When you think of hemp, what comes to mind? Obviously marijuana, but hemp expands into so much more beyond the smoking variety – from textiles to cordage, hemp material is a well-known resource that stretches far past cannabis consumption. So what is hemp and why should you know more about it? Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why hemp is so magical and how you should incorporate it into your life besides just getting high.
What is hemp exactly?
Also known as industrial hemp, it is the non-intoxicating part of the Cannabis sativa plant that is separate from the marijuana compound found in cannabis plants. Hemp is grown specifically to be used for industrial purposes as mentioned above. Hemp does not produce a psychoactive effect and in fact contains higher levels of cannabidiol, or CBD.
Hemp seed oil contains high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids along with other nutritious antioxidants to help with the immune system and improve many skin conditions. Hemp seed oil is also said to help with precautionary routines for reducing the risks of cancer and cardiovascular issues along with anti-aging effects.
Is hemp the same as CBD?
CBD products are not to be confused with hemp products as they are used for very different purposes although both do not contain THC. While CBD derives from leaves, flowers and stalks of the cannabis plant, hemp is derived from the seed and fibers of the plant. CBD is mostly used for anxiety and induce calming effects or counteract THC levels, while hemp can be used for gestational or topical purposes for skin conditions.
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana, although both coming from cannabis plants, are completely different. Hemp is referred to the wide varieties of cannabis found in the plant that contains less than 0.3% THC content. Marijuana comes from the flower of cannabis plants and contains the THC content needed to produce a psychoactive effect.
What is hemp used for?
Hemp is the strongest natural fibers and most eco-friendly materials in the world and has thousands of uses that can be incorporated into products we consume daily. Hemp can be used in fabrics, foods, beauty products and other nutraceuticals beneficial to you and the environment.
The fibers and stalks in hemp can be used to make clothing, paper, biofuel, and more. Hemp is a popular sustainable material and is a lot more eco-friendly than most traditional crops. As help does not require much water to grow compared to other crops, as hemp grows it breathes in carbon dioxide and prevents soil erosion and adds valuable nutrients to the soil and is ready for harvest.
Why is hemp banned?
Dating back to the 1930’s, all cannabis varieties were put under regulation and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 where all forms of cannabis became a Schedule I drug thus making it illegal to grow in the United States. Because of how long the prohibition of cannabis, many forget the many uses for cannabis far beyond the act of smoking and getting high.
Hemp products to buy
If you’re looking to add more cannabis into your life and also buy more sustainable products, hemp is the best way to go! Hemp is an excellent alternative to other fabrics that become wasteful and do not compare in quality, and there have been many arguments about why the fashion industry needs to turn on to hemp. With a natural growth process of resisting insects, growing rapidly like the weed it is and cultivating a plentiful crop, hemp has always been one of the best materials to resource and needs to be recognized for its wide variety of uses.
Besides clothing, there are smoking products that are a healthier alternative to lighters and papers. Try the Bee Line Organic Hemp Wick that gives a natural and high-quality flame while burning less carbon emissions and giving more of an authentic and cleaner smoking experience. Pair that with the High Hemp Organic Wraps that are an all natural and smooth alternative to the harsh blunt wraps you’re used to.
If you are looking to use more hemp-based products in your life, here is a list of general items to think about the next time you are shopping online for hemp products:
- Textiles – clothing, diapers, bags
- Industrial – canvas, rope, printing inks, oil paints
- Paper packaging
- Foods – hemp seed oil, protein powder, supplements
- Beauty products – hair care, lotions, cosmetics, soaps
The next time you are at the store or shopping online, be sure to check what hemp materials are best for you to add to your daily routine. There are so many products that will help you live more sustainably and feel better overall when it comes to your well-being. Hemp is a valuable resource that should be considered and luckily there are a lot of products and hemp materials available today to live a healthier and eco-friendly lifestyle. Best of luck on your cannabis journey, we think you will have an exHEMPlary experience!