Industrial hemp is an interesting and unique crop with a vivid history spanning centuries. However, the hemp plant has been faced with controversy in the last 70 years. The industry is experiencing restrictions that are thought to be imposed by the current social, economic and political atmosphere surrounding key stakeholders, rather than any technical inferiority. Education regarding this subject seems inadequate and appears restricted to those who actively research the topic themselves. As a fiber and oil- seed crop, hemp offers agricultural potential and the aility to be manufactured into valuable end uses.

There are many misconceptions surrounding Cannabis sativa L., especially in developed countries. Current or recently lifted hemp prohibition is a huge social obstacle to overcome and strongly influences societperception. It has been an uphill battle for many individuals involved in the hemp industry in terms of justifying their research, interest and faith in the crop. Misconceptions turn into misrepresentation of the hemp industry especially in term of food products and medicinal uses when hemp is connected with Marijuana which remains as an illicit drug in many countries.

This is based on the fact that few people actually know the difference between hemp and marijuana.

The hemp industry began as a grass roots movement and is supported by the current cultural (if only peripheral) movement back to more naturally derived products. The general social perception of the hemp industry has been changing in developed countries in the last decade. This can in part be attributed to an information revolution and er of the internet. There are literally hundreds of online hemp networks and associations sharing both academic and non-academic information on the hemp industry.