Effect of harvest date on combustion related fuel properties of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

► Major fuel properties are significantly improved if hemp is harvested in spring. ► Cultivar and location do not influence major fuel properties of hemp. ► Major fuel properties of hemp are similar to those of wood and willow. ► Hemp has major fuel properties superior to straw, miscanthus and reed canary grass. ► Large-scale combustion tests on hemp and blends of hemp are needed.