Hemp
What is hemp?
A short, factual answer to the most common starting question.
CANNAEAST Editorial · Published 15 January 2026 · Updated 15 January 2026 · 4 min read
Short answer
Hemp is a variety of the plant Cannabis sativa L. grown for its fibre, seed and extracts, under rules that cap its THC content.
A definition
Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa L. that is cultivated as an agricultural crop. Its defining characteristic in law is a low THC content, which is why it can be grown on ordinary farmland where other cannabis varieties cannot.
What it is used for
Different parts of the plant serve different purposes, and a product using hemp will normally be using only one of them.
- Stalk fibre for textiles, rope, paper and insulation.
- Seed for food, protein and cold-pressed oil.
- Aerial parts for plant extracts used in cosmetics and supplements.
Hemp in cosmetics
In body care, hemp most often means cold-pressed seed oil. It absorbs relatively quickly, blends well with butters and other oils, and forms a practical base for balms and creams.
Frequently asked questions
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Hemp
Cannabis sativa L.
An agricultural crop grown across Europe, used in body care mainly as seed oil or as an extract of the aerial parts.
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