Bast Fiber

Bast fiber refers to the strong, cellulose-rich fibers found in the phloem tissue of cannabis stalks, located between the outer epidermis and the woody core. These fibers have historically been extracted and processed for textiles, rope, paper, and composite materials in jurisdictions where hemp cultivation is legal. The quality and yield of bast fibers depend on plant genetics, growing conditions, and harvest timing. Breeders working in fiber-focused breeding programs typically select for tall, sturdy plant architecture with thick stalks and long internode spacing to maximize fiber content. Bast fiber production represents a non-cannabinoid agricultural application of cannabis genetics, distinct from flower or seed breeding priorities.

Breeders developing hemp cultivars for fiber production prioritize traits such as plant height, stalk diameter, lignin-to-cellulose ratios, and resistance to retting (microbial breakdown used in fiber extraction). Fiber lineages often require different selection pressures than high-CBD or high-CBG cultivars, creating specialized breeding populations with minimal cannabinoid expression.