properties of hemp and the booming hemp industry. The day was started by cbdMD to create awareness about hemp plants, and their increasing popularity. Due to hemp’s classification as a cannabis plant, many people misunderstand its properties and uses. However, the plant has been essential in the progress and innovation of many industries, including textile and construction.
History of National Hemp Day
Fibers obtained from hemp were used to make fabric and other materials by some of the earliest civilizations. The earliest recorded use of hemp was some time in 8000 B.C. — hemp fiber was found in pottery excavated from an ancient site of a village which is now modern-day Taiwan. Hemp was sought after in ancient China, so much so that the Chinese used to say, “China is the land of mulberry and hemp.” Hemp was also very popular in ancient India, ranking in the sacred text of the “Atharvaveda” as one of the five sacred plants of the region.
Hemp is believed to be one of the first crops cultivated in the world and considered very significant to the progression of mankind. American Astronomer Carl Sagan stated in 1977 that cannabis Sativa — the hemp plant’s family, likely resulted in the formation of civilization itself. The founding fathers of America drafted documents on paper made from hemp, and during WWII, farmers were encouraged to cultivate hemp for military usage through the ‘Hemp for Victory’ campaign.
Hemp’s association with cannabis Sativa leads to apprehension and resistance among certain groups of people. The Farm Bill was passed in 2018, making hemp-based products much more readily available to the public for purchase. These products are as diverse as CBD oil, insulation, plastics, paint, and even biofuels. This is why cbdMD created National Hemp Day on February 4, 2019, to create positive awareness about hemp and its products, and how they can be incorporated into our daily lives. They founded the holiday to increase coverage of the entire hemp industry.
National Hemp Day timeline
Hemp is mentioned in the ancient Hindu text “Atharvaveda” as one of the five sacred Indian plants.
Vikings use rope made from hemp fibers, introducing it in Iceland.
The Arabs make hemp paper.
The Declaration of Independence is penned on hemp paper.
Ford builds a car made out of hemp that is 10 times stronger than steel.
The Farm Bill legalizes the production of hemp in the U.S. after a few years of limitation.
National Hemp Day FAQs
Why is hemp still illegal?
Following the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp has been officially legalized in the United States. The only reason it was illegal previously was due to the misconception that it is a drug.
What does hemp do?
Hemp is used to create fibers for cloth, cosmetics, ink, detergent, lubricants, oil, and more. It is not to be confused with cannabis or cannabidiol.
Is July national hemp month?
Yes. National Hemp Month is celebrated throughout July.
National Hemp Day Activities
Learn about hemp
Countless products are made from hemp. These include hemp milk, hemp granola, hemp honey, hemp seeds, shirts, jackets, shoes, and more. Learn about hemp and how they differ from other raw materials.
Try a hemp product
Once you have learned about hemp and its products, try them out! You may already have a hemp product or by-product at home.
Share the benefits of hemp
Why should we keep this fabulous plant a secret? Share the wonderful benefits of hemp with your friends, family, and community.
5 Facts About Hemp That Will Surprise You
George Washington endorsed it
The Founding Father is quoted to have said, “Make the most you can of Indian Hemp Seed and sow it everywhere.”
Hemp is a whole-plant extract
This is why it has unparalleled health benefits.
Hemp in many forms
You can incorporate hemp into your daily lives in many ways — capsules, oil, topical products, e.t.c.
Canvas origins
The word ‘canvas’ is derived from the Latin word ‘cannapaceus,’ which translates to ‘made of hemp.’
Hemp is possibly the tree of life
Many people claim the plant and its properties to be so beneficial it is often referred to as the tree of life.
Why We Love National Hemp Day
It’s a reminder to appreciate the people
National Hemp Day is not only about the plant. This holiday highlights the importance of the farmers who work hard to cultivate hemp, the researchers and innovators who continue to find new uses for hemp, and the people who swear by it.
Confusion surrounding the plant is cleared
One of the reasons why this holiday was created was to counter the confusion among many that hemp is synonymous with marijuana. While hemp does belong to the cannabis Sativa family, its concentration and properties differ significantly from marijuana.
It’s a celebration of its legalization
Hemp is legal in all 50 U.S. states. Holidays, like National Hemp Day, and the awareness that comes with them, were instrumental to making this happen.
National Hemp Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 4 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 4 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 4 | Sunday |
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