Hemp harvesting on Rhine bank. Created by Lallemand, published on L'Illustration, Journal Universel, Paris, 1860 (Yes, we realize the irony of a blog post about American history featuring a drawing of France) Hemp refers to strains of the Cannabis sativa plant with 0.3% THC or less, but high quantities of CBD (Cannabidiol) and other Cannabinoids. Unlike strains of Cannabis with high levels of THC (Tetrahydracannabidol) known as Marijuana, Hemp has no psychoactive or intoxicating side effects. Actually, Hemp Has a Long History and Many Uses. The Hemp plant is the oldest known cultivated crop, with a fabric relic made from Hemp dating back to 8000bc. In the US during the colonial and early American eras, Americans were legally required to...
Have you have ever found yourself staring at label after label of CBD products wondering, “Which do I buy? What is this Full Spectrum? And what are these terpenes they say are added?” We answer the second question in a separate post, and as for the Terpenes? You have been consuming them for your entire life, you just didn’t know it. Terpenes Bring the Aroma and The Flavor. Terpenes are the main components of many plants responsible for their flavor and aroma. That distinctive citrus aroma in lemons is caused by the terpene Limonene and is the second most common terpene found in nature. The smell of rosemary that reminds you of a pine forest is due to the terpene...
As CBD is getting a lot of attention in products and marketing, it is easy to overlook the over 100 other cannabinoids in Hemp. Cannabis (both Hemp and Marijuana types) contains over 100 known Phytocannabinoids, including major ones like CBD and THC, and minor ones like CBG and CBN. Each have been found to function independently, but actually work best together. This is known as The Entourage Effect. Working Together Makes Things Easier on The Individual. A team shares responsibility for reaching the same goal, and in doing so, each member of the team doesn’t have to work as hard to be successful. Similarly, The Entourage Effect enables all the cannabinoids to each do their part in helping the functions...
The Cannabis plant (both Hemp and Marijuana) contains over 100 types of Phytocannabinoid molecules. The most well-known of these are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) that function differently in the human body. What is THC? THC is the molecule responsible for the psychoactive effect, or ‘high’, that Cannabis is known for. In strains classified as Marijuana, THC occurs in percentages around 16% on average. Strains classified as Hemp, however, have THC of 0.3% or less. The THC molecule targets CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system that regulate mood, appetite, perception, and other cognitive functions. As the human body naturally produces Cannabinoids already as part of the Endocannabinoid System (or ECS), THC molecules are not seen as invaders, but...
If you are unsure about what exactly the term ‘Hemp’ refers to, you are not alone. The term has recently been widely used in relation to CBD products where you may see the infamous green leaf in product logos. But this image continues to create a negative impression, confusion, and questions about where the ingredients are from. Do these products contain Marijuana? Will they get me high? Are they illegal? In short, the answers are no, no, and no. Allow us to explain. Hemp and Marijuana are Both Cannabis. Hemp and Marijuana are not one in the same, but they are related. Both names are referring to different varieties (or strains) of the Cannabis sativa plant. They are...
