To understand the hemp biomass, you should first appreciate the hemp plant. It belongs to the same species as marijuana. The two plants differ in chemical composition with hemp having more CBD content. You can notice unique narrow leaves that clusters at the top of the plant.
Biomass consists of the harvested parts of the plant. One type comes from the flowers and is ideal in the production of CBD. The flower biomass is available in different grades. Raw flowers contain the highest content of cannabinoids. The biomass has traceable content as well. For example, a flower with cannabinoids content of 18-20% has a biomass of around 10-12%. The other type is the hemp fiber biomass and is a residue after processing. It includes the stalks, leaves, and the flowers that have undergone extraction.
Difference between Fiber Biomass and Flower Biomass
Hemp flower biomass is essential in the making of health products. It is also known as high CBD biomass and gives a quick return. On the other hand, the hemp fiber biomass is better for a long term fiscal stance.
The fiber biomass is a raw material in the manufacture of several products. It is an ideal alternative for making paper and building reinforcing material. It can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. Fiber biomass has eco-friendly properties.
Shifting to the use of hemp products could have a positive impact on the environment. It is interesting to note that hemp plants can clean the surrounding soil through phytoremediation. It draws heavy metals and toxic materials, leaving cleaner soil.
Production of Hemp Biomass
Hemp flowers emerge from a thick, fibrous stalk. The plant produces broad leaves along with its branching stalks. Other than the broad leaves that grow along with the stalks, others grow close to the hemp buds. The leaves are known as sweet leaf and are rich in cannabinoids.
The sweet leaf is among the components of the hemp biomass that contains high cannabinoid contents. After harvesting the hemp buds, further trimming involves removing the hideous leaves from the bud’s surface. The trims become part of the biomass because it is not part of the CBD flower.
Drying of the residue is the first step in the production of hemp biomass. Drying takes place separately for each component as they vary in their average water content. It is possible to dry them together too.
After drying, the next process involves combining the materials and shredding them together. It makes it easy and convenient to pack them in kilos. After that, the hemp biomass is ready for the market. A blend consisting of the hemp stalks, broad leaves, and sweet leaf, has a CBD concentration of 10%.
A challenge facing the hemp biomass in the market is low quality. The first time hemp growers are unaware of the ways to avoid contamination. They end up producing hemp biomass that does not comply with the industry requirements. The risk of contamination increases with the outdoor cultivation of low potent hemp. If you intend to make CBD oil from the hemp biomass, its recommendable to use indoor cultivated and high potent biomass.
Leave a comment