National Hemp Day 2025 - Why Hemp Matters and How to Celebrate Hemp Day

Did you know that February 4th is National Hemp Day in the US? This day is dedicated to honoring one of the world’s most versatile and sustainable plants. National Hemp Day 2025 is no exception, as it highlights hemp’s rich history and remarkable benefits. From textiles to food, construction to wellness, hemp offers a future brimming with potential. 

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this plant so extraordinary.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is grown specifically for industrial use. In other words, it’s grown to be used in consumer goods. Hemp has long been cultivated for its fibers, seeds, and oils, and it continues to be at the forefront of innovations in textiles, construction, health, beauty, and more! 

In the US of A, hemp also has a formal definition — because unlike its psychoactive counterpart, marijuana, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, the compound responsible for creating a “high.” The 2018 Farm Bill requires hemp in the United States to contain 0.3% THC or less. 

The History of Hemp

Illustration of 16th-century workers producing garments of natural fibers that likely included hemp.

The history of the human relationship with hemp goes back at least 10,000 years when it was used to make clothing. Early civilizations used hemp fibers to make textiles and ropes, and its seeds for nutrition and medicine. 

By the 1600s, hemp was a staple crop in colonial America, even mandated by law in some states. However, the 20th century brought legal restrictions fueled by discrimination and misconceptions.  

Today, hemp is making a strong but slow comeback. Hemp’s resurgence in the U.S. began after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp. This has allowed farmers across the country to grow this crop once again, with hemp acreage expanding rapidly. By 2021, U.S. hemp production was already valued at over $824 million, with much of this growth focused on fibers for industrial use.

Want to learn more about hemp’s past and potential? Read: What Is Hemp Used For? A Look at Hemp's Uses Throughout History 

How to Celebrate National Hemp Day

National Hemp Day is the perfect time to explore hemp’s many uses and support sustainable initiatives. Here are some ways you can recognize this amazing plant.

• Educate yourself: Learn more about hemp’s history and potential to transform industries. (Reading this article and watching GBL TV is a great start!) 
• Shop sustainably: Purchase hemp-based products, from clothing to skincare.
• Try hemp recipes: Experiment with hemp seeds and oils or try CBD oil in your favorite recipes.
• Spread awareness: Share the importance of hemp on social media using hashtags like #NationalHempDay and #HappyHempDay.
• Have conversations: Talk about hemp and share your experiences with the plant with your friends and family. 

Why Is Hemp So Valuable?

Hemp is celebrated for its versatility, sustainability, and health benefits. Here are some ways different industries leverage the hemp plant to create high-quality products.

Hemp in Textiles

Hemp fibers are strong and durable, making them ideal for creating textiles. Hemp fabrics are breathable, hypoallergenic, and naturally resistant to UV rays, making them sought-after in eco-friendly fashion and home goods. 

Hemp is also more sustainable than many other materials. For example, unlike cotton, hemp requires significantly less water and fewer pesticides, making it a greener choice. 

Hemp in Construction

We think of our homes as places of comfort and security, but have you ever considered what they’re made of? Many building materials, like vinyl flooring and plastic siding, are derived from fossil fuels, contributing to climate-warming pollution. 

Hemp offers a sustainable alternative with materials like hempcrete, an insulating biocomposite made from hemp hurds and lime. Fire-retardant, mold-resistant, and VOC-free, hempcrete improves indoor air quality and minimizes environmental impact. It’s also used to make durable, lightweight hemp drywall. Globally, hemp is key in rebuilding efforts, such as in Ukraine, where hempcrete is helping construct safer, energy-efficient homes after war-related destruction.

Visionaries like Hempire founder Sergiy Kovalenkov have championed hempcrete’s potential to create energy-efficient, carbon-negative buildings. 

Hemp in Health, Beauty, and Wellness

Hemp-derived products have taken the wellness industry by storm. Hemp seed oil, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, is a popular ingredient in beauty and skincare products for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

CBD, a compound found in the hemp flower, is increasingly recognized as a natural solution for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and alleviating pain, as well as its potential to improve skin health.

Hemp in Food

Hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. They can be sprinkled on salads, blended into smoothies, or used to make hemp milk. 

Hemp seed oil is another versatile ingredient, adding a nutty flavor to dressings and dips while offering numerous health benefits, such as heart support and improved digestion. 

Additionally, CBD derived from the hemp flower is becoming increasingly popular as a wellness-supporting addition to food and beverages.

Hemp as a Renewable Resource

Hemp’s sustainability goes beyond its individual uses. It grows quickly, requires minimal water, and replenishes soil health. Hemp can also be used to produce biodegradable plastics, biofuels, and even paper, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional, resource-intensive materials.

As we confront urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, urban expansion, and land management activities like logging, all these factors contribute to more frequent and intense wildfires, hemp provides a renewable solution that benefits both people and the planet.

February 4th: National Day for Hemp

Celebrating National Hemp Day 2025 means taking a moment to appreciate this incredible plant and its role in building a sustainable future. Whether you’re wearing hemp clothing, eating a hemp-based snack, or marveling at a hempcrete home, the impact of this versatile crop on ourselves and our planet is undeniable. So, this February 4th, let’s shout out “Hemp, Hemp Hooray!” And  “Happy Hemp Day” and spread the word about why we should all give a hemp.