July is National Hemp Month, a time to celebrate one of the world's most versatile plants and explore the many ways hemp has shaped our lives for thousands of years.
Today, hemp can be found in everything from clothing and construction materials to wellness products and beverages. Yet despite its growing popularity, many people still don't know the remarkable story behind this extraordinary plant.
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at hemp. We’ll look back at its fascinating history in America, discover how National Hemp Month came to be, and share the story of how The Hemp Division was founded. Finally, we’ll highlight some of our favorite hemp-infused products to help you celebrate all month long.
What Hemp Is (And Isn't)
We may as well start “from the roots up”: hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp is closely related to marijuana, another variety of cannabis…but there's an important distinction. While marijuana contains large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that causes an intoxicating high, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC.
What hemp does contain large concentrations of is cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that many people incorporate into their daily routines to help promote a sense of calm, support recovery after physical activity, or encourage restful sleep.
But hemp's value extends far beyond CBD. For thousands of years, people have cultivated the plant for its remarkably strong fibers, nutritious seeds, and countless industrial applications.
A Plant with Countless Uses
Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been cultivating hemp for more than 10,000 years. Ancient civilizations relied on this versatile plant to produce rope, textiles, paper, and other essential goods…and today, innovators are discovering new ways to harness hemp’s unique properties.
Modern uses for hemp include:
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Industrial materials such as rope, twine, canvas, and sailcloth
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Clothing, footwear, and other textiles
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Paper and pulp products
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Sustainable building materials (such as hempcrete)
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Nutritious hemp seeds for food products
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Hemp seed oil for skincare products including lotions and soaps
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CBD wellness products including teas, beverages, tinctures, gummies, and more
From sustainable manufacturing materials to everyday wellness, hemp continues to demonstrate why it has remained valuable through many centuries…and many cultures.
Hemp's Long History in America
Hemp’s history on our shores actually predates the United States.
During the colonial era, the plant was considered an important agricultural crop. Farmers grew it to produce the aforementioned rope, sailcloth, clothing, and countless other necessities that helped support daily life and commerce.
Throughout the 1800s, hemp remained an important crop, although competition from less expensive imported fibers gradually began to reduce domestic production.
By the early 20th century, hemp's fortunes had changed dramatically. Despite marijuana and hemp being two separate varieties of cannabis with different chemical profiles, they became increasingly associated in the public’s mind (and in public policy)…and in 1937, the “Marihuana Tax Act” imposed regulations that severely limited hemp cultivation across the United States.
During World War II, however, hemp briefly returned to prominence. The federal government launched a "Hemp for Victory" campaign, which encouraging American farmers to once again grow hemp for military necessities such as rope, webbing, and canvas.
After the war ended, hemp production declined once more, and remained largely absent from American agriculture for decades.
In the 21st century, interest in hemp began to reemerge, as researchers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs recognized its enormous potential for applications ranging from sustainable materials to wellness products.
A major turning point came with the 2014 Farm Bill, which authorized state pilot programs for hemp research and cultivation. Then, in 2018, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (better known as the 2018 Farm Bill) removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances and legalized its cultivation nationwide. For the first time in generations, American farmers could once again grow hemp commercially.
The modern hemp industry had officially begun.
The Birth of National Hemp Month
Recognizing the need to raise public awareness about newly legalized hemp, the U.S.-based CBD company cbdMD brainstormed an event that would celebrate hemp and educate consumers about its many uses.
In August 2019, the company submitted the concept of National Hemp Month to the Registrar at National Day Calendar®, a website and online database of holidays.
Once approved by the National Day Calendar’s selection committee, the inaugural National Hemp Month was celebrated in July 2020. Each July since has served as another opportunity to recognize hemp's history and versatility, as well as its growing role in American agriculture and wellness.
The Hemp Division Story
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill marked another important milestone that was more personal to us. That was the same year that my uncle and my dad founded The Hemp Division in Millerton, New York.
Once hemp cultivation became legal, there was an explosion of interest in the plant’s commercial potential…and after decades working with Harney & Sons Tea, Paul and Mike Harney saw an opportunity to combine their expertise in premium botanicals with the rapidly growing world of hemp.
From the beginning, our company was committed to producing hemp products that wouldn’t compromise on quality. Rather than outsourcing critical steps, we built a fully vertical production process designed to control production "from the roots up.” From selecting seeds and growing plants to harvesting, extracting, and processing, we oversee every stage of production…ensuring rigorous quality control and better, more consistent products.
Time to Celebrate!
What’s the best way to celebrate National Hemp Month? The answer to that question depends on your personal preferences. The Hemp Division offers multiple categories that feature high-quality CBD products, as well as other offerings that add Delta-9 THC.
