The Impact of Hemp on our Environment and Health

Hemp is an amazing plant because of its wide variety of uses. The problem is that there are a lot of people who don’t understand what it is and have a negative perception of it. National Hemp Month, which is celebrated in July, was created to help more people learn about this intriguing plant.

What is hemp?

Hemp is a type of plant that is part of the cannabis sativa species. Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years in cultures around the world. It is still widely used today, making it a booming industry that is constantly growing in popularity.

Unfortunately, there is confusion surrounding hemp and marijuana. Some people believe that because marijiana is a psychoactive drug that makes people “high,” and marijuana and hemp are both types of cannabis plants, that must mean hemp is also a psychoactive drug. But the truