Hemp is gaining a lot of attention around the globe. The Hemp Farm Bill was passed in the U.S. in 2018. Basically, it is an extract of Cannabis Sativa plants cultivated for industrial uses. A wide range of products such as fiber (from the plant’s stems), protein (from seeds), and oils, and smokable portions (from the leaves and flowers) produce through Hemp. Let’s go through the detailed information about What is Hemp?
The Fundamental Info About Hemp
Before moving forward to other information related to Hemp, it should be clear that what is Hemp? Industrial Hemp is a variety of Cannabis Sativa plants. It is a cousin of marijuana. Hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). However, marijuana has high THC, which makes people feel high. The commercial hemp market is booming worldwide, and it has various industrial and everyday uses.
CBD oil is an extraction of hemp leaves and flowers. This extraction treats various ailments. Thousands of people gave feedback regarding the health benefits of hemp oil. Moreover, for the processing of hemp seeds and stalks, producers use various techniques.
The whole hemp plant, from stalk to seed, is used to make fuel and feedstock. For more specific applications, Hemp can be divided into four categories:
- fibers
- Hurds, or shives
- Leaves and flowers
- Seeds
Hemp has a worldwide history, which is now being rediscovered. Hemp is attracting its customers through various health benefits related to health, the planet, and the economy.
Worldwide History of Hemp
Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years on a global scale. Some oldest uses of Hemp began in China about 10,000 BCE, where it was used for making clothing, rope, and paper. In China, Yangshao people wove Hemp and used it in pottery for decorating it. Till 300 BCE, the hemp plant was also grown in Japan and used for various hemp products such as fiber and paper.
Cannabis plays a significant role in cultures as a source of fiber, intoxication, and medicine. Hemp has been discovered in Native American Civilizations that predate Columbus’ arrival.
Hemp products from pre-Columbian native civilizations were in Virginia. Vikings used this plant for producing rope, sails, and seeds when they attempted to colonize the new world. Also, Jamestown introduces Hemp to Colonial America in the early 1600s for rope, paper, and other fiber-related products. Moreover, U.S. President George Wahington and Thomas Jefferson grew Hemp.
Hemp was used as a main crop in the U.S. until 1937. World War 2 was used more for military items such as uniforms, canvas, and rope. “Hemp for Victory” is a short film released by USDA which promotes Hemp as a useful crop.
Industrial production was dormant until the 2014 Farm Bill passed. Now, Hemp became an indispensable response for various products.
Is Hemp vs. Marijuana the Same?
A basic understanding of what is Hemp and marijuana makes you clear about the difference between these two. The simple answer to the question Hemp vs. Marijuana is the same or not is that they are different. A common similarity between these is that they both are varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant. And the significant difference between both of these is the amount of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a compound when having high volume makes people feel high. Marijuana has a high THC level compared to Hemp. Although Hemp has only trace amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol. The level of THC of Hemp is the reason people liked it globally.
Another difference between Marijuana Vs. Hemp is Chemical and genetic differences. After bamboo, Hemp is the world’s fastest-growing plant. Moreover, industrial Hemp is growing by farmers all over the world for commercial production. For a more detailed understanding of what it is, Hemp, we will take you through the various facts about Hemp.
Can You Smoke Hemp and Get High?
Hemp has few traces of toxic compounds, but it does not mean it will get you high. Also, Hemp plants don’t produce high THC to have an intoxicating effect. CBD, though a psychoactive compound, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that does not produce any high toxicity.
Technically answering the question- Can you smoke Hemp is simply that you can smoke Hemp if you really want to, and it won’t get you high. In fact, smoking can never be the best way to get the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoids through which Hemp is rich in CBD. For that, you can consume a hemp-derived CBD product such as CBD oil, capsules, and tincture.
Potential Benefits of Consuming Hemp Products
Hemp is incredibly versatile and has various potential benefits. Before discussing the benefits of consuming hemp products, first, go through their various uses: –
Hemp Seeds
Using Hemp for Food and Beauty Products: One of the most common uses is a hemp seed oil that contains omega3 omega6 fatty acids and other Vitamins and materials. Hemp seed oil is useful in Salad dressings and cold dishes. You can also sprinkle it on protein bars, smoothies, and baking goods. In fact, you can use hemp seed products such as hemp milk, hemp butter, flour, and protein powder because they are rich in dietary fibers, protein, Vitamins, and minerals.
Hemp Stalk
Using Hemp for Fiber and Hurds: Another use of the hemp plant’s stalk also refers to the stem, which provides fiber and hurds. Hemp Fiber produces various products such as textiles, rope, plastics, insulation, and much more. On the other hand, Hemp Hurds produce various products such as paper, fiberboards, etc.
Let’s discuss some medicinal benefits of consuming hemp products: –
Fewer Seizures: According to a study, some hemp products such as Hemp Oil helps in reducing seizures.
Reduce Inflammation: Excess Inflammation in your body can contribute to various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Hemp products help in reducing Inflammation.
Healthier Skin: Hemp oil and hemp topicals prevent skin from several types of skin disorders.
In the United States, Is Hemp Cultivation Legal?
After a deep understanding of What is Hemp, here you will get to know whether the cultivation of Hemp is legal in all United States or not. In fact, some federal and state actions describe it clearly.
Federal Action
The 2014 Agriculture Act, also known as the Farm Bill 2014, signed by Democratic President Barack Obama, allows the agriculture department to cultivate industrial Hemp. Under this Act, state universities and departments are registered with their state to cultivate Hemp. Moreover, they need to follow state laws and regulations too.
According to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which is commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill is signed by Republic President Donald Trump, reclassified Hemp with less than 0.3% THC, the most restrictive classification of controlled substances by the federal government and considered highly prone to abuse if it does not have medical benefits. This move to federally legalize hemp production of the plant, allowing it to cultivate and distribute as a legal agriculture product.
Besides, Under the marijuana Farming Act, cannabis cultivation is no longer limited to states. Moreover, this Act allows farmers the right to water, crop insurance, and grants. As well as legal access to banking nationally. Discussing transport, Hemp can be transported across state lines.
State Laws
Considering the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, 41 states have industrial hemp-related legislation. Moreover, Thirty-nine of those states legalized state-wide cultivation programs. This Act also defined Hemp specifically to differentiate it from marijuana. That establishes licensing requirements and production regulation of Cannabis.
As the Hemp Farming Act requires state departments of agriculture to consult with their governors and chief law enforcement officers for the regulation of production. After its submission, the United States Secretary of Agriculture will approve it.
According to the bill, Section 297B, state hemp regulatory programs must include a proper legal system to maintain information on all land where cultivation takes place. Although it includes the procedures for testing THC levels and disposing of products that violate THC content restrictions.
Conclusion
With numerous hemp products, It is a trending force. Many people might think that Hemp and marijuana are the same? So, the simple answer is: No. There is a difference between THC levels in both Marijuana and Hemp. These are the varieties of cannabis and are more like cousins than siblings. In short, What is Hemp? A variety of Cannabis Sativa plant has low THC and used in the production of various hemp products such as rope, textile, hemp milk, etc. Recreational use of cannabis is illegal in the United States. But Cannabis is not illegal: we can grow, process, sell, and even consume it. Besides, Cannabis Cultivation has various health benefits too. Hemp products like seed oil help in reducing chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid system.
