CBD Knowledge: What Is Hemp?

Cannabis plants, including hemp, contain cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid compound that causes the euphoric sensation amongst its consumers. CBD does not produce psychogenic effects. CBD products are generally made from hemp and not marijuana.

Following are the details of hemp and marijuana plants; let’s have a look!

Hemp seems to be everywhere these days. People frequently search for the term ‘hemp CBD’ with an increase in CBD products’ consumption. But do you actually know what hemp is?

Hemp is a member of the cannabis family, which doesn’t have enough THC to be used ‘recreationally.’ Hemp is currently used for extracting CBD to produce supplements. Hemp consists of a sufficient amount of CBD, but its users have never experienced a ‘high’ as CBD is really low in the psychoactive properties.

CBD is quite different than THC because it doesn’t cause the psychoactive high that THC does. It is present in cannabis plants, including hemp – but hemp only has low quantities. The federal law defines industrial hemp as cannabis plants having less than 0.3% THC. That THC level is not nearly enough to cause a high.

Contrary to hemp, marijuana contains larger levels of THC, more than 30% THC, making this plant more potent for creating the high associated with marijuana use.

The THC concentration in marijuana is certainly enough to cause a high, so it is often used recreationally. It is also used for several medicinal purposes in different states where its consumption is legal.

There are many species of marijuana, such as indica, sativa and ruderalis varieties. Each strain of marijuana has its own effects. These are commonly referred to as indica-dominant, sativa-dominant or ruderalis dominant. On the other hand, hemp is always Cannabis sativa, while marijuana has much greater variation. There are about 800 marijuana strains, but hemp is only ever Cannabis sativa.

Although both hemp oil and hemp seed oil are derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, these are two very different oil products. Hemp seed oil is made only from hemp seeds and not the rest of the plant. Apart from having fatty acids, hemp oil also consists of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. This oil can be consumed orally as well as by applying to the skin. These seeds don’t contain any cannabinoids, so hemp seed oil has no CBD.

Hemp oil, or CBD oil, is made through extraction of the arial parts of the plant (flower, leaves and stems) and is rich in cannabinoids. CBD oil is used to create a multitude of products for those seeking the health benefits of CBD.

One study was carried out in 2014, which shows that non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (hemp oil) is a potent and universal anti-acne treatment. Though the study did state that more research needs to be done on this area.

A study was conducted in 2015, which states that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis. It also suggests that these fatty acids should be combined with UVB phototherapy, topical vitamin D, and oral retinoids.

As mentioned earlier that the hemp oil is a comprehensive nutrient profile, it may be healthy for one’s heart. It is good to remember that most of these studies have been based on animal models, not on people.

A study was published in the journal of Nutrition & Metabolism, which highlights the nutrient profile of hemp seeds. The research suggested that hemp seed oil may be able to help with heart health.

A 2014 study indicates that high level of alpha-linolenic acid, one of the fatty acids in hemp oil, lowers the risk of heart issues. It is also known as linolenic acid and is also found in flaxseed oil and fish oils.

As the hemp oil is rich with fatty acids, it may improve the brain’s health. Brains require fatty acids to function properly. Hemp oil also contains some other healthy compounds that may protect the brain.

During a mice study, scientists noticed that a hemp seed extract consisting of these compounds helped protect the brain against inflammation. The initial results were very promising, but researchers need to conduct more studies in humans to confirm the advantages of hemp oil.

Hemp oil and other hemp products are federally legal in the United States, but that doesn’t mean that it’s legal in every state. People buying the hemp oil must check their state’s law before making any purchase. Also, hemp that contains more than 0.3% of THC is considered marijuana, which is illegal to consume in most states.

The consumption of hemp oil is considered safe by the scientists. However, some minor side effects have been noticed in rare cases, such as low appetite, dizziness, fatigue, and diarrhea.

In order to avoid these side effects you need to make sure that you don’t take too much hemp oil. Unfortunately, there isn’t a set rule for how to take the right amount of hemp oil. You will need to experiment a little. Start with a minimal amount of hemp oil and wait to see how it affects you. Then, if it doesn’t give you any bad side effects, then you can try increasing the amount.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before you start using hemp. There are some medications that don’t work well with the cannabinoids in hemp. So, talking to your doctor will help make sure that you are fully informed.