What Are Hemp Leaves Used For? Benefits, Applications, and Uses

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth and has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. While often overshadowed by its seed and fiber, the leaves of the hemp plant offer a surprising array of uses, particularly in wellness, culinary arts, and topical applications.

Quick Summary

This article explores the diverse applications of hemp leaves, detailing their use in teas, food recipes, and skin care products. It also covers the extraction of beneficial compounds and industrial uses for sustainable biomass.

Key Points

Culinary Use: Raw hemp leaves can be added to salads and smoothies, while dried leaves are used for making nutrient-rich tea and infused cooking butter.
Therapeutic Benefits: The leaves contain CBDa, terpenes, and flavonoids that provide calming, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-enhancing effects, often experienced through tea or extracts.
Skincare Properties: Hemp leaf extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent used in topical products to combat skin aging, regulate oil production, and soothe conditions like acne or eczema.
Industrial Sustainability: As a valuable part of the hemp biomass, the leaves can be utilized for sustainable industrial purposes, including compost, animal bedding, and energy generation.
Non-Psychoactive: Hemp leaves contain less than 0.3% THC and will not cause a psychoactive high, making them safe for general wellness use.
Rich in Nutrients: In addition to cannabinoids, hemp leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acids, contributing to overall health.

The Wellness and Nutritional Power of Hemp Leaves

Beyond its industrial applications, the leaves of the hemp plant are a source of valuable nutrients and beneficial compounds. They contain a rich profile of phytochemicals, terpenes, flavonoids, and omega fatty acids that contribute to their therapeutic potential.

Raw vs. Processed Leaves: A Tale of Two Cannabinoids

An important distinction exists between consuming raw hemp leaves and products derived from them. Raw leaves are rich in cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), the non-psychoactive precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). When heated through processes like steeping or cooking, some of the CBDa converts into the more familiar CBD. This difference in chemical composition influences their effects and primary uses.

How to Use Raw Hemp Leaves

Raw hemp leaves can be a nutritious addition to your diet, offering a peppery, arugula-like flavor. They can be consumed in several ways:

Salads: Toss young, fresh hemp leaves into salads for a nutritional boost and a distinct flavor.
Smoothies: Blend raw hemp leaves into smoothies for their dense profile of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Pesto: Substitute or supplement basil with hemp leaves to create a nutritious, flavorful pesto sauce.

Culinary Creativity with Hemp

Cooking with hemp leaves, especially dried ones, unlocks new possibilities for flavor and wellness. One of the most popular methods is creating an infused fat, which is essential for properly absorbing the fat-soluble cannabinoids like CBD.

Making Hemp Leaf Tea

Infusing dried hemp leaves in hot water creates a calming, caffeine-free herbal tea. For optimal results, add a fat source like milk, coconut oil, or butter to help extract the cannabinoids. Adding other flavors like honey, lemon, or mint can enhance the taste. Fermented hemp leaf tea is also gaining popularity for its enhanced digestibility and bioavailability.

Infused Butters and Oils

By simmering dried hemp leaves in butter or oil for an extended period, you can create a versatile infused fat. This can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods like cakes to savory dishes where it replaces conventional butter or oil.

Topical and Skincare Applications

Hemp leaves are a powerful ingredient in topical wellness and skincare products due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Skin Health: Hemp leaf extract, rich in antioxidants, helps combat free radical damage and oxidative stress, which contribute to skin aging.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory benefits of hemp leaf extract can help soothe inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis by working with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Moisturization: When incorporated into lotions and balms, hemp extract helps regulate oil production, providing moisturization without clogging pores.

Sustainable Industrial Uses

While the stalks and seeds are the primary components for industrial-scale products, hemp leaves are not wasted. For industrial hemp cultivation, the remaining biomass, including leaves, can be utilized in sustainable ways.

Compost and Mulch: The dried leaves can be used as nutritious compost or mulch, returning valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Animal Bedding and Feed: Hemp shives (the woody core of the stem) mixed with leaves can be used for animal bedding. In some regions, hemp leaves are also used as a component of animal feed.

Key Differences: Hemp Leaves vs. Marijuana Leaves

Both hemp and marijuana come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but they are bred differently for distinct purposes. This results in significant differences in their chemical makeup and legal status.


Feature	Hemp Leaves	Marijuana Leaves
THC Content	Legally defined as having less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.	Contains significantly higher concentrations of THC (>0.3%), the psychoactive compound.
Psychoactive Effects	Non-psychoactive; will not cause a "high" due to low THC levels.	Psychoactive; responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana.
Appearance	Found on taller, skinnier plants with narrower leaves, typically more concentrated at the top.	Found on shorter, bushier plants with broader leaves and denser, resinous flower clusters.
Cultivation	Often grown densely in fields to maximize stalk and seed yield.	Grown with more space to promote flowering and maximize cannabinoid production.

Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Natural Resource

From ancient civilizations to modern-day wellness, the uses of hemp leaves showcase the versatility of this remarkable plant. Whether brewed into a calming tea, integrated into nutritious recipes, or applied topically for skin health, hemp leaves offer a wide range of benefits without the psychoactive effects of its cannabis cousin. By using every part of the plant, including the leaves, we embrace a sustainable approach that minimizes waste and maximizes the potential of a truly incredible natural resource. Always be sure to source hemp products responsibly and check with a healthcare professional regarding potential interactions with medications, especially when consuming extracts.

For more information on the history and broader applications of hemp, see Hemp - Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hemp leaves contain less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound. This amount is not sufficient to produce a 'high' or intoxicating effect.

Yes, raw hemp leaves can be eaten and are a great source of nutrients, including CBDa, vitamins, and minerals. They are often added to salads and smoothies.

Both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but hemp leaves are from a strain containing less than 0.3% THC, whereas marijuana leaves are from high-THC strains. Hemp plants are also typically taller and skinnier.

To make hemp tea, steep dried hemp leaves or flower buds in boiling water. For better absorption of the fat-soluble cannabinoids, it is recommended to add a fat source like milk or coconut oil.

Hemp leaf extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation, regulate sebum production, and protect the skin from free-radical damage.

Yes, beyond culinary and wellness uses, the leftover leaves and biomass from industrial hemp cultivation can be used as compost, mulch, or even animal bedding.

Dried hemp leaves can still be potent, especially for tea. Proper drying preserves the compounds, though for stronger effects, the higher concentrations of cannabinoids in flowers are often preferred.