5 Marijuana Plant Uses (Beyond Just Smoking It)

Cannabis is best known as a recreational drug, which has developed thriving dispensary and cultivation industries. However, the benefits of weed’s state legalization and hemp’s federal legalization extend far beyond getting high. 

Marijuana and hemp are used for various purposes across several industries, including clothing and construction. In fact, you may not even realize how much cannabis already shows up in your day-to-day life. Check out five of the most common marijuana plant uses below.

1. Clothing and Fabric

Hemp fabrics have been used for clothing, flags, and more throughout history. The word “canvas” even derives from “cannabis” due to its popular usage in the 14th century. 

Hemp is more sustainable overall than cotton and other materials. It requires fewer pesticides and less water and grows more per acre than most alternatives. Additionally, hemp creates a softer denim fabric when blended with cotton. 

The modern fashion industry still hasn’t fully adopted hemp fabric. Nevertheless, hemp use cases are increasing, and it has a strong submarket. 

2. Biofuel

Biodiesel is an increasingly popular, eco-friendly alternative for car fuel, heating oil, and similar uses. It’s developed from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, recycled grease, and — you guessed it — hemp plants. The entire hemp plant, including the parts not used for cannabinoid products, can be fermented into a type of biofuel. 

Fermented hemp oil is still not a necessarily popular option in the biofuel industry. However, it’s relatively new, and its usage could increase with the cannabis industry and overall hemp growth. 

3. Food

Hemp seeds can be used as a nutritional food source in various ways — all without psychoactive effects, of course. The seeds can be safely eaten and are a great addition to salads, soups, and baked goods. Other uses include:

• Cooking oil
• Nutritional supplements
• Soy milk alternatives
• Herbal teas
• Food processing
• Meat alternative for burgers and tofu

As mentioned earlier, hemp and marijuana plants are more sustainable than various other crops. Hemp seeds will hopefully have a bright future in the food industry. 

4. Paper and Construction Material

Hemp paper is frequently used for filter papers, notepads, packaging materials, and other common paper items. Hemp’s usage as a paper source dates back to the invention of paper over 2,000 years ago. 

Hemp’s lightweight versatility also makes it an effective building material, such as for wood, plaster, and insulation. Ongoing studies reveal it may be a more environmentally friendly resource than other paper and building materials due to its shorter pulping process.