Sustainable Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil Using Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) has emerged as a promising candidate for phytoremediation—an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for remediating soils contaminated with heavy metals. This review synthesizes recent findings on the uptake, accumulation, and translocation capacities of industrial hemp to toxic metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). Specific cultivars, including Carmagnola , Ferimon , and Z3 , exhibit notable tolerance and preferential sequestration of heavy metals in their root tissues, rendering them particularly suitable for phytostabilization. In select cases, effective metal translocation—especially for Zn and Cd—also supports the application of phytoextraction. The addition of soil conditioners, such as biochar and phosphate, has been shown to enhance both plant health and remediation efficiency. Moreover, hemp’s rapid growth, deep root system, and post-remediation biomass valorisation into industrially viable products contribute to a circular economy model. Against the backdrop of escalating soil pollution and climate change, this paper highlights the environmental significance and practical applications of Cannabis sativa L. as a multifunctional tool in green remediation technologies.