Hemp in Poland - the importance of social communication and health education in using the plant's potential in medicine, economy and agriculture - current status.

Abstract

The term hemp includes plants of the Cannabis genus, which includes hemp (C. sativa), Indian hemp (C. indica) and wild hemp (C. ruderalis). In the plant world, hemp has the largest representation of plant cannabinoids, also known as phytocannabinoids. Hemp has various application possibilities and huge, untapped potential for Polish medicine, economy and agriculture, which creates wide opportunities for its use. A significant limitation is the lack of sufficient communication and health education, which is a consequence of social misunderstanding and sometimes unrationalized "stigmatization" of the above species, which result from social fears. Poles' fears often result from the inappropriate, unambiguous association of the plant only with its narcotic potential, often explored in the mass media. The basic information addressed to the public is to demonstrate the difference between individual plant varieties commonly associated with the hemp species, i.e. hemp (with functional applications - protein, dietary supplements, textiles, feed industry, construction) and cannabis, which has narcotic potential, but at the same time having medicinal values. This distinction in public opinion in Poland is crucial for education and, consequently, the proper use and appreciation of the potential of these plants in Polish society. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the above-mentioned topics, which is why comprehensive communication and social education in Poland in the above-mentioned areas is so important.