Industrial hemp is defined as “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis,” according to US Farm Bill 2014.
The industrial hemp market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 34% from USD 4.6 billion in 2019 to USD 26.6 billion by 2025. The growth of this market is attributed to the increased consumption of hemp-based products due to their various health benefits and increased incidences of diseases such as epilepsy and other sleep disorders thca flowers. However, the complex regulatory structure for the usage of industrial hemp in different countries is expected to hinder the market growth of industrial hemp.
Hemp fiber dominated the market for industrial hemp, by type, in terms of value, in 2018. Hemp fiber is majorly used in the textile and pulp & paper industry, due to its long and robust fibers as compared to cotton. Furthermore, being a renewable source material, its application has been increasing in many diverse industries such as construction, animal bedding, agriculture, furniture, and automobile. Additionally, its usage to obtain biofuels and bioplastics has been expected to increase its demand in the coming years.
CBD hemp oil is projected to be the fastest-growing type, owing to its role in preventing conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, and acne. Furthermore, the growing application of CBD hemp oil in personal care products, health supplements, and food & beverages is expected to drive the market for this type.
The industrial hemp market, by application, was dominated by the food segment in 2018, owing to the wide application of hemp seeds and hemp seed oil, due to their rich vitamin, protein, and omega-3 fatty acid content. Hemp seeds are consumed raw or are being used as a topping in cereals, smoothies, and yogurt. Rising consumer awareness about the benefits of consuming hemp-based products is driving the market for its application in food.
The market for industrial hemp from a conventional source dominated in 2018. Industrial hemp is mainly cultivated for fibre for the textile and paper industry. Furthermore, low prices of conventionally obtained hemp as compared to organic source and their growing application of in construction & material, automotive, and furniture industries are expected to drive its market in the coming years.
The European region is projected to be the fastest-growing region in the industrial hemp market during the forecast period owing to growth in consumption of hemp seeds as food as well as their wide application in other food products such as smoothies, yogurt, cereals, and bars especially in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. Furthermore, increasing legalization of industrial hemp in the European region in the coming years is expected to boost the industrial hemp market.