Hamppujen

Hamppujen is the genitive plural form of hamppu in Finnish, and is used to refer to hemp plants in texts about agriculture, industry, or law. In English, the corresponding concept is hemp plants, typically Cannabis sativa L. When discussed in an industrial context, hamppujen encompasses varieties cultivated for fiber, seed, and low-THC cannabinoid production.

Biologically, hemp is an annual herb that can be dioecious or largely female-predominant in cultivated forms. Breeding programs distinguish fiber hemp (long, strong stems for fiber) from seed hemp (high seed yield and oil content) and from drug-type cultivars selected for higher cannabinoid content. Industrial hemp is generally defined by a legal threshold for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), commonly around 0.2–0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis, depending on jurisdiction.

Cultivation and processing of hamppujen aim to maximize the chosen product. Hemp grows best in temperate climates on well-drained soils with adequate warmth during the growing season. Fiber varieties are harvested for decortication to separate bast fibers from the woody core. Seed varieties are collected for oil and protein-rich meals. Cannabinoid-rich inflorescences may be processed for extracts such as cannabidiol (CBD) products. Hemp fiber can be used in textiles, paper, rope, and biocomposites, while hurds, seeds, and oils find use in food, cosmetics, and construction materials like hempcrete.

Legal and economic contexts vary widely. Industrial hemp is distinguished from narcotic cannabis by regulatory controls on THC content, licensing, and testing. Global production has grown in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, contributing to rural development, diversification, and the growing market for natural fiber, seed products, and cannabinoid extracts.