The crossword solution for the term SOAKS, AS HEMP is RETS. This is an acronym for Retting, which is a process used to separate the fibers of hemp or flax from the rest of the plant material. The process involves soaking the plant material in water for a period of time, allowing bacteria and fungi to break down the pectins that bind the fibers together. After the retting process is complete, the fibers can be separated from the rest of the plant material and used for various purposes.