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In the United States, we're in the middle of a cannabis revolution. Our nation is slowly waking up to the truth that cannabis, what was once dubiously considered a dangerous psychoactive substance, is not only safe but extremely versatile in its medical benefits. This has been reflected in the sales of legal cannabis products, which is expected to grow from $6.6 billion in 2016 to $24.1 billion in 2025. But even with the recent acknowledgment of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in the medical literature, there is still a lot of confusion. It's important to clear up the murkiness surrounding cannabis products and their legality first. Then we can all focus on the benefits of hemp oil as well as the ins and outs of buying and taking it. The ins and outs of cannabis and hemp. Cannabis has been around for thousands of years and is believed to have originated in South or Central Asia. The two main species of cannabis are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Both Cannabis sativa and indica contain varying amounts of psychoactive and nonpsychoactive components. Cannabis sativa is more commonly known for its stimulatory, mental effects while Cannabis indica is more known for its relaxing, body-calming effects. Over the past few decades, most strains have been bred to increase the amount of the main psychoactive component, (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, within the past decade, researchers have become increasingly interested in the medical benefits of another compound found in both plants, known as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant but is reputed to help with a myriad of medical conditions. It's important to know that although THC and CBD are the most studied components of cannabis, there are many more chemical compounds found within the plant, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), terpenes, and flavonoids. While there is still much to learn about these other chemicals, researchers in Israel have discovered that whole-plant cannabis extracts that contain these other chemicals are more beneficial than isolated extracts that contain just CBD or THC. Different types of hemp oil. Distinguishing cannabis and hemp can be confusing, so let's make it simple. There are many varietals of Cannabis sativa, all of which have different amounts of THC and CBD. Cannabis sativa varietals that have more than 0.3 percent THC are commonly referred to as marijuana. Hemp is any varietal of Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3 percent THC. That's right, Cannabis sativa and hemp are the same species! The only difference between the two is that to be designated as hemp, a Cannabis sativa plant must be comprised of less than 0.3 percent THC. So what's the difference between hemp oil, hemp seed oil, CBD oil, and cannabis oil? 1. Hemp oil. This product has been extracted from the stalk of a hemp plant, mainly for its CBD content. Legally, it must have less than 0.3 percent THC. 2. Hemp seed oil. This is oil that has been extracted from hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil contains little to no THC or CBD and is instead extracted for its healthy fatty acid profile. 3. CBD oil. In states where cannabis is legal, CBD oil can be made from Cannabis sativa or hemp and is made from the whole plant, including the flowering portion. In states where cannabis is illegal, CBD oil must be made from hemp, which means the stalks of the hemp plant. 4. Cannabis oil. This oil is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that can contain both CBD and THC in varying concentrations. The clear drawback of cannabis oil is that it cannot be purchased outside of a state that has not legalized the sale of cannabis. Cannabis oil can also contain higher amounts of THC, which could be problematic for those not looking for the psychoactive effects of cannabis oil. Hemp oil benefits. When talking about the benefits of hemp oil, what we are mostly really referring to are the benefits of the CBD within the hemp oil. While there is still a need for higher-quality studies regarding the benefits of CBD oil, the available research and clinical evidence are compelling: 1. Hemp oil for epilepsy. The CBD in hemp oil has been used by patients with recalcitrant epilepsy for decades. A recent retrospective study out of Israel showed significant decreases in seizure activity with the use of CBD-enriched medical cannabis. In this study, 52 percent of patients had a greater than 50 percent reduction in seizure activity. 2. Hemp oil for anxiety. CBD oil has been shown to decrease activity in the limbic part of the human brain, which is responsible for our "fight-or-flight" response. A study in 2011 found that CBD oil significantly reduced anxiety and cognitive impairment compared to placebo. 