Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. that contains minimal (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It is a tall, slender, fibrous plant similar to flax or kenaf. Various parts of the plant can be utilized in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed and other products.
A total 36 countries worldwide including Australia and the UK grow industrial hemp. France is the worlds-leading producer with more than 70% of output. China which is second with approximately a quarter of the world production uses 80% of her industrial hemp in the textile sector. In 2013 alone, China exported over 591 tons of hemp yarn worth $11.9 million.