Maren Krings’ debut book, H is for Hemp is a firsthand account of the world’s applications of the plant. The German environmental photographer was living out of her car in the late 2010s, trying to reduce her ecological footprint, when she began a four-year mission toward canna-consciousness. Taking advantage of her time on the road, Krings launched into an extensive investigation to find where and how hemp is being used today. Starting in Italy, she then ventured to 26 countries, including Russia and Turkey, and spoke with over eighty hemp-industry experts. Maren Krings had photographed over 200 hemp-related projects across the world by 2019 while keeping a personal diary.

Maren was a speaker at our CND 66 side event in March 2023.

It’s a book

It’s a diary

It’s an encyclopedia

It’s a dictionary… Oh no wait! If Jack Herer’s book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” is the Bible then “H is for Hemp” is the New Testament. It highlights the good, bad, and ugly of the hemp industry and the folks who tell its stories and struggles. I could not put it down. A true page turner–I couldn’t wait to finish one page to turn to the next one, in anticipation of what new insight or revelation it would offer–and boy! Are there insights?! If you are a hemp advocate, activist, manufacturer, grower, entrepreneur… and aren’t sure of the challenges that is waiting for you, it’s in there; If you are looking for inspiration, it’s in there; if you are lacking vision, it’s in there; if you want answers on what you should tackle first on your journey to join or advance this revolution, it’s in there. Maren offers everyone a piece of the puzzle or a platform to stand on from which we (the reader) could spring forward. And if you lack imagination, read this Testament. As for me, “H is for Hemp” revitalized my passion to forge ahead and continue to incorporate hemp solutions to solve Hayti’s challenges, and so for now, my path is clear. Knowing that “H is for Hemp” and its research spanned 4 continents and over 26 countries is exhilarating in that it captures the experience of the writer on her journey and makes you feel as if you were with her riding in Mr Tizzl through Italy, Austria, Mongolia, France, etc. The storytelling is natural, suspenseful, and unpretentious leaving you with your own interpretation. Nothing gives homage to a work of art then when that work leaves an impression of increase. Everyone will undoubtedly walk away with more use value than the cash value used to obtain this masterpiece. Bravo!

This book has provided far more than any other book I’ve read, and I think is more valuable than any university textbook I’ve had. It’s organized in a way that’s more like a university textbook I’ve had. It’s organized in a way that’s more like an encyclopedia, easily navigable and informative. The storytelling is natural, suspenseful, and unpretentious leaving you with your own interpretation.

Review by
JEREMY HALE, SCHOLAR PRACTITIONER,
X PRIZE CARBON REMOVAL ACADEMIC LEAD,
SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT,
LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS, NY, USA

Buy your copy now! Marenkrings.com