What Is Hemp?
Hemp is the fiber collected from the cannabis plant, more specifically the sativa species. People often confuse hemp with marijuana. Even though they both contain a compound called tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, the cannabis used to make hemp has lower traces of THC than marijuana. Hemp is originally from central Asia, and it was not until the mid-1600s when it made its way to North America. It grows best in temperate climates and requires at least 2.5 inches of water a month. Hemp production is legal in some states, but it depends on the law enforcers of your area and how they handle things associated with hemp. Hemp is so versatile. You can use it to make clothes, as a massage oil, as an alternative for certain foods, in lotions and so much more. Hemp is dominating so many industries at once. Its products are recyclable, biodegradable and just better for our planet in every way. Scientists are discovering more and more about the benefits of hemp in everyday life.
Is Hemp Legal?
Because hemp is a new, emerging industry it is up to the state to determine whether or not they choose to legalize hemp. During the 18th century, hemp was legal and farmed almost nationwide. In 1970, Congress passed an act called the Controlled Substance Act which banned the production of hemp and deemed it illegal. In 2014, the federal government allowed hemp to be used only for experimental purposes. Hemp became federally legal in 2018 as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Because of the legalization of hemp, a movement launched called the CBD movement. CBD is also known as cannabidiol and derived directly from the hemp plant. CBD is legal in all 50 states. Even though hemp is now legal, there are still a lot of rules and regulations that come with it. According to the Farm Bill, the state must obtain a license before they produce and distribute hemp products within the state.
Hemp vs Marijuana Plant
Both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis plant. One key difference between the two is hemp will not get the consumer high like marijuana can. Hemp is now legal in the majority of states in the US. Hemp was harvested mainly for its fibers and marijuana is used for medicinal purposes. Both plants contain THC but marijuana has a higher amount than hemp.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are the seeds of the cannabis plant, they are also known as hemp hearts. They can be consumed raw or roasted. The seeds offer many nutritious values like the ability to lower the risk of diabetes, help with digestive problems and is a great source of protein for those who prefer a plant based diet. Another use of the seeds is to use them to make the hemp seed oil that is in many consumer products.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp oil does not contain any THC. It is usually unrefined and is a greenish color. One way hemp oil can be used is to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and many others. Hemp seed oil can also replace common cooking oils if you are looking for a healthier option. Some studies show hemp oil can reverse the effects of aging, boost cardiovascular health and advance the immune system. Hemp oil is always confused with CBD oil. Marketers sometimes label their hemp oil products as CBD oil to encourage people to buy it. Be aware hemp oil and CBD oil are very different.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It comes from the hemp plant. Pure CBD does not make the consumer high, but there are a lot of benefits to using it.The most common use of the oil is as a symptom reliever. People report that CBD is a great migraine aid and helps them to relax easier. This oil could also be a treatment for insomnia and anxiety. It is up to the consumer to do their own research before buying CBD oil for the first time. It is a good idea to know exactly what you are looking to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. There are essentially three kinds of CBD oil. The first is one you would most likely in your local head shop, full spectrum CBD oil. This oil has all the compounds that are created from the hemp plant, like terpenes and cannabinoids. Broad spectrum CBD oil is oil that consists of those same cannabinoids and terpenes as full spectrum, but the THC compound is expunged. The last type is called CBD isolate which is oil that contains only the CBD compound.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil
Hemp oil and CBD oil are often confused with being the same thing. CBD oil comes from the resinous glands located in the leaf of the plant. It can be made from either the hemp plant or the cannabis plant. Hemp oil comes from hemp seeds as they are pressed. Hemp oil has no CBD compounds in it. It is much cheaper to make hemp oil than pure CBD oil. It is not much of a secret that marketers try to fool consumers into thinking they are purchasing CBD oil when really it is just hemp seed oil. To know if you are truly getting what you pay for, you will have to pay attention to the labels. Words or phrases like ‘’cannabis seed oil” or “Sativa seed oil” entails this product is a hemp oil. If you are wanting CBD oil, the ingredients list should include the words cannabinol or CBD. The benefits of hemp oil focuses more on nutritional value. Hemp oil is full of essential fatty acids, a great source of protein and contains key minerals like potassium, iron and calcium. Hemp oil can be used topically or ingested. Another popular method is to use the oil during cooking. CBD oil has a therapeutic approach to bettering your health. There are countless scientific studies that show CBD lessens the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Because CBD helps the body to relax, this can also be used as a treatment for insomnia. CBD oil is also effective in relieving pain and inflammation. CBD oil offers all the regular benefits of cannabis without the “high” caused by THC. Hemp oil is popular in areas that still have not fully legalized medicinal cannabis. CBD oil is a higher quality product and comes at a higher price point. It is perfect for anyone that does not have any legal restrictions for use, has done their research and knows exactly what they need. Hemp oil is perfect for anyone that is looking for a budget friendly way to begin a healthier lifestyle.
Hemp Wick and Other Hemp Products
Hemp wick is a cleaner alternative to butane lighters. Many cannabis connoisseurs will preach about how traditional lighters interfere with the flavor of the herb. Hemp wicks burn at a lower temperature than lighter, which allows for a smoother hit. They also eliminate the risk of over inhaling ash and dust. Hemp wick is sometimes heavily coated in beeswax. This helps the wick to burn at a slow pace. People like to keep hemp wicks wrapped around a lighter for easy access. Because the wick is covered in wax it can simply stick to the lighter and secure to itself. Aside from oil and wicks, hemp can be used to create just about anything that comes to mind. Hemp can be used to make beer, soap, milk, paper, diapers, fuel, ropes, and even lotion. Hemp clothing is booming in the fashion industry. This new trend is one of the major breakthroughs in green fashion. You find hemp clothing in any style of shirt, pant, shoe, skirt and accessory. Another hemp superstar would be hemp infused makeup. Makeup lovers are huge fans of this new type of product. Hemp makeup is vegan, cruelty free, natural and green. Hemp is also used in a lot of foods and drinks. There are hemp milk, hemp teas, hemp chips, hemp cereals, hemp protein shakes, hemp crackers, and the list continues. Hemp is everywhere and is used in everything.
Where To Buy Hemp Products?
Hemp can be described as the fiber that comes from the cannabis plant. It went from being legal to illegal and legal once more. As time passes, more and more people are finding ways to implement hemp into their everyday lives. Hemp can be in the form of an oil or in your clothes and beauty products. The hemp industry is growing rapidly. There are plenty of places where you can get hemp products. For hemp oil you can try your local grocery supercenter. There are many specialty brands that offer stylish clothing for both men and women. Local gas stations and smoke shops provide products like hemp wicks, hemp oil, even paper and wraps made of hemp. Hemp can be turned into anything you can think of. When in doubt just go online.
