The hemp industry in Europe

By Prof. Robert Somogyi

Hemp has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. Firstly, here are some key milestones in the history of hemp. 

Hemp is believed to have been first cultivated in ancient China over 10,000 years ago, where it was used to make textiles, paper, and medicinal remedies. Hemp cultivation and use spread throughout Asia and Europe, with evidence of hemp fibres found in ancient Egyptian tombs and hemp seeds found in Viking settlements. The plant was a common crop in colonial America, with many of the founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, growing hemp on their farms. Hemp was used to make rope, paper, and clothing, among other things. 

In the 20th century, hemp and cannabis were banned in many countries, including the United States, due to their psychoactive effects and association with drug use. This led to a decline in hemp cultivation and use, despite its many potential benefits.  

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in hemp and its potential uses, particularly in the areas of food, medicine, and sustainability. Many countries have relaxed their laws on hemp cultivation and use, and there has been a growing market for hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil.

Today, hemp is recognized as a versatile and valuable crop, with potential applications in a wide range of industries. Its long history of use and cultivation is a testament to its durability and usefulness.

Hemp is a versatile plant with many potential uses. Here are some of the main applications of hemp:

1. Fiber: Hemp fibers are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in textiles, paper, and rope. Hemp fibers can also be used to create biodegradable plastics.
2. Food: Hemp seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. They can be used to make a variety of food products, including protein powder, milk, oil, and snacks.
3. Medicinal: Hemp contains compounds known as cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), which have potential therapeutic effects. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties, among others.
4. Construction: Hemp fibers can be used to create a sustainable building material known as hempcrete, which is lightweight, fire-resistant, and has excellent insulation properties.
5. Environmental: Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires relatively little water and no pesticides or herbicides. It can be used in crop rotation to help regenerate soil and reduce soil erosion.

Hemp has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, from food and medicine to construction and environmental sustainability. However, it is important to note that regulations on the cultivation and use of hemp vary by country, and the use of certain hemp-derived compounds, such as THC, may be restricted or prohibited in some regions.

Difference between Hemp and Cannabis

Hemp and cannabis are both members of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, but they have different characteristics and uses. Here are some of the key differences:

1. THC content: The most significant difference between hemp and cannabis is the level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that produces a "high". Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, while cannabis typically contains much higher levels of THC, ranging from 5% to over 30%.
2. CBD content: Both hemp and cannabis can contain CBD (cannabidiol), another compound found in the cannabis plant that has potential therapeutic effects. However, hemp typically contains higher levels of CBD than cannabis, making it a popular source for CBD oil and other CBD products.
3. Physical characteristics: Hemp and cannabis plants have different physical characteristics. Hemp is typically taller and more fibrous, with thinner leaves and smaller buds, while cannabis plants are shorter and bushier, with broader leaves and larger, more resinous buds.
4. Legal status: The legal status of hemp and cannabis varies by country and region. In many parts of the world, hemp is legal to cultivate and use for industrial purposes, while cannabis is subject to more restrictions due to its psychoactive effects.

While hemp and cannabis are closely related, they have distinct differences in their chemical composition, physical characteristics, and uses. Understanding these differences is important for consumers, policymakers, and others who are interested in the potential benefits and risks of these plants.

The Hemp industry in Europe

The hemp industry in Europe has been growing rapidly in recent years, fuelled by increasing demand for hemp-derived products such as CBD oil, hemp textiles, and hemp-based construction materials. Here are some of the key activities and trends in the European hemp industry:

1. Hemp cultivation: Hemp cultivation is legal in most European countries, and many farmers are now growing hemp for both industrial and medicinal purposes. The top European hemp producing countries include France, Romania, and Germany.
2. Hemp processing and extraction: There are many companies in Europe that specialize in processing and extracting hemp for various applications. These companies use a variety of extraction methods, including CO2 extraction, solvent extraction, and chromatography, to isolate and purify specific compounds from hemp.
3. Product development: The European hemp industry is also heavily focused on product development, with companies creating a wide range of products that utilize hemp-derived compounds. These include CBD oils, edibles, cosmetics, and even hemp-based construction materials.
4. Regulations: The European Union has established regulations for the production and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products, including rules on THC content and labelling requirements. These regulations are designed to ensure consumer safety and product quality.
5. Research: There is a growing body of research on the potential health benefits of hemp-derived compounds, particularly CBD. Many companies in the European hemp industry are investing in research to better understand the potential uses and applications of these compounds.

The European hemp industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation, with a focus on cultivation, processing, product development, and research. As regulations continue to evolve, it is likely that the industry will continue to expand and diversify in the coming years.

