What Health Benefits Does Hemp Offer?

People have long used hemp for a variety of ailments, including constipation, high cholesterol, eczema, arthritis, and more. However, there is no solid scientific evidence to support these uses. It's important to note that hemp is not the same as Canadian hemp, hemp agrimony, cannabis or CBD. Hemp seeds or oil contain an amino acid known as arginine, which is beneficial for the heart as it dilates and relaxes blood vessels.

Hemp oil also fights inflammation, lowers blood pressure and prevents blood clots. Hemp oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The production of CBD oil uses the stems, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which contain a higher concentration of CBD, another potentially beneficial compound in the plant. Hemp seed oil is also rich in fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for nourishing the skin and protecting it from inflammation, oxidation and other causes of aging. Additionally, its complete nutrient profile means it can be good for your heart. However, much of the information currently available comes from previous studies or research using animal models.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in marijuana. CBD isn't harmful and doesn't cause a “high”.

Hemp

is defined as any part of the cannabis sativa plant with no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the mind-altering substance in marijuana. Scientists are still learning how CBD affects the body. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a drug containing purified CBD from hemp, to help treat rare seizure disorders.

The FDA has concluded that this medication is safe and effective for its intended use. However, other marketed products and uses of CBD may not be approved by the FDA. The use of CBD during pregnancy is not recommended due to potential health effects that are currently unknown. We also don't know if CBD is transmitted to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, people who are breastfeeding are advised to avoid CBD. We don't know the effects of CBD on children's developing brains either.

If you use products that contain CBD or THC, store them in child-proof containers and out of the reach of children. If you have additional questions, contact your healthcare provider, health department or local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 if it's an emergency. Currently, we don't know how CBD consumption affects a person over time or the different ways of using CBD (smoking, vaping, eating, applying it to the skin, etc.). Many companies that sell hemp and CBD products also sell products that contain THC. People should be careful not to confuse THC products with hemp or CBD products. Products containing THC can cause psychoactive effects and adverse events.

In addition, most CBD products are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, consumers should keep in mind that products labeled as hemp or CBD may contain other ingredients such as THC, pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria or fungi. If consumers experience adverse effects from products containing THC or CBD that pose an immediate health hazard they should call their local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 or seek medical attention at their local emergency room and inform healthcare providers about the ingredients of the products they have consumed. Studies have shown that hemp seed extract has antioxidant effects due to its cannabidiol (CBD) content which regulates the immune system and could help with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain and Alzheimer's disease. Full-spectrum hemp oil containing CBD can also help with general stress and muscle tension. Taking Canadian hemp together with digoxin may increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects.

Research on hemp oil is still relatively new particularly in the United States and other places where restrictive laws have prevented researchers from fully exploring the potential of cannabis plants until recently. Hemp seeds are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of Canadian hemp side effects. Hemp oil can refer to a full-spectrum oil from the Cannabis sativa plant or hemp seed oil which is oil that comes only from the seeds of the hemp plant. Do not take Canadian hemp if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without consulting your healthcare professional. Rubbing some hemp seed oil or full-spectrum hemp oil on tight muscles can help release tension and relax them. Hemp seeds are a rich source of plant fiber and omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamins such as A and E and minerals such as calcium iron zinc magnesium and phosphorus which help keep skin hydrated soft supple and disease-free. As mentioned earlier hemp seed contains a rich amount of GLA which can alleviate hormonal “mood swings” during menstruation by stimulating certain prostaglandins.

Those who don't want to take over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can turn to high-quality hemp oil for relief. The authors of a study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research point out that hemp varieties in food cereals should contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).