If you think that hemp is strictly for hippies, think again. A strong fibrous plant cultivated mainly in China, environmentally friendly hemp requires few pesticides or herbicides and is one of the fastest growing plants known.

In various forms, hemp can be used for health foods, fuel, and multiple industrial and commercial applications. The strong fibers can be turned into twine and woven into many different products. Many progressive concrete contractors build with Hempcrete, a concrete product made from hemp. Green contractors from Austin to Boston are embracing hemp building materials, like hemp insulation. 

You can even find chic home furnishings made from this sustainable material. Here are some of the best:

Lancaster Rug from Ralph Lauren: The beautiful Lancaster Rug is handknotted in India from hemp and jute fibers. The yarns have been brushed for a soft feel and dyed. The pattern is an interpretation of a classic Persian rug.

Tailor Sofa from Crate and Barrel: Contrary to its classic name and style, the Tailor sofa is made from a hemp fabric and comes in snappy red or stone tan or white. The seat cushions are a soy-based polyfoam wrapped in a feather-down blend for comfort.

Handprinted Hemp Pillows from Cloth and INK via Etsy: These eye-catching pillows are made with 100% hemp canvas, or with hemp and cotton blend fabrics. The maker purchases the fabric from privately owned farms that don’t use pesticides or fertilizers and the dyes are considered “low impact.” The artist screen prints the fabric using eco-friendly inks.

Antique Hemp & Linen Pillow Covers from Paula J Designs via Etsy: Antique hemp grain sacking has been a popular trend in interiors for the last few years. The strong hemp fibers, which first were used as sack cloth for shipping grain have survived to be “upcycled” into upscale interior accessories. The natural colored fabrics with dyed stripes or brand names has a chic, vintage appeal.

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap: Dr. Bronner’s has been on the market for decades. Made from vegetable and hemp oils, Bronner’s has no animal fats, and is organic and all natural. Due to its super concentrated properties, the soap also lasts just about forever, cutting down on the use of plastic bottles. 

Hemp Chair from Studio Aisslinger: Designed in 2011, the Hemp Chair made its debut at the “Poetry Happens” exhibition in Europe. This is a concept design for a monobloc chair. It was designed for a lightweight manufacturing process and made of all natural raw hemp and kenaf fibers, compressed with a water-based binder into the chair shape. It is both lightweight and strong.

DIY Hemp Pendant Lamps at Crafty Nest: This easy DIY project results in a stylish and upscale pendant lamp. Simply wrap glue-covered hemp twine around an inflated beach ball, leaving an opening at one end. Allow the glue to dry, deflate the ball and remove. Add a hanging light kit and enjoy!

 Updated October 14, 2018.