The second annual Hemp History Week (May 2-8) is here and we couldn’t be more excited!  I’m sure you’re waiting for the punch line but Hemp History Week actually has a pretty serious mission—educating the public, debunking myths and changing public policy—to support the industrial hemp industry.  Here are some interesting facts from the Hemp History Week website:

• Hemp was a staple crop in the U.S. from the 1600s until the 1850s.
• Since 1937 American farmers have basically been banned from growing hemp. Hemp used in products sold in the U.S. is imported from other countries, such as Canada.
• Hemp fiber is one of the strongest natural fibers and hemp is often used to strengthen plastics, paper, textiles and even building materials.
• Hemp can be grown without any pesticides or agricultural chemicals and, if so, is a non-toxic source of fiber for clothing.
• As a food, hemp is loaded with digestible protein, omega essential fatty acids (EFAs) and naturally occurring minerals.
• Hemp is not marijuana. It has little to no measurable THC and has no drug value.

Although the hemp plant has been cultivated for decades, it seems to only recently be garnering the attention it truly deserves. I can remember going to camp as a little girl and making hemp bracelets and anklets tied into funky knots with all of my friends. Now I can find that same plant in many of the products I enjoy every day: Nature’s Path Organic Sunny Hemp Granola Bars

• Packed with seeds and grains — a yummy option for breakfast, lunch or snacking on the fly
• Made with a nutritious blend of organic hemp seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, juicy raisins and whole grains
• Organic, Non-GMO Project verified, vegan and 140 calories

Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap

• Softening soap made with stimulating peppermint and moisturizing hemp oil
• Organic and Fair Trade Certified through the Swiss IMO “Fair for Life” program
• Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
• Since 2001, the Bronner family has funded legal, media, grassroots and lobbying efforts to re-commercialize industrial hemp

Manitoba Harvest Organic Shelled Hemp Seeds

• With protein and omega essential fatty acids
• Raw with a soft texture
• Hemp seeds can be enjoyed as a garnish, in recipes or straight from the bag

Living Harvest Tempt Original Hempmilk

• A rich, smooth and creamy non-dairy beverage
• Includes omega essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals
• Vegan, soy free and gluten free
• Living Harvest is committed to bringing the goodness of hemp to everyone

Nutiva Organic Hemp Oil

• Add this deliciously nutty, light-tasting oil to salad dressings, smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods and more
• Cold pressed and bottled in small batches
• With omega-3s and vitamin E
• Nutiva donates 1% of sales to sustainable agriculture groups

You could also celebrate this week by cooking up some great-tasting recipes that highlight the light, nutty flavor of hemp: Hemp and Blueberry Corn Muffins Hempseed Apricot Chews Lemony Cabbage-Avocado Slaw These are just some of the great ways to incorporate hemp into your diet. Have you tried any of these hemp products or recipes recently? Click on the links above to rate them and share your comments. You can also tell us what your favorite hemp product is in the comments below.