Hemp is one of the most versatile and sustainable plants on the planet.
It offers benefits across industries like textiles, construction, food, and environmental conservation.
Despite its historical significance, modern science continues to uncover new advantages of hemp, from carbon sequestration to high-yield fiber production.
This guide presents 50 key statistics about hemp. We cover its growth, environmental impact, industrial applications, and economic potential.
Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, or simply curious about hemp’s role in a sustainable future, these facts will highlight why this remarkable plant is gaining global recognition. Let’s dive into the numbers behind hemp’s resurgence.
Hemp stats on legal definition and classification
Hemp is legally classified based on its THC content, distinguishing it from marijuana. Regulations for this vary by country. This is the legal requirement hemp has to fulfill.
- Industrial hemp is legally defined as Cannabis sativa with THC levels at or below 0.3% of the dry weight of the flowering portion of the plant. THC is the primary psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. With levels as low as 0.3%, there will be no intoxicating effects.
- In European countries, the THC levels may not be above 0.2% for it to classify as hemp.
Hemp stats on its growth and cultivation
Hemp is a fast-growing crop that thrives in various climates. Different varieties are suited for temperate and tropical regions. Here are some amazing hemp statistics about the plant.
Growth Characteristics
3. Hemp can grow to a height of 1.5m to 4m. That is about the length of a standard hatchback car.
4. Hemp reaches up to 12 feet in height within three to four months. It is a very fast-growing crop and thus is often used as a rotation crop or grown twice in a year.
5. Hemp can yield three to eight tons of dry stalk per acre, depending on climate and variety.
6. Hemp breeders aim to produce hemp with the size of flax or a little longer, which is around 30 cm.
7. Hemp covers approximately 10,000 ha/year in France.
Yield & Biomass Production
8. 1 ha of hemp can produce nearly 12 t of dry matter (DM)/year with a humidity level of 15%. This dry matter is what gets processed into hemp’s other uses. 12 tons of dry hemp matter can produce about 4,000 – 5,000 hempcrete bricks. This is enough to insulate a small house.
This amount of dry matter can also be used to produce 24,000 sheets of paper or up to 10,000 meters of hemp fabric.
9. Exported straw from 1 ha of hemp is about 8 t (or 6.8 t of DM).
10. Hemp stalks produce 4–12 t of dried straw per hectare with 15% humidity.
11. One tonne of hemp straw yields:
a. 0.55–0.65 t of hurds
b. 0.2–0.3 t of fiber
c. 0.15 t of powder
Soil Benefits & Nutrient Return
12. Hemp can return 60% of nutrients back to the soil when dried and ploughed back into the soil.
13. Hemp can return as much as two-thirds of the organic matter to the soil if it is field-retted.
Hemp stats on its carbon sequestration capabilities & environmental impact
Hemp is famously known as a carbon skin because it absorbs CO₂ rapidly. Carbon sinks are anything that absorbs more carbon dioxide than they produce. Because hemp grows faster than trees, it is hailed as an efficient carbon absorber. Here are some stats on hemp’s ability to absorb carbon.
Carbon Absorption
14. Hemp’s carbon uptake can be up to 22 tonnes per hectare, which is higher than agroforestry. 22 tonnes of CO₂ is equivalent to the emissions of 2.9 homes in one year. It can also be equated to about average gasoline-powered cars driven for a year.
15. One hectare of industrial hemp can absorb 15 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare.
16. Hemp contains approximately 45% of the atmospheric carbon taken up during photosynthesis.
17. Hemp’s rapid growth makes it one of the fastest CO₂-to-biomass conversion tools.
18. As it is possible to grow two hemp crops per year, we can offset up to 30 tons of CO₂ per hectare in a year.
Hemp stats on its fiber and textile applications
Hemp is a high-yield fiber crop, with fiber-to-Hurd ratios varying by variety. Temperate hemp produces more fiber than tropical strains, making it ideal for textiles. Here are some hemp statistics on the strength and durability of hemp fibers.
19. Hemp fiber bundles can be up to 15 feet long.
20. Bast fibers of hemp range from 1.2m to 2.1m in length.
21. Bast fiber constitutes 0.2-0.3 t of fiber per 1 t of straw.
22. Hemp fiber and cellulose have lengths varying between 5 and 60 mm.
23. Hemp fiber is used to create blend yarns with 20-30% cottonized hemp content.
24. Hemp textiles provide protection against UV radiation. Hemp fabric can reportedly block 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays earning it a UPF rating of 50+. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor wear.
25. Hemp fabrics reportedly have eight times the tensile strength and four times the durability of cotton.
26. The tensile strength of hemp ranges from 550-900 MPa. Comparatively, that of cotton is 287-597 MPa
27. Hemp fiber’s average diameter varies between 6 and 9 mm.
28. Hemp fiber refinement can have a gravimetric fineness of 5.4 tex to 39.4 tex. 5.4 Tex means that 1,000 meters of hemp fiber weighs 5.4 grams. This indicates that hemp fiber is relatively fine but strong, making it suitable for textiles, ropes, and composites.
