We use significantly less hemp than our ancestors

Since ancient times, people have considered hemp to be an important and useful crop with a wide range of industrial, agricultural and commercial uses. In the Elizabethan era, for example, there were even laws in England making it compulsory to grow hemp on designated areas of land. Today, however, the potential of this crop is largely unexploited, not least because of regulations. This was for example the theme of this year’s discussion on cannabis without prejudice, moderated by Petr Tarkowski, head of the Phytochemistry research group at CATRIN, at the Fortress of Knowledge in Olomouc.

“We are wasting the great potential of hemp just because we cannot agree,” said František Švejda from the Czech Hemp Cluster CzecHemp, referring to some of the limitations in the cultivation and processing of hemp.

In addition, however, growers also encounter, for example, a lack of equipment for processing some parts of the crop. “There would be interest in growing hemp in the country, but there is a lack of technology, such as tanneries, i.e. equipment for separating hemp fibres from hemp stems. This investment is very high and hemp growers and processors are very much considering whether it is worth it,” said Zlatuše Krejčová from Hemp Production CZ. As she explained, obtaining fibre is essential for the use of hemp in various industrial sectors. Hemp can be a great help in the automotive industry, construction, paper production, textiles, but also in the food industry.

The discussion also focused on the issue of CBD products and related legislation, the prospects of hemp products in human and veterinary medicine and, last but not least, the regulation of the use of hemp for recreational purposes. One of the important topics was research on cannabis for medicinal purposes.

“Medical cannabis must be perceived by everyone as a complementary treatment, which is suitable only for certain groups of patients,” emphasised Jan Vacek from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of UP, who is involved in research on cannabinoids and cannabis extracts. He reminded that there are very few clinical studies confirming the therapeutic effects in specific diseases, but Olomouc experts are already working on some of them, for example for use in urology, gynaecology or dentistry.

“The interest of the public in the issue is clear not only from the large attendance at the event, but also by the many questions from the audience. I am glad that the debates have become a tradition, this year the fourth edition took place. People from this field like to come to Olomouc and I look forward to welcoming interesting guests here again next year,” Tarkowski concluded the meeting.