Did you know?
There is so much information in the news, and on the internet about Hemp, and CBD oil. But, it is all so confusing, and there is so much misinformation on the subject, it is hard to get the real facts. The facts that can truly help people make an informed decision on the uses of Hemp and its benefits. I will try to NOT get too technical, and confusing. My goal is to educate and inform, and hopefully make it simple. So, let’s get started.
What is Hemp?
Hemp and marijuana are two popular names for the cannabis plant. Cannabis is one of the oldest domesticated crops. Throughout history, humans have grown different varieties of cannabis for industrial, medical, and recreational uses. Tall, sturdy plants were grown by early civilizations to make a variety of foods, oils and textiles, such as rope and fabrics. These plants were bred with other plants with the same characteristics, leading to the type of cannabis we now know as hemp. Other plants were recognized for being psychoactive and were bred selectively for medical and religious purposes. This led to unique varieties of cannabis that we now know as marijuana.
High News!
Cannabis plants contain more than 80 unique compounds called cannabinoids (chemical compounds providing vast health benefits), but THC is the most well-known. THC causes the marijuana high. While marijuana plants contain high levels of THC, hemp contains very little of the psychoactive chemical. This single difference is what most rely on to distinguish hemp from marijuana. THC content of hemp is at 0.3%. Any cannabis with higher THC levels is considered marijuana. Hemp and marijuana plants contain another important cannabinoids, including CBD. Hemp plants produce more CBD than THC, while marijuana produces more THC than CBD. Interestingly, research has shown that CBD acts to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, separating hemp further from marijuana.
Hemp News!
Hemp extract comes from the aerial parts of the plant – stems, leaves, flowers. It’s here that are found the beneficial Phyto (From plants) compounds called Phyto cannabinoids. We have talked about one Phyto cannabinoid in particular- CBD or cannabidiol. CBD and the 80 other Phyto cannabinoids integrate into an internal system called the Endocannabinoid System. The purpose of this network of receptors in the bodies of all mammals, is to keep them functioning and in good health. We actually have more endocannabinoid receptors throughout our body, than any other receptor. The endocannabinoids helps to keep everything in balance, but external toxins, poor diet, stress, and different lifestyle factors can affect how they work in the body.
Hemp Benefits
Opinions may differ but what can’t be ignored is the incredible healing power Hemp extracts possess and how versatile it is as a supplement and natural remedy. Among common hemp extract benefits, natural pain relief tops the list for many.
More benefits:
- reduce levels of stress and anxiety: social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- helps with the suppression of nausea and vomiting.
- reduced the incidence of diabetes, by helping maintain health blood sugar levels
- other beneficial effects included increased alertness, better mood and improved sleep, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant.
- stimulates genes and proteins that helps break down fat and increase mitochondria that helps burn calories.
- reduces artery blockage, and reduces stress induced cardiovascular response, and can reduce blood pressure. It may also reduce cholesterol.
- has a high potential for treating skin conditions like eczema by encouraging abnormal cell death. It can also help regulate the skin’s oil production, reducing acne.
The Importance of the Extraction Process
The supercritical CO2 extraction method is the safest, and most efficient method of Hemp extraction; however, it is also the most expensive. CO2 extraction is being used for a variety of industries including coffee and vanilla extract. There are many ways to extract oil from the cannabis plant, each has its pros and cons. Some methods are safer and more effective than others. Cannabis oil made with neurotoxic solvents like butane and hexane leave unsafe residues that can cross the blood brain barrier further exasperating the reason you are taking the hemp and can also compromise immune function and impede healing. Buying a quality Hemp extract without the solvents or unhealthy preservatives, is as important as the growing conditions of hemp oil. Hemp oil compounds have a lot to offer. But you have to be careful which kind you choose. The best hemp oil provides a full entourage of compounds from the stalk, because a complete spectrum works together more strongly than any one single compound can on its own.
The best growing conditions of hemp oil are European, non-GMO hemp from specially cultivated plants that are carefully tended are going to deliver the results you’re looking for. There really is a bright future for hemp oil. Hemp is an incredibly powerful natural medicine for almost every health condition.
We hope we have helped to educate you on this great plant, Hemp. Please remember, we are here to try and help you navigate your way through your health journey. If you have any more questions, come by and see us, or make an appointment, and continue to …
“LET US BE YOUR DOORWAY TO HEALTH”.