Extraction of hempoil

There are several different technologies used for extracting hemp oil from the plant material. Following, I would like share with you some of the most common methods:

1. Solvent extraction: This method involves using a solvent such as ethanol, butane, or propane to extract the oil from the plant material. The solvent is used to dissolve the cannabinoids and other compounds, which are then separated from the plant material. This method is effective, but can be dangerous if not done properly.
2. CO2 extraction: This method involves using carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to extract the oil from the plant material. The CO2 acts as a solvent to extract the cannabinoids and other compounds, which are then separated from the CO2. This method is effective and safe, but can be expensive.
3. Hydrocarbon extraction: This method is similar to solvent extraction, but uses hydrocarbons such as butane or propane to extract the oil from the plant material. The hydrocarbons are then evaporated, leaving behind the cannabinoids and other compounds. This method can be effective, but can also be dangerous if not done properly.
4. Steam distillation: This method involves heating the plant material with steam to extract the oil. The steam carries the oil to a condenser, where it is collected and separated from the water. This method is effective for extracting essential oils, but may not be as efficient for extracting cannabinoids.
5. Olive oil extraction: This method involves heating the plant material with olive oil to extract the oil. The cannabinoids and other compounds are then separated from the oil using a strainer or filter. This method is safe and easy to do at home, but may not be as efficient as other methods.

Each extraction method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

Separation method with Chromatography

Chromatography is a separation technique that can be used for extracting and purifying specific compounds from a mixture, including hemp oil. Here are some common methods of chromatography used for hemp extraction:

1. Flash chromatography: This method involves using a column packed with a stationary phase, such as silica gel or alumina, and a mobile phase, such as a solvent or mixture of solvents. The mixture to be separated is loaded onto the top of the column and the mobile phase is pumped through the column. Compounds with different chemical properties will interact differently with the stationary and mobile phases, leading to separation. This method is commonly used for separating cannabinoids from hemp oil.
2. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): This method is similar to flash chromatography, but uses a higher pressure and a more precise pump to deliver the mobile phase. HPLC can achieve higher resolution and is often used for quantifying the amount of specific compounds in hemp oil, such as CBD and THC.
3. Preparative chromatography: This method is similar to flash chromatography, but is used for larger scale separations. It can be used to isolate and purify specific cannabinoids from hemp oil for further processing or formulation.

Chromatography can be an effective method for extracting and purifying specific compounds from hemp oil. However, it is a more complex and expensive method compared to other extraction methods, such as CO2 extraction or solvent extraction.

Here are some statistics from recent years that may provide some insight into the size and growth of the industry:

1. Hemp cultivation: According to a report by the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), the total hemp cultivation area in Europe reached 33,000 hectares in 2020, up from 28,000 hectares in 2019.
2. Market size: The European hemp market was valued at €1.5 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Data Bridge Market Research.
3. Product categories: The same report by Data Bridge Market Research found that the CBD oil segment was the largest product category in the European hemp market in 2020, accounting for over 30% of the total market share. Other significant product categories included food and beverages, personal care products, and textiles.
4. Leading countries: The top hemp producing countries in Europe include France, Romania, and Germany, according to the EIHA report mentioned above.
5. Employment: The European hemp industry is estimated to provide employment for over 25,000 people, according to a report by Hemp Today.

It is important to note that these figures are subject to change and may not reflect the current state of the industry.

What is hemp good for?

Hemp is a versatile plant with many potential uses. Here are some of the main applications of hemp:

1. Fiber: Hemp fibers are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in textiles, paper, and rope. Hemp fibers can also be used to create biodegradable plastics.
2. Food: Hemp seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. They can be used to make a variety of food products, including protein powder, milk, oil, and snacks.
3. Medicinal: Hemp contains compounds known as cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), which have potential therapeutic effects. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties, among others.
4. Construction: Hemp fibers can be used to create a sustainable building material known as hempcrete, which is lightweight, fire-resistant, and has excellent insulation properties.
5. Environmental: Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires relatively little water and no pesticides or herbicides. It can be used in crop rotation to help regenerate soil and reduce soil erosion.

Overall, hemp has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, from food and medicine to construction and environmental sustainability. However, it is important to note that regulations on the cultivation and use of hemp vary by country, and the use of certain hemp-derived compounds, such as THC, may be restricted or prohibited in some regions.

Disclaimer:

It is important to note that CBD (cannabidiol) products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consumers should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any CBD product, especially if they are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.In addition, the legality of CBD products varies by country and region, and consumers should be aware of their local laws and regulations regarding CBD use and distribution. Some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which may cause a positive drug test result, and consumers should exercise caution when using such products.Finally, consumers should always purchase CBD products from reputable and trustworthy sources, and should carefully review the product labeling and third-party lab testing results to ensure that the product is safe and contains the stated amount of CBD.