The marijuana industry has come a very long way in just a couple of short decades. What nearly half a century ago was one of the most condemned substances out there is now enjoyed by people all over the world. The cultural shift from associating cannabis use with specific members of society to widespread consummation by anyone looking to indulge in it is unprecedented.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t always like that. Up until very recently the stigma surrounding marijuana was huge and people using it for both recreational and health reasons had to be careful not to get fined at best, and arrested at worst. The criminalization of this plant was also hard on those who grew it either for commercial or scientific purposes which made understanding its benefits even more difficult.
Thankfully, things started to change and now we have ample opportunities to research the advantages of using cannabis. Scientists are now able to investigate the properties of the plant and crossbreed different strains for a variety of purposes. What was once a crude but accurate description of a “weed” growing unregulated, is now a sophisticated industry focused on delivering the best products like genetically modified crops, fruits, and vegetables.
It is this exact scientific progress that has made it possible to carefully adjust the ratio of different compounds in diverse marijuana strains. Namely, the two biggest and most important compounds in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, and cannabidiol, also known as CBD.
The former is the substance responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana, while the latter mostly produces the physical effects of the plant such as relaxation and hunger. Read more about the difference here.
The Legality Issue
But why is this distinction important? Well, calibrating the amounts of CBD and THC in different strains is not only so consumers could make the informed decision which kind of cannabis experience they would like to have. The quantity of either compound is vital in determining the legality of the product being sold in states where marijuana hasn’t been fully legalized yet. Yes, you read that right, the percentage of one of these molecules is enough to decide if weed is legal or not.
If you live in a state that hasn’t legalized cannabis yet you might be wondering now which one is which. No worries, we will clear it up for you right away! As we already mentioned, THC is the compound that affects the psychological state of the person, most often causing incontrollable laughter, euphoria and feeling of time slowing down. On the other hand, CBD gives people the so-called “body high” and merely makes them relaxed, drowsy and increases their appetite.
The federal government made a decision that while the effects of CBD do not pose a danger to the user or others around them, the high THC gives might make users unreliable. As of 2018, products high in CBD have been legalized on a federal level, while those high in THC remain to be determined on a state-by-state basis.
In addition to this, strains of the cannabis plant with less than 0.3 percent of THC are referred to as hemp, as opposed to marijuana, which is usually associated with strains above that threshold. You can see more about the legality issue and the difference on this link: https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana.
Benefits of Hemp
Wherever you are in the country, you are legally safe to use hemp and its derivatives. Which is lucky as this specially cultivated plant carries a lot of health advantages that improve our daily lives! It’s no wonder so many ancient civilizations used it as part of their natural remedies.
Namely, through hemp you can get your daily dose of vitamin E, an antioxidant preventing cell damage in your body. Consistent use of vitamin E in the diet has been found to lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This compound also improves your immune system, and seems to reduce period pains and PMS symptoms in women. A good blend that could help you next time with your “time of the month” is Cheef Botanicals Skywalker OG CBD, among other options.
This super versatile plant is an amazing source for fiber as well! The high concentrations of both soluble and insoluble fiber make it the ideal choice for improving indigestion and the bacterial microflora in your stomach. In the long run, this leads to healthy intestines and prevents uncomfortable but very common conditions such as hemorrhoids, ulcers and constipation.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, marijuana’s less “naughty” sister is also rich with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In case you didn’t know, these two compounds help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running smoothly. Hemp makes sure your arteries are “clean” by lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as your blood pressure.
Last, but not least, one of hemp’s numerous health benefits is its richness in plant-based protein. That’s right! If you have been thinking on going on a vegan or plant-based diet, be it for medical or environmental reasons, this commonly accessible plant is the perfect substitute for meat. In fact, some studies show that hemp seeds are better digested by our stomach than any other plant-based alternative! It’s truly a no-brainer.
A Quick Summary
All in all, it really seems like there is nothing hemp can’t do! Whether you are looking for a way to relax and substitute for your after-work beer, or for a healthy addition to your food plan – hemp is the thing for you!
