Abstract:
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) represents a vital biological resource for addressing contemporary global challenges, including climate change and unsustainable industrial practices. This article analyzes hemp’s role as a low-barrier multipurpose material and details its measurable, beneficial influence on ecological systems and human habitats. Focusing on its application in construction (Hempcrete) and textiles, the paper demonstrates how hemp’s intrinsic properties—including superior $\text{CO}_2$ sequestration, phytoremediation capability, and hygroscopic function—provide scalable, low-technology solutions. We conclude that coupling hemp’s biological utility with decentralized governance models offers a foundational blueprint for developing a truly regenerative global economy.
Full Thesis
1. Introduction: The Urgency for Sustainable Materiality
The global reliance on high-energy, non-renewable materials continues to drive environmental degradation and climate instability. A paradigm shift is necessary, moving industrial feedstock towards bio-based, regenerative resources. C. sativa L. (Hemp), historically overlooked due to regulatory constraints, offers an unparalleled combination of rapid growth, low input requirement, and structural versatility. This paper argues that hemp’s potential is best unlocked through low-technology (low-tech) methods integrated into high-tech, decentralized cooperative networks.
2. Methodological Framework: Hemp as an Ecological Agent
Hemp’s efficacy as an ecological agent is derived from its unique morphological and chemical properties, enabling intervention across three critical environmental domains: atmospheric, edaphic (soil), and hydrological.
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Full Thesis