3. Hemp oil for pain. There are some animal studies that show improved markers for pain and inflammation with the use of topical hemp oil. However, most of the current data studying the benefits of cannabinoids for pain show the combination of CBD with THC to be the most effective for pain. 4. Hemp oil for Alzheimer's disease. A small study on mice in 2014 showed that CBD oil prevented the development of social recognition deficit, which is a common occurrence in Alzheimer's disease. But more research is needed to validate these findings in humans! CBD is also a potent antioxidant, which means it protects your body from free radical damage, and is thought to exhibit anti-depressant, anti-nausea, gut-protective, and immune-system-balancing effects. But again, more research needs to be done in all these areas. How to choose a hemp oil product. When deciding which hemp oil to use, these are the criteria you should look out for: The hemp plants should be 100 percent organically grown to minimize exposure to pesticides. The hemp oil should be extracted using CO2, ethanol, or olive oil. If opting for olive oil, make sure you store in a dark, cool place to prevent rancidity. Ask for a third-party certificate of analysis. This paperwork will show the chemical composition of the hemp oil and also show if there are any unwanted contaminants such as toxic heavy metals. If choosing to use a vape pen, check to make sure propylene glycol is not used as a thinning agent. This chemical, when heated, can create formaldehyde, which has carcinogenic properties. How to dose hemp oil. Here are a few guidelines when trying to determine the optimal dose of hemp oil to use: 1. Remember that everyone is different. Each person has a different genetic and biochemical makeup. This means people will respond to different doses of CBD, so you will have to test to see which doses are best for you. 2. Start low and go slow. Start at a lower dose of hemp oil and increase slowly to achieve the desired effect. Remember that if you choose an oral product, it can take 30 to 90 minutes to notice any benefit. 3. Take a few small doses over the course of a day. Spacing out your doses—rather than one large dose once a day—can help you maintain adequate blood levels. 4. Know that more is not always better. Sometimes smaller doses can have a more substantial effect than larger doses. Remember that you are genetically and biochemically distinct from everyone else and need to discover the best dosage for you. 5. Check with your health care provider. This is especially relevant if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. At higher levels, CBD has been shown to interact with common medications. Hemp oil side effects. Though very rare, some people report side effects when using hemp oil. These side effects include low blood pressure, dry mouth, slowed thoughts, lightheadedness, and sedation. Animal studies have not found any toxicity issues with using CBD. In fact, a study in 2006 found that "the available clinical data suggest that CBD can be safely administered over a wide dose range." As always, because there aren't long-term safety studies, you should always check with your health care provider before starting hemp oil. The legality of hemp and cannabis. Cannabis sales have been illegal since the 1970 Controlled Substances Act was passed, with the only exceptions being the products made from the "mature stalk" and "sterilized seed" of the hemp plant, which could still be sold since they contained little to no psychoactive components. Even today, federal law has not changed its stance on cannabis. On the state level, however, things have changed dramatically. As of this writing, there are 30 states that have legalized the sale of cannabis in some form, whether that be medicinally or recreationally. Because federal law continues to outlaw the production and sales of cannabis aside from the CBD oil and hemp seed oil from hemp plants, it is illegal for states that have legalized cannabis to sell products across state borders. Article continues below What's in hemp oil. As detailed previously, hemp oil in the United States refers to the oil extracted from the stalk of the hemp plant. The extraction process involves using a solvent to extract the oil from the hemp stalk. There are numerous solvents used commercially, all of which have benefits and drawbacks. Hemp oil extraction methods: 1. CO2 extraction. In this extraction method, the hemp is exposed to high-pressure, low-temperature CO2 gas, which helps isolate and preserve the cannabinoids in the oil. The drawbacks include slow extraction time and high production costs, meaning that these products will be on the more expensive end. Article continues below 2. Ethanol extraction. Ethanol extraction is safe and nontoxic in small amounts. The main drawback is that ethanol-extraction destroys the plant waxes, which some claim have health benefits. 3. Olive oil extraction. Olive oil is safe and cost-effective. It's two main drawbacks are that they are not able to be made into a concentrate and that the oils can turn rancid, meaning they need to be stored in a dark, cold environment. 