Hemp, one of the oldest cultivated crops, has a rich global history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient China around 2800 BCE for textiles, rope, and paper. Over time, hemp spread across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, becoming a staple for producing fiber, food, and oil. In the modern era, hemp farming faced decline due to legal restrictions related to its association with psychoactive cannabis varieties. However, recent decades have seen a resurgence, driven by demand for sustainable fibers, health foods, and CBD products. Today, the top hemp-producing countries include China, which leads the world in both acreage and production, followed by France, Canada, and the United States. China’s long tradition of hemp cultivation has made it a global leader, while France dominates European production, and Canada and the U.S. have rapidly expanded their hemp industries since legalization in the 21st century.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 143,110 |
| 2 | China | 72,878 |
| 3 | North Korea | 15,097 |
| 4 | Poland | 15,080 |
| 5 | Netherlands | 13,280 |
| 6 | Austria | 10,700 |
| 7 | Italy | 4,710 |
| 8 | Chile | 4,216 |
| 9 | Romania | 2,770 |
| 10 | Lithuania | 1,800 |
| 11 | Russia | 1,322 |
| 12 | Spain | 1,160 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat