What is Hemp Used For? How You and the Environment Can Benefit From It

Hemp, also known as Cannabis sativa L., is derived from the same species of plant as cannabis. However, hemp contains low levels of the psychoactive property tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is less than 0.3%. This means that when consuming or using hemp, it does not result in a “high.” On the other hand, cannabis contains higher levels of THC, which can be up to 28%. Therefore, hemp and cannabis are two very distinct compositions and are used for different purposes.

The Farm Bill was passed in 2018, which established the specific distinction between hemp and cannabis, which resulted in limiting the THC content of hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill that was established requires that hemp must contain no more than 0.3%. Hemp contains many different properties, including fats, proteins, and more, which can potentially lead to a number of different health benefits.

Today, hemp is used for a myriad of purposes, including medicinal uses. It is worth noting that hemp has been cultivated for a number of other uses and dates back thousands of years ago. In fact, hemp was used for a wide range of industrial purposes, such as creating materials, textiles, and much more. Hemp and products containing hemp are legal to sell under federal law in the United States. Therefore, it is important not to confuse hemp with cannabis or cannabidiol, as the laws surrounding cannabis and cannabinoid vary tremendously. 

How Does Hemp Work?

Hemp can be used in a number of different ways, including:

Oral consumption: Hemp can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as by way of hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, or seed protein. When consumed orally, you can have it alone or by incorporating it in some way with your food. For example, hemp seeds can be added to smoothies, protein bars, salad dressings, and more. Hemp seed oil can be used as an alternative to olive oil for cooking and can be added in the same way hemp seeds are added to foods.

Essential oils: Hemp seed oil can also be added to essential oils and can be breathed in or rubbed onto the body.

Topical: Hemp seed oil can be used as a topical alone. It is commonly used for pain relief and can be added to areas of pain to reduce inflammation. However, when using hemp seed oil as a topical application, it is best to test a small amount of it on a patch of skin to ensure that your skin doesn’t get irritated.

Just like with any supplement that you consume or use on your body, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor before using hemp products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not provide a recommendation for the daily limit of hemp seed oil. 

Keep in mind that the amount of hemp seed oil used per day is dependent on how you use it, as well as what you use it for. 

How Long Has Hemp Been Around?

Hemp plants have been cultivated for thousands of years, dating back to 8,000 BC. In fact, it is known as one of the oldest domesticated plants around. Traditionally, hemp was used to create paper, fabric, cords, ropes, and more. Throughout the years, there have been many useful ways hemp has been utilized. 

Hemp is commonly referred to as a miracle plant due to its versatility and the fact that it grows so rapidly with little irrigation, making it highly sustainable and good for the environment. Beyond the traditional ways that hemp can be used, you’d be surprised by the many other industrial purposes it poses. For example, hempcrete is a biocomposite material that uses the material for construction or insulation purposes. Hempcrete is a sustainable alternative to concrete blocks and other construction materials. Hemp can also be used as an environmental alternative to plastic and cotton for clothing. Hemp fiber is also a great alternative to traditional paper. Because hemp requires fewer chemicals for the production of these materials and the fact that it grows so quickly and easily, it has been known to be a sustainable fiber that can be used in a number of different ways.

As mentioned earlier, hemp is known as the “miracle plant,” due to its little maintenance needed in order to grow. Hemp can grow just about anywhere in the world, in different soils and climates, and does not require a lot of water to grow. Hemp grows similarly to a weed, as it grows fast and in abundance. 

Potential Health Benefits of Hemp

Researchers have studied the many ways that hemp can potentially be used in terms of health benefits. However, keep in mind it is important to consult with your doctor before trying out hemp. Here are some ways you may benefit from hemp:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Promotes heart health
• Improves skin health
• Pain relief
• Inflammation reduction

Researchers show that these potential health benefits can be experienced from hemp due to the fact that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil contain alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and linolenic acid. In addition, hemp seed oil contains high amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are known as unsaturated fats or “good fats.” 

If you are considering using hemp for its potential health benefits, be sure to consult with your doctor before using. 

About Dripp Extracts

Our team at Dripp Extracts strives to be the top resource for education surrounding hemp and cannabis, providing valuable insight that you can rely on. We are committed to keeping you up-to-date on the latest news and developments surrounding hemp and cannabis products, ensuring that the information received helps you stay informed and connected at all times. With extensive experience in the industry, we strive to be a reputable resource in the hemp industry to help you stay informed and connected. To learn more about hemp with Dripp Extracts, feel free to visit https://drippextracts.com/learn.