Having worked on many farms over the years, most recently with a leading Scottish precision farming company, Ali has learnt a lot about modern farming techniques. When the opportunity arose to become part of a hemp group she thought "why not, hemp has so many uses". In July 2022, Ali started selling cold pressed extra virgin hemp seed oil and soap made from her own oil by an experienced local soap maker at local markets, the story continues.
Researching industrial hemp became an obsession and Ali was soon planning her new business based on the massive versatility of this plant, from absorbing tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows and improving soil health to reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks with just 1 tablespoon of hemp seed oil a day, this plant can be a game changer in making Scotland more sustainable and Net Zero.
In the UK it is illegal to grow varieties of hemp with more than 0.2% THC, and the Hemp Licence also prohibits the harvesting of the leaves. University research inspires Scotland's first commercial cold-pressed hemp oil production. John and Alison Easson are proud to be part of the Scottish Hemp Growers, watching their first crop of hemp seeds go through the cold press at Norvite.
Hemp is the most versatile plant on the planet, a huge range of products can be made from its seeds, leaves and fibrous stalks, and while it grows in 4 months it absorbs masses of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Hemp has the potential to make Scotland's agricultural sector carbon neutral. A new study has found that adding hempseed to your diet can help modulate gut hormone levels in the blood and promote a feeling of fullness after eating. 10g of cold-pressed hempseed oil a day may improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Hemp is a rich source of protein, fibre, healthy fats and micronutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and zinc. There are many environmental benefits to growing hemp: An acre of hemp produces 4 times more paper than an acre of trees Hemp removes toxins from the soil. Hemp for textiles, more durable than cotton, is Levi's first choice of fabric. Hemp absorbs carbon and produces oxygen and Hemp plastic can biodegrade within 3 months.