Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa l. Sativa) is a versatile plant that has already been cultivated in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Due to its high cellulose content and durability, it was used as a construction material and production of coarse fabrics. Until the 20th century, hemp was a widely present material, but its use declined due to its association with psychoactive effects.
Cannabis is significant mainly because of its rapid growth and versatility. The plant grows up to 6 meters in height and is very undemanding to cultivate. Recently, hemp is regaining its old reputation as an industrially interesting and important plant. It has the strongest and most durable fibers among plants.