Hemp in Indigenous Practices: Traditional Uses and Their Relevance Today

Hemp is often lauded as a modern “super crop,” but its roots in human history run deep—particularly within Indigenous cultures around the world. Long before industrialisation and commercial cultivation, many Indigenous communities used hemp and related plants for practical, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. These traditional practices not only showcase the plant’s versatility but also offer valuable insights for how we might use hemp today in more sustainable, respectful ways.

Traditional Uses of Hemp in Indigenous Cultures

1. Fibre for Clothing and Rope
Many Indigenous peoples harnessed the strong fibres of hemp for making clothing, nets, ropes, and mats. In North America, for example, several First Nations tribes used hemp-like plants such as Apocynum cannabinum (commonly called Indian hemp or dogbane) for weaving fishing nets, bowstrings, and bags. These materials were prized for their strength and resilience.

2. Medicinal Applications
Plants from the hemp and cannabis families were sometimes used in traditional medicine. In various Indigenous healing systems, preparations of these plants were used to treat pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. While not all tribes used hemp in the same way, many recognised its therapeutic potential.

3. Ceremonial and Spiritual Roles
Though less commonly documented, some Indigenous cultures reportedly used hemp-like plants in spiritual or ceremonial contexts, either through burning plant matter or including fibres in ritual attire. In such uses, hemp was considered part of the interconnected web of life—respected and not exploited.

4. Agriculture and Ecology
Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) emphasised working in harmony with the land. Hemp’s natural resistance to pests and ability to regenerate soil would have aligned well with Indigenous agricultural practices that valued biodiversity and long-term soil health.

Lessons from Traditional Knowledge

Indigenous use of hemp was characterised by sustainable harvesting, holistic understanding, and respect for the plant. There was no wasteful mass production, nor exploitation for profit. Instead, hemp was treated as one element of a balanced ecosystem. These values provide crucial lessons for today’s industrial hemp sector:

• Sustainability over extractivism
  Indigenous practices prioritised long-term harmony with the environment. Modern industry can learn from this by committing to regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing.

• Respect for cultural heritage
  In revitalising hemp use, there is an opportunity to honour the knowledge of Indigenous communities rather than appropriating it. This includes involving Indigenous leaders in research, cultivation, and product development.

• Holistic health perspectives
  Traditional medicine often emphasised prevention and balance. As hemp-based wellness products gain popularity, incorporating Indigenous perspectives can offer a more integrated approach to health.

Relevance in the 21st Century

Today, many Indigenous communities are reclaiming their rights to cultivate and benefit from hemp and cannabis. With the loosening of legal restrictions in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia, Indigenous-owned hemp businesses are beginning to emerge.

These enterprises not only generate economic opportunities but also represent acts of sovereignty and cultural revitalisation. By growing hemp on traditional lands, these communities are restoring ancient relationships with the land and challenging colonial systems that once suppressed both the plant and the people who used it.

Challenges and Opportunities

Barriers still exist, including unequal access to land, capital, and legal protections. Some regulatory frameworks do not account for traditional uses of hemp or fail to consult with Indigenous stakeholders.

However, opportunities abound:

• Partnerships with Indigenous growers can ensure equity and knowledge-sharing.

• Inclusion of traditional knowledge in hemp research can lead to more sustainable and culturally respectful practices.

• Education and advocacy can raise awareness about the origins of hemp use and challenge the narrative that industrial hemp is purely a modern innovation.

Conclusion

The story of hemp is not new—it is ancient, intricate, and deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions. As we look to hemp as a solution to modern environmental, economic, and health challenges, it is vital to recognise and respect the wisdom of those who used it first. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovation, we can ensure a future for hemp that is not only sustainable, but just.