Why is hemp used in the manufacture of fashion items?

For centuries, hemp was valued as a raw material for manufacturing clothing and fashion items. But that was before the Marijuana Tax Act came into effect in 1930.

This decree brought its development in the USA, and then in Europe, to a halt when authorities classified hemp as a drug. This was reason enough to ban the plant for decades.

At least until 1970, since from then on the plant once again attracted the interest of manufacturers, who discovered in it a valuable ally.

Why is hemp being used again in the manufacture of fashion items?

As mentioned above, the United States had banned the cultivation, import and export of hemp from the 1930s onwards.

This situation also occurred on the old European continent when the authorities decided to include it in the list of narcotics in the same way as cannabis indica.

Since then, various strategies have been implemented to ban the use and cultivation of hemp, in any form. Ultimately, the plant was virtually eliminated for years. However, its absence was quickly felt.

Thus, Americans and Europeans realized that hemp plays a major role in the textile industry. All this, thanks to the Second World War, which caused a surge in demand for fabric.

Those intended for the manufacture of shoelaces, parachutes, or uniforms for soldiers.                      

Faced with this situation, the authorities realized the usefulness of hemp. This prompted them to give it a second chance by encouraging its cultivation among farmers.

What efforts are the authorities making to improve the image of hemp?

The mistake was believing that hemp is a psychoactive substance. Studies have proven that this variety should not be considered in the same way as cannabis indica.

The authorities have opened their eyes to this point and have made it their mission to restore the image of hemp.

It was primarily from the 1960s onwards that the National Federation of Hemp Producers and INRAE​​launched a new program. Its objective was the selection of specific hemp varieties. These varieties contain only relatively low levels of psychoactive substances in their cells.

Namely, THC , the content of which in the plant is now limited to 0.3% for its use to be legal.

What are the major drivers of hemp?

By respecting the legal limit of 0.3% THC, hemp has received the green light from the authorities for industrial use. In this area, it is clear that professionals tend to favor the manufacture of fabrics and fashion items.

The reason is that they can rely on major levers to guarantee the development of the sector:

• An eco-responsible activity;
• Users who find it beneficial ;