4. Butane or hexane extraction. These solvents do a great job of extracting the cannabinoids from hemp, but some remain after the extraction process and are potentially harmful to your lungs. Article continues below Hemp oil safety. Because it takes a significantly larger amount of hemp stalks to produce hemp oil, there is an increased risk of contamination of toxins contained within the plant. This is a result of hemp's strong bio-accumulator properties, where it pulls toxins from the soil it grows in. Many hemp oils are also known to lack the full spectrum of terpenes and other cannabinoids that are believed to act synergistically with the CBD, meaning that consumers receive less of a benefit. That being said, there are some brands that test rigorously to make sure that the CBD content, as well as the terpenes and other cannabinoids, are up to par. It's a good sign if they offer to provide a certificate of analysis, which will tell you what kind of compounds are in the hemp oil and in what concentrations Hemp oil uses. Hemp oil can be found in many different delivery forms. Hemp oil can be consumed orally, applied topically or sublingually, or smoked via vaporization. Vaporization and sublingual application of hemp oil allows for a fast onset-of-action of the CBD, whereas pills and edible products can take 30 to 90 minutes on average to take effect. Topical hemp oil can be applied directly to areas of pain or inflammation, though it can also be absorbed into the systemic circulation. Hemp oil or hempseed oil is obtained by pressing hemp seeds. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color, with a nutty flavour. The darker the color, the grassier the flavour. It should not be confused with hash oil, a tetrahydrocannabinol-containing oil made from the Cannabis flower, hailed by some[1] for its medicinal qualities. 8 Hemp Oil Benefits Hemp seed oil is a great source of high-quality nutrients and has a long history of use in Eastern culture as a multi-purpose natural remedy. Despite its widespread popularity, prejudice related to its association with cannabis has kept it from common use in the West. While the oil contains virtually no THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis, hemp oil is still considered sketchy to some. Thankfully, education is prevailing and the market for hemp seed oil is growing in the United States, with an increasing number of people seeking it out for its reported health benefits. Supports Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails Hemp seed oil is often used as a moisturizer for the skin, and for good reason. Studies have indicated that hemp seed oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness to alleviate itching and irritation. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against the aging process while soothing the skin. Healing Hemp oil contains some of the same terpenes as dried cannabis bud. Terpenes are the aroma molecules found in plants. Beta-caryophyllene (pepper) and myrcene (musk) are both been found in hemp oil. According to recent research, beta-caryophyllene acts as a cannabinoid in the body. It engages some of the same cell sites as smoked cannabis. In particular, the terpene interacts with cell receptors that regulate the immune system. Myrcene has been found to have antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also acts as an antioxidant and helps molecules move across cell membranes. The combination of essential fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and healing terpenes make hemp oil one powerful superfood. Excellent Nutrition for Your Brain Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), that are required for brain development. DHA is crucial to the health of the brain as well as the retina of the eye, particularly in the first year of life. Mothers who supplement with hempseed oil during pregnancy may provide brain- and eye-protective benefits for the developing baby. Good for Heart Health Hemp seed oil has a 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, a balance that has been shown to support heart health and promote proper cardiovascular function. These nutrients play a role in many biological processes and may help prevent a number of degenerative diseases. Balanced Hormones Hemp is a rich source of gamma-linolic acid (GLA), an omega 6 fatty acid. Studies have shown that GLA is useful in helping the body balance hormones. For women, supplementing with GLA can help ease premenstrual syndrome. They may also reduce cramping and pain during menstruation. Mercury-Free Fatty Acid Supplement Taking a fish oil supplement can be a helpful way to increase omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, a nutrient that is essential for brain development, immune system health, and mood regulation. Expectant mothers certainly want to include these nutrients in their diet; however, fish contains a great deal of mercury which can hinder neurological and developmental mechanisms in the unborn baby. Fortunately, hemp seed oil works as a terrific alternative to traditional omega-3 fatty acid supplements and doesn’t carry the same risk of mercury ingestion. Supports the Immune System The essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil have been shown to promote healthy flora in the intestines and support immune system response and function. [10] This can be very helpful during the cold and flu season when viruses are running rampant at school, work, and in everyday social interactions. Improves Mood Yet another benefit of essential fatty acids is mood health. Several studies have shown that Omega 3 supplementation can improve symptoms in bipolar disorder. Others have found improvements in. This could be because essential fatty acids are critical to maintaining brain function. Endocannabinoids are also essential for mood. The endocannabinoid system regulates the release of neurotransmitters, some of which play major roles in conditions like depression and anxiety. As mentioned previously, endocannabinoids are made from fat. Consuming extra essential fatty acids gives your body the ability to produce these lipids. he term “Cannabis” is often used to collectively refer to the psychoactive drug preparation that alters cognition. The colloquial term Cannabis came from the scientific name, Cannabis Sativa, of the plant. In essence, “Hemp” is Cannabis Sativa. But when you don’t call “hemp” a “Cannabis!” Hemp is a food grade and industrial grade strain of the plant that does not give psychoactive stimulation. To cut it short, cannabis is an illegal drug (medicinal grade cannabis is legal in some states and countries), while hemp is the good legal stuff meant to be consumed as food and for other industrial purposes. Now that we got that sorted out, we can move on and dig deeper on what hemp oil is and what it can do for the body. Hemp Oil Nutritional Value Production of hemp oil undergoes a meticulous process of washing to remove the cannabinoids, especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that causes cognitive alteration. After the long preparation, the seed is ready for consumption or pressing. Now, to yield hemp oil, the seed needs to be pressed. Pressing hemp seed will extract its greenish oil that is packed with high nutritional values. Each gram of hemp oil contains about 9 calories. Every 100ml of hemp seed oil contains 80% essential fatty acids. These can be broken down to the following: 55-59ml Omega 6 Fatty Acid 22-24ml Omega 3 Fatty Acid The human body is capable of synthesizing fatty acids from the food we eat. However, we cannot manufacture our own Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids which makes them an essential part of our diet. Benefits of Hemp Oil Consuming hempseed oil can give many benefits to the body. This oil is one of the most balanced oils that can be extracted from all the known plant species in the plant kingdom. Here are some of the health benefits you can get from consuming hemp seed oil and making it a part of your diet: Lowers cholesterol Uniquely, hempseed oil has the perfect ratio of Omega 6 fatty acid to Omega 3 fatty acid. The golden number required for our daily consumption of these fatty acids is 3:1. This ratio perfectly provides 1 part of saturated fats to 3 parts of unsaturated fats. High levels of saturated fats are directly linked to high cholesterols. Sticking with oils with low saturated fat contents will bring your cholesterol down. Brings out beautiful skin The essential acid that is responsible for lowering cholesterol can also give you a better skin condition. Lack of Omega 6 fatty acid in your diet can lead to skin dryness and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. By ingesting the optimal amount of Omega 6, you restore the balance of your skin health. Also, hemp oil contains potent amounts of vitamin E that contribute to the health of the skin. Balances hormones Gamma-linolic acid (GLA) is the type of Omega 6 present in hemp oil. This fatty acid plays a key role in balancing and correcting levels of hormones in the body. Women, especially, benefit from this because it helps regulate the menstrual cycle and help manage pre-menstrual syndrome that accompanies the cycle. Essentially, menstrual cramps can be reduced or even eliminated. Complete vegetarian alternative The unique ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids of this oil is a perfectly balanced source of unsaturated and saturated fats that the human body needs. This is a great alternative for vegetarians who do not consume animal fat to supplement their essential fatty acid needs. Gives the immune system a boost These essential fatty acids are also known to provide a great environment for the stomach flora to reach and maintain its optimal level. This optimizes the population of the good bacteria in the stomach to ensure that you can readily and easily fight off infections. Boosts nervous system function Omega 6 and omega three also play a great role in the nervous system. These fatty acids help prevent demyelination (thinning and destruction of myelin sheath) of the neurons that may lead to degenerative conditions of the nervous system such as dementia. Improves heart health Balancing your fatty acid intake essentially reduces the amount of cholesterol circulating in your arteries and veins. This keeps your heart and circulatory system in check and makes sure that you delay the onset of “atherosclerosis” (thickening of the arterial walls) for decades. Decrease arthritis pain Omega 6 and Omega 3 are known to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and pain in the body. People experiencing arthritis can supplement with hemp oil to help manage the inflammation and pain that it brings. Incorporating Hemp Oil in Your Diet To reap all the health benefits hemp oil can give, you must include it in your diet! It can be a little difficult to consume it in large amounts since it is not advised to be used for frying. You may use them in salad dressings or dips. You can use them as a replacement for olive oil. You can also mix them on smoothies to increase its nutritional value. You may also add them to your breakfast oats or cereals. These are some methods you can do to add hemp oil to your diet. Health is Wealth Isn’t it great that you can improve your overall health just by selecting the food you eat? Well, some of the top food items that have excellent nutritional value may have a high price tag. However, when you are in your prime shape, you can be more productive and fruitful. Investing in your health is investing in your future. Including some essential fatty acid rich supplement won’t hurt. The benefits of hemp oil can improve your health in many ways! What is Hemp Oil? Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is a dark green to clear light green oil that is cold pressed from hemp seed. It has a grassy aroma and aftertaste that is distinct for this oil. Hemp oil has a long history of use in Eastern culture and it is a popular multi-purpose natural remedy used throughout the world. Hemp oil contains virtually no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive effect found in cannabis, but it is often still considered a bit sketchy to some people. However, people are slowly starting to understand the benefits of hemp oil and the benefits it provides. The confusion comes from the fact that hemp is a variety of Cannabis Sativa, yes, the same type of plant where CBD comes from. However, the strain used for hemp seed oil production is different from those used in producing CBD oils. Hemp seed has a very low content of cannabinoids, and the processing of the oil further lowers it, if not remove it, from the commercial yield. Primarily, hemp seed oil is incorporated in a diet because of its nutritional value. Hemp oil contains very little to no THC or CBD and the oil is rather specifically extracted for its healthy fatty acid profile. Hemp seed oil has a ratio of unsaturated fat and saturated fat at 3:1. Hemp oil provides significant amounts of some fatty acids such as GLA and stearidonic acid. One of our preferred hemp oils is Nature’s Blueprint. What is CBD Oil? Cannabidiol oil (abbreviated as CBD oil) is another chemical derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabidiol is one of the 113 Cannabinoid found in this plant. This cannabinoid has no hallucinogenic or psychoactive effects like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the primary psychoactive chemical inducing hallucinations and “high”). CBD oil is made by extracting it from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut. CBD oil has been gaining fame for its medicinal value that can potentially help manage anxiety, depression, and pain. Although the right amount of dosage and consumption is still a subject matter for debate, many people claim to have had benefits and health improvements from consuming it. In the United States, specifically states where cannabis is legal, CBD oil can be made from the entire cannabis plant, including the flowering portion. In states where cannabis is not legal, CBD oil must be made from hemp, which means the stalks of the hemp plant. Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil – Difference between the two The main differences between hemp oil and CBD oil are how they are manufactured and their chemical composition. Hemp oil is produced by pressing hemp seeds which do not contain any cannabinoid – the active chemicals present in a cannabis plant. As a result, hemp oil contains very little CBD and THC. Hemp oil only takes the nutritional fatty acids from the hemp seed. CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the parts of the cannabis plant which contains higher amounts of CBD and THC. Typically CBD oils are manufactured to minimize THC and maximize CBD. However, a trace amount of harmless THC may be present. Farma health conducts lab tests to verify purity and chemical composition of hemp oil and CBD oil. Hemp Oil Ingredients Almost a third of hemp seed weight is edible oil that contains essential fatty acids, most importantly Omega 3 and Omega 6. Hemp oil boils at 166 C or 330 F. Omega 3 Omega 3 is known to help optimize the lipid profile and result in the decrease in the likelihood of getting a chronic cardiac disease. Supplementing with Omega 3 does not directly help in preventing such diseases. However, research has shown that taking supplements religiously dramatically lowers the chances of getting cardiac and cardiac related diseases. Also, research shows that it takes about a year of taking 1000mg Omega 3 daily improve and optimize the lipid profile. The recommended dosage by the European Food Safety Authority recommends 2-2.25 grams of Omega 3 for best health improvement. Omega 6 Omega 6 is another essential fatty acid that the human body cannot produce on its own. It helps the nervous system in maintaining optimal health and plays a role in growth and tissue repair. Some research shows that Omega 6 also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The recommended dosage of Omega 6 fatty acid 6-10grams daily. Hemp Oil Nutritional Value Pure hemp oil is made of about 77-83% essential fatty acids. This can be further broken down to about 55-59% Omega 6 and 22-24% Omega three. The recommended ratio is of Omega 6 to Omega 3 consumption is 3:1. The European Food Safety Authority also recommends this quantity. A 100ml oil has about 60% Omega 6, and about 23% Omega 6 which roughly gives you the perfect ratio of 3:1. Essentially, with all the facts presented here, we can get to formulate a dosage according to the recommendation of food regulatory authorities. Tweet
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