Hot Drinks
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or simply easing tension at work, our Chamomile Mint – Chill (with 16 MG of CBD) helps you relax with the flavors of caffeine-free chamomile and a bright dash of peppermint.
Ready for bed? Our Holy Basil & Coconut – Sleep (with 25 MG of CBD) is a delightfully dreamy blend that includes not just holy basil and coconut, but also moringa, goji berries, and a hint of spiced nutmeg.
For those moments when you just want a little more calm, our naturally sweet and spicy Cinnamon Spice – Center blends black tea with cinnamon spices, orange cloves, and 8 MG of soothing CBD.
Discover these and other products by exploring all of our hemp-infused hot drinks.
Cold Drinks (with CBD)
Our hemp-infused cold drinks include products infused with CBD only, plus other offerings that contain both CBD and Delta-9 THC.
When you want to banish fatigue but still stay relaxed, our Orange Mango infusion blends organic tea with citrus fruits and 25 MG of CBD.
Looking to put a different spin on your morning? Our Blood Orange + Magnesium herbal elixir also includes rosehips, beet root, and 25 MG of CBD hemp extract.
Once you’re up and running, one of our most popular offerings is Green Tea & Honey, a bottled combination of green tea enhanced with a hint of honey and 25 MG of soothing CBD.
Of course, there are times when you want a little more than relaxation…which is why we have more potent products that include not just CBD, but varying levels of Delta-9 THC.
Cold Drinks (with CBD and Delta-9 THC)
When you need to relax without losing focus, our Lime Sparkling Water offers hydration with a blissful, revitalizing twist of 20 MG CBD and 10 MG THC.
Our Orange Mango Sparkling Water offers similarly calming refreshment. Infused with 20 MG of CBD and 10 MG of THC, this light, fizzy escape soothes anxiety while promoting well-being.
For moments when you need a break with a hint of tranquility, our Peach Tea Shot delivers a balanced, mellow buzz that blends natural black tea, the sweetness of peach, 20 MG of CBD, and 10 MG of Delta-9 THC.
Wellness Teas
Looking for wellness teas that are crafted for relaxation and balance, as well as flavor? We’ve got you covered.
Inspired by traditional Ayurvedic beverages, our Hemp Moringa – Deep Sleep Wellness Blend is a botanical mix that helps you unwind and prepare for deep sleep. In this truly one-of-a-kind cup, intense flavors of hemp and moringa are complemented by holy basil, turmeric, goji berries and coconut.
Organic Golden Milk – Glimmer Wellness Blend is an organic botanical sourced by our brother company, Harney & Sons. Made with a mix of adaptogens and spices to provide calm with a kick.
Prized in Southeast Asia for its Ayurvedic properties (as well as its bright blue color), Butterfly Pea Flower has a mild, earthy flavor that many value as a restful after-dinner drink.
Explore these and many other blends in our broad selection of wellness teas.
Tinctures and Edibles
Lastly, we offer various tinctures and edibles designed to ease tension, promote relaxation, and support overall well-being without causing a high.
Tinctures, liquid hemp extracts blended with oil, may be taken sublingually (under the tongue), swallowed directly, or mixed into a beverage or food. Ours combine CBD with two other elements: CBG and CBN.
CBG (or cannabigerol) naturally increases dopamine levels, supports sleep, mood, and appetite, and reduces anxiety and depression.
CBN (or cannabinol) may be used to alleviate pain, has shown effectiveness in reducing inflammation and nausea, and is said to promote better sleep.
Commonly used to diminish stress and pain, our Extra Strength CBD Hemp Extract Tincture – Rest can easily become part of your self-care routine.
Similarly, our CBD Hemp Extract Tincture – Calm Ashwagandha can support a more calm, focused mindset, while also helping to promote deeper, more restful sleep.
Our edibles are another easy way to work hemp into your day. These products, too, include both CBG and CBN.
While our Hot Cinnamon Gummies and Matcha Raspberry Gummies have quite different (but equally delicious) tastes, they have similar benefits, with each gummy containing 25 MG of a CBD – CBN blend.
You can delve into all of our tinctures and edibles now, while learning even more about their benefits.
However you choose to celebrate, every product we offer reflects our commitment to exceptional ingredients, thoughtful formulation, and uncompromising quality.
Here's to Hemp!
For thousands of years, hemp has helped people create, build, nourish, and innovate. Today, it's experiencing a well-deserved renaissance as more and more people are discovering its incredible versatility and potential…and we're proud to be part of that story.
Whatever your favorite offerings from The Hemp Division may be, we hope you’ll make the most of them in this year’s National Hemp Month!
