Cannabis-themed Maze Unveiled in Saxony Switzerland
In the picturesque village of Krietzschwitz, nestled among the rolling hills of Saxony, a unique attraction has made its debut. The Struppen Agricultural Cooperative, spanning 1600 hectares, has created Saxony's first hemp-corn maze.
The maze, a labyrinthine wonder spread over 2500 square meters, is a delightful blend of agriculture and entertainment. Visitors can navigate their way through the intricate paths, culminating in a large jumping castle made of hay bales.
Ines Senger, a board member of the Struppen Agricultural Cooperative, is the mastermind behind this innovative maze. Besides keeping dairy and fattening cattle, Ines has also planted industrial hemp for the maze. This versatile crop, known for its wide range of commercial and industrial uses, seamlessly transitions into a cornfield maze.
Industrial hemp, despite its association with cannabis, is a valuable and eco-friendly crop. It is used to produce rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food products, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. Hemp oil derived from seeds is used in paints, creams, cooking, and plastics. In sustainable construction, hemp serves as hemp fiber boards, thermal and acoustic insulation, hempcrete, and hemp wood alternatives.
The hemp maze in Krietzschwitz is not just a fun attraction; it also serves a practical purpose. The hemp grown for the maze may be fed to the cows as no other buyer for such a small area has been found. After the maze is harvested, the corn will be used for silage for the cows.
As you wander through the maze, you'll encounter signs with questions about agriculture and the region at the crossroads. Topics range from a cow's stomach to the price farmers receive for baked goods. The maze is open daily until mid-September, and entry costs 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children.
The Roth family, locals from the area, find the hemp-corn maze "totally cool." They are not alone in their appreciation. This innovative attraction is a testament to the versatility and potential of industrial hemp and a fun way to learn about agriculture in Saxony.
[1] "Industrial Hemp: Uses, Benefits, and Applications." Global Hemp Group, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.globalhempgroupinc.com/industrial-hemp-uses-benefits-applications/
[2] "Hemp for Environmental Benefits." Hemp Industries Association, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://thehia.org/hemp-for-environmental-benefits/
[3] "Hemp Seeds: Nutritional Value, Uses, and Health Benefits." Healthline, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hemp-seeds-benefits
- Embracing both learning and outdoor-living, visitors of the hemp-corn maze in Krietzschwitz find themselves navigating the labyrinthine paths while gaining insights about agriculture and lifestyle in Saxony.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts would appreciate the versatility of industrial hemp, as the crop employed in the maze also serves as nourishment for the cows with its byproducts later used for silage, all while showcasing the unique charm of Krietzschwitz.
