HEMP

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a traditional cultivated plant with a history stretching back thousands of years, also in Finland. Throughout the ages, its medicinal properties have been used to treat a wide range of ailments. In Finland, hemp cultivation nearly disappeared between the 1960s and 1990s, during which much of the traditional knowledge was lost and many native varieties vanished.

Oilseed hemp is cultivated for its nutritious seeds, while fiber hemp is grown for its strong and versatile fiber and hurd. Hemp produces one of the most durable natural fibers in the world. In addition to ropes and sails, Vikings used hemp textiles extensively during the early Middle Ages (alongside other local raw materials such as nettle and flax). From oil hemp seeds, one can press "green gold" — one of the most nutrient-rich plant oils in the world. Rich in vitamin E, it also serves as an excellent ingredient for natural cosmetics.

At Milky Way Farm, hemp cultivation began in Tyrnävä in 2014. We grow the Finola variety, developed specifically for Finnish conditions. We also run trial cultivation of fiber hemp. We process hemp ourselves and produce both food products and natural cosmetics all the way to the final product. We are a family business, and every family member contributes in their own way — something that greatly enriches our quality of life.

Hemp cultivation supports domestic food security and self-sufficiency. It is a sustainable, local raw material with an ecological cultivation method. Hemp is grown without pesticides, and its deep root system improves soil structure and makes nutrients available for the following crop, making it valuable in crop rotation. Hemp acts as a carbon sink, and every part of the plant can be utilized across different industries. Hemp is an eco-friendly choice.

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious when eaten as they are — the body receives all their valuable nutrients in an easily available form. The protein in hemp seeds contains all essential amino acids. It consists of approximately 65% edestin and 35% albumin, both high-quality, highly absorbable proteins. Hemp contains over 82% polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, -6, and -9). Hemp seed oil also includes rare and biochemically valuable GLA (approx. 4%) and SDA (approx. 2%), which are used, for example, in the treatment of atopic skin.

Hemp seeds can be used like muesli, in baking, or added to smoothies and salads. They can also be soaked and sprouted, which further increases their nutritional value. Allergies to hemp seeds have not been reported.