Hemp is used for a wide variety of purposes including the manufacture of cordage of varying tensile strength, durable clothing and nutritional products. The best fibers can be used in 100% hemp products, but are commonly blended with other organic fibers such as flax, cotton or silk, for apparel and furnishings, most commonly at a 55%/45% hemp/cotton blend. The inner two fibers of hemp are woodier and are more often used in fabric labels and other industrial applications, such as mulch, animal bedding and litter. The oil from the fruits oxidizes to become solid on exposure to air, similar to linseed oil, and is sometimes used in the manufacture of oil-based paints, in creams as a moisturizing agent, for cooking, and in plastics.

Hemp seeds have been used in bird seed mix as well. A survey in 2003 showed that more than 95% of hemp seed sold in the EU was used for animal feed.Hempseed is also used as fishing bait. In modern times hemp is used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, construction, body products, and health food andfabric labels. Within the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has treated hemp as purely a non-food crop. Seed appears on the UK market as a legal food product, and cultivation licenses are available for this purpose. In North America, hemp seed food products are sold, typically in health food stores or through mail order.

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that "the market potential for hemp seed as a food ingredient is unknown. However, it probably will remain a small market, like those for sesame and poppy seeds." Since 2007 the commercial success of fabric labels has grown considerably. Hemp oil, like any food oil rich in essential fatty acids, will spontaneously oxidize and turn rancid within a short period of time if not stored properly; its shelf life is extended when stored in a dark airtight container and refrigerated.