Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species Cannabis sativa L – yes, the one that can be smoked and that has been banned in many countries (including South Africa). But marijuana cannot be made from hemp because it contains virtually no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana.

Because of its close relation and similar looks, however, hemp production the world over has suffered from its cousin’s ban.

Hemp is actually a bast fibre similar to flax, kenaf, jute and ramie. It is used for textiles, cordage and fine paper products while its wood-like core fibre can also be used for animal bedding, garden mulch, fuel and an assortment of building materials.

The CSIR’s research on hemp fibres has mostly to do with using it in composites, i.e. mixing it with other fibres in order to achieve different properties, such as making it stronger or longer-lasting.