Hemp (Cannabis) belongs to the mulberry family; the genus includes a large number of wild and feral forms. Hemp is an annual, dioecious plant, meaning the plants have either female or male flowers.
As a raw material plant, hemp has played an important role various civilisations for centuries. As early as 12,000 years ago, hemp was cultivated as a grain in Persia and China. Hemp seeds contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates and a high proportion of natural fibre and valuable phytochemicals.