hemp (thing)

Hemp, an annual herbaceous plant; it is a native of Western and Central Asia, but long naturalized in other countries. The Indian variety is the source of the narcotic drug variously known as hashish, bhang, or gunjah. The hemp fiber is tough and strong, and peculiarly adapted to weaving into coarse fabrics such as sail-cloth, and for twisting into ropes and cables. Immense quantities are exported from Russia. In some of the United States it is a crop of considerable importance. Hempseed is much used as food for cage-birds, and also yields an oil. Sisal hemp or (henequen) and Manila hemp are not true hemps.

The United States imports $500,000 worth of hemp yearly from Italy and Russia. The best comes from Italy. In favorable soils from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds an acre are produced. Raw hemp grown in Japan is sold in ribbons, thin as paper and glossy as satin, the frayed ends showing fibers of exceeding thinness.