The cannabis plant is truly amazing. One variety provides medicine that improves the quality of life for practically everyone, and the other variety, known as industrial hemp, can save the planet. Here’s how.

1. Fuel

It’s 2017 and we know exactly how awful gasoline is for the planet. And it doesn’t only cause environmental catastrophes like climate change, smog, and toxic leaks. Gasoline is also a known carcinogen. This information isn’t new. We’ve known this about gasoline for years, and yet we’re still massively dependent on petroleum-based fuels.

When processed correctly, industrial hemp produces a type of bio-fuel that can power a wide variety of vehicles, including personal cars. Studies show that the bio-fuel is easy on the environment and, just as importantly, sustainable.

2. Paper

As any stationery enthusiast will tell you, there is practically nothing better on this earth than fresh, clean paper. Why do you think notebook-hoarding is so common? But, sadly, our penchant for paper is killing the planet one tree at a time. What should we do? Abandon our bullet journals and go completely digital?

Before you swear off stationery, explore the world of hemp paper! According to a 1916 USDA report, one acre of industrial hemp produced as much paper as four acres of trees. Plus, industrial hemp only takes 12-14 weeks to fully grow–trees take years. Because industrial hemp is still illegal to grow in the majority of the United States, the hemp paper industry hasn’t fully taken off. But when it does, we’ll be first in line to stock up on dot matrix notebooks.

3. Food

We hate to use the term “super food“, but there’s no other way to describe it. Hemp seeds are rich in nutrients, like Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Whole hemp seeds (unshelled) are a great source of fiber, too. Hemp seeds may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

Like industrial hemp as a whole, hemp seeds are extremely versatile, especially when incorporating them into your diet. If you like the mild, nutty flavor, you can sprinkle the seeds on top of cereal, salad, or yogurt. If you’re not a fan of the taste, you get just blend it into your favorite smoothie or juice recipe. The possibilities are limitless!

4. Cloth

Don’t just eat your hemp–wear it! Industrial hemp is the source of one of the most durable natural fibers on Earth. Not only that, it requires half the amount of water required to grow cotton and produces significantly more fiber per amount of land. People are already making all sorts of clothes out of industrial hemp, including some super dope hemp kicks.

5. Cosmetics

Hemp seed isn’t just nutritionally dense–it’s also fantastic for your skin! If you suffer from skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, or acne, you might want to consider adding hemp seed oil to your daily skin regimen. The CBD in hemp is a natural anti-inflammatory and also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and linoleic acid.

6. Rope

Industrial hemp doesn’t just make rope–it can also be processed to make concrete and other construction materials. Because it’s natural and sustainable, hemp-supported construction can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while still meeting project goals and consumer needs.

7. Plastic

Gasoline isn’t the only thing that’s terrible for the planet. Plastic materials, like water bottles and bags, are basically the worst thing to be invented, like, ever. Sure, they’re useful and convenient, but at what cost? A single plastic water bottle can take at least 450 years to break down in a landfill. And when it breaks down, it can leak toxins into the environment. And don’t even think about tossing your plastic bottles and bags into the ocean–it’s killing the wildlife.

Industrial hemp can be used to make biodegradable plastic that isn’t harmful to the environment and is–what was our buzzword for this article?—oh yeah. Sustainable.