National Hemp Month
July 1 - July 31
About National Hemp Month
National Hemp Month runs throughout July each year and is dedicated to educating the public about hemp, its many uses and its environmental benefits. The observance was founded by the wellness company cbdMD, which submitted it to the National Day Calendar in 2019, with the first celebration taking place in July 2020. Its central aim is to dispel long-standing myths about hemp and to separate the plant clearly from marijuana in the public mind.
What is National Hemp Month?
National Hemp Month is a month-long awareness campaign focused on industrial hemp, a versatile variety of the cannabis plant grown for its fibre, seeds and compounds rather than for any intoxicating effect. The observance encourages people to rediscover hemp’s role in textiles, food, building materials, paper, plastics and personal care. It is aimed at consumers, farmers, manufacturers and policymakers alike, all of whom have a stake in how this crop is grown, regulated and used.
When is National Hemp Month?
National Hemp Month is observed throughout July, beginning on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 and running until Friday, 31 July 2026. It is an annual observance with fixed dates that cover the whole calendar month, so there is plenty of time to take part at any point during July.
Why National Hemp Month Matters
Hemp is one of the most versatile and fast-growing plants available to farmers, and it has a strong environmental case. It requires relatively little water compared with cotton, grows densely enough to suppress weeds without heavy chemical use, and absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide as it grows. For decades, however, confusion with marijuana held the crop back, and in the United States industrial hemp was only federally legalised under the 2018 Farm Bill. National Hemp Month addresses that legacy of misunderstanding by giving accurate information about what hemp is, what it is not, and why it deserves a place in a more sustainable economy.
How to Get Involved in National Hemp Month
There are many ways to take part, whether your interest is environmental, agricultural or simply curiosity about a misunderstood crop.
- Learn the difference – Read up on how industrial hemp differs from marijuana. Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, the compound responsible for a high, and cannot get you intoxicated.
- Try hemp foods – Hemp seeds, hemp oil and hemp protein are nutritious and widely available. Sprinkle the seeds on salads or porridge for a quick introduction.
- Choose hemp products – Look for hemp clothing, bags, paper and bodycare items, and consider how durable hemp fibre can replace less sustainable materials.
- Support hemp farmers – Buy from growers and brands that source hemp responsibly, helping to build a stable market for the crop.
- Share accurate information – Use the month to correct common myths among friends and family who may still conflate hemp with cannabis grown for recreational use.
- Explore the environmental angle – Investigate how hemp is being used in construction materials such as hempcrete and in biodegradable plastics.
- Attend an event or webinar – Many hemp businesses and advocacy groups run talks and demonstrations during July.
History of National Hemp Month
Hemp itself has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years, used for rope, sailcloth, paper and textiles across many civilisations. In the United States it was once a mainstream agricultural crop, but twentieth-century drug legislation lumped it together with marijuana and effectively ended commercial cultivation for decades.
The modern observance is far more recent. In August 2019 the wellness brand cbdMD submitted National Hemp Month to the National Day Calendar, which approved it for observance throughout July, with the first celebration held in 2020. The company created the month specifically to promote education about hemp’s benefits and to challenge the myths that had grown up around the plant.
The timing was significant. The 2018 Farm Bill had just removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, opening the door to a new generation of farmers and businesses. National Hemp Month arrived as the industry was finding its feet, giving it an annual platform to build public understanding and confidence in the crop.
Noteworthy Facts About National Hemp Month
- National Hemp Month was founded by cbdMD, which submitted it to the National Day Calendar in August 2019.
- The first observance took place in July 2020, shortly after hemp was federally legalised in the United States.
- Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of Cannabis sativa, but hemp contains only trace levels of THC.
- Hemp fibre is among the strongest natural fibres and has been used in rope and sailcloth for centuries.
- Hempcrete, a building material made from hemp and lime, is breathable, insulating and carbon-absorbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Hemp Month?
It is a July awareness campaign promoting education about industrial hemp, its uses and its environmental benefits, founded by cbdMD and recognised by the National Day Calendar.
When is National Hemp Month in 2026?
National Hemp Month runs for the whole of July 2026, from Wednesday 1 July to Friday 31 July.
Is hemp the same as marijuana?
No. Both come from the cannabis plant, but hemp is grown for fibre, seed and other compounds and contains only trace amounts of THC, so it cannot produce a high.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Hemp Month with your friends, family and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalHempMonth and #NationalHempMonth2026 on social media. The more people who understand what hemp really is, the bigger the impact. You might also enjoy learning about National CBD Day, which explores another product derived from the hemp plant.
Related Awareness Days
- National CBD Day – Focuses on cannabidiol, one of the best-known compounds derived from hemp.
- National Natural Fibers Day – Celebrates sustainable fibres, of which hemp is a leading example.
- Go Sober for October – Another wellbeing-focused observance about mindful consumption.
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