Fiber-to-Hurd Ratio in Different Varieties
29. Temperate varieties of hemp stalk have a ratio of fiber to hurds of approximately 25:70%. Owing to this, temperate varieties are well suited for making hempcrete.
30. Tropical varieties of hemp stalk have a ratio of fiber to hurds of 18:77%. The high woody content (hurds) makes it efficient for pelletized fuel, ethanol, and charcoal production.
Hemp stats on food and nutrition
Hemp seeds are a nutrient-rich superfood. They offer essential fatty acids, protein, and healthy oils. Because of this, hemp seeds can support a healthy and sustainable diet. Here are some hemp statistics on its nutritional properties.
31. Hemp seeds can provide 2,451 kilojoules (586 kcal) of food energy per 100 gm serving.
32. Hemp seed contains 31% protein.
33. Regular hemp seed contains 30-35% oil.
34. Some varieties of hemp with seeds containing up to 45% oil have been identified, compared to the usual 30–35%.
35. Varieties of hemp have been identified with seeds containing >5% γ-linolenic acid, while classic lines have 2–3%. γ-linolenic acid, or GLA can help reduce inflammation, improve skin conditions, and support joint health.
36. Hemp has close to 49% of fat which can be split as below
a. Saturated Fat: 4.6 grams
b. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 9.3 grams
c. Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 28.7 grams
37. Hemp is a great source of fiber having 4% fiber in it.
38. These are some of the minerals available per 100 grams of hemp
a. Magnesium: 700 mg
b. Phosphorus: 1,650 mg
c. Potassium: 1,200 mg
d. Iron: 7.95 mg
e. Zinc: 9.9 mg
39. Hemp is a good source of vitamins as well. It is notably rich in Thiamine (1.3 mg) and folate (110 µg) which are both Vitamin B compounds.
Hemp stats on its industrial and construction uses
Industrial hemp is used in car parts, ropes, and textiles. This is because hemp is a durable and eco-friendly material. Hempcrete is lightweight, and insulating to boot. Here are some hemp statistics about its use in construction.
40. Hemp pulp is only 4-10% lignin, while trees contain 18-30% lignin. This makes it easier to process for paper and textiles. It gives the fiber great flexibility and breathability in textile applications as well.
41. In 2024, the global hempcrete market was valued at $25.8 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2030.
Hemp stats on its water requirements
Hemp has a reputation for being a sustainable crop because of its much lower water requirements than its counterparts. Here are some hemp statistics on its water consumption.
42. Hemp grown in the UK requires around 500–700 mm of precipitation per growing season.
43. On average, 300–500 liters of water are required for the production of 1 kg of dry matter.
44. Experimental trials show that 2,123 liters of water are required to produce 1 kg of usable fiber from a hemp crop. This can be compared to the 10,000 liters of water required to produce 1 kg of cotton fiber.
Hemp stats on soil and nutrient requirements
Hemp thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It returns organic matter to the ground, improving fertility. It absorbs nutrients efficiently, needing minimal fertilizers. Read on to learn some hemp statistics on how beneficial it is to the soil.
45. Soil moisture should be between 50 and 70 cm in the vegetative growth phase for maximum yields.
46. Fertilizer usage averages from 2000–2004:
a. Nitrogen: 110 kg/ha
b. Phosphorus: 90 kg/ha
c. Potassium: 100 kg/ha
47. Using hemp as a rotation crop with wheat leads to 10% – 20% more yield of wheat. This is owing to the rich nutrients hemp returns to the soil. It can also absorb heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and nickel drastically improving soil health.
48. Hemp has a very extensive root system. Its roots can reach depths of up to 3 feet which can improve soil structure, and increase aeration and water infiltration.
Hemp stats on its agricultural and economic benefits
Hemp grows quickly and produces high yields per acre. The global hemp market is expanding, creating jobs and investment opportunities. Here are some hemp statistics on its contribution to agriculture & economy.
49. Between 2015 and 2022, the area dedicated to hemp cultivation in the EU increased by 60%, from 20,540 hectares to 33,020 hectares. During the same period, hemp production rose by 84.3%, from 97,130 tonnes to 179,020 tonnes.
50. The total value of hemp production in the U.S. reached $824 million in 2021, highlighting its substantial contribution to the agricultural economy.
51. In 2023, the United States produced 49.1 million pounds of hemp fiber grown in the open, marking a 133% increase from 2022. Despite this significant rise in production, the total value of hemp fiber decreased by 59%, totaling $11.6 million in 2023.
Amazing, right? These statistics about hemp are an eye-opener to anyone who reads them. Its significant advantages over some of the conventional products we use today are massive.
Hemp is more than just a crop—it’s a solution to environmental challenges, a driver of innovation, and a symbol of sustainability. As industries embrace its potential, its role in construction, textiles, health, and carbon sequestration will only grow. Investing in hemp means investing in a greener, more sustainable future.