Hemp

[A.S. hænep.] (Bot.) The fibres of the inner bark of Cannabis sativa, aplant of the O. Cannabin aceæ, which has but 2 genera, each with but one species, consisting of rough-stemmed herbs with watery sap, alternate and lobed leaves, having stipules and small inconspicuous flowers. H. is prepared by spinning in the same way as flax, and is made into strands or yarn for ropes. The plant is supposed to be a native of India, but has long been naturalized in Europe, in many parts of which it is grown extensively. Only the coarser kinds of H. are employed in making cordage; the finer being used for cloth, which, though inferior in delicacy and finene to linen, is incomparably stronger, equally susceptible of bleaching, and po e ed of the property of improving in color by wear. In hot, dry climates, C. sativa develops narcotic qualities, which seem to reside in the resin which covers the leaves, called Churras in India. In small quantities, churr as produces pleasant excitement, which pa es into delirium and catalepsy if the quantity be increased. Many of the Asiatics are pa ionately addicted to the use of this means of intoxication. [s. 449]