CBD, CBD, and more CBD! The green rush has really taken America and the world by storm. CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabis can be either marijuana or hemp. CBD can be extracted from either species, but legally, only CBD from hemp can be used in wellness products of CBD for sale. Marijuana containers much higher levels of THC than hemp. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in cannabis that produces the feeling of being “high”. Legal hemp plants and hemp-extracted CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC.
What is hemp used for?
The CBD found in hemp has a wide variety of wellness uses that are becoming more and more popular each day. CBD flower for sale can even be purchased and smoked! Afflictions such as anxiety, pain, stress, inflammation, nausea, insomnia, and more can all be positively impacted with the use of hemp and/or CBD. Products can come in the form of a topical lotion/gel, tinctures, edibles, vapes, dermal patches, and even more innovative methods of delivery are coming out every day. In addition to all this wellness, did you know hemp has many, many more uses?
Ancient Hemp Uses
Hemp is relatively easy to grow in most climates, making it ideal for most anybody. There is some evidence that a 28th century B.C. Chinese emperor taught farmers to cultivate hemp. Hemp has also been described as “probably the earliest plant cultivated for textile fiber”. Hemp cloth has been discovered in the Iran/Iraq area from as far back as 10,000 years ago (8,000 B.C.). In 1801, the LT Governor of upper Canada distributed hemp seeds to farmers. They wanted to grow enough to supply Britain. Ancient humans used hemp for cloth, clothing, rope and paper, nutrition and wellness, and relief. So why did hemp’s reign end?
Politics and greed ruin the hemp industry
Propaganda and lobbying from the oil industry in America during the 1930’s started the restrictive nature of hemp laws that we still see today. These oil companies had a way to make textiles and plastics and the hemp industry was a major competitor. Large companies, such as Dupont, had the government pass a hemp-tax to make it less appealing. In 1938 it was banned altogether. Then in the 1970’s, hemp was once again in the crosshairs of the federal government. Hemp was classified as a schedule one drug along with marijuana and heroin. This was the final nail in the hemp coffin.
Hemp today (2019)
Is CBD legal in all 50 states? Last year, the Farm Bill (2018) finally made the cultivation of hemp and the extraction of CBD federally legal. Historically, hemp has “had over 25,000 diverse uses ranging from paints, printing inks, varnishes, paper, Government documents, bank notes, food, textiles (the original ‘Levi’s jeans were made from Hemp cloth) . . .” etc. Hemp seeds are high in essential fatty and amino acids. That is why you can find hemp seeds in smoothies and salad dressings as well as other foods. Pet food might even have a hemp seed or two! Plastic made from hemp is biodegradable, making it very attractive to environmentally conscious individuals and companies. Paper can also be made from hemp. The hemp plant only takes 120 days to mature as compared to a tree which takes years and years. So not only can hemp paper save the trees, it can save time as well. Hemp can even fuel your automobile! Biodiesel can be created from the oil of hemp seeds.
The Future of Hemp
The future seems bright for this incredibly versatile plant. New technologies, cheaper prices, and an increased demand all point to a hemp revolution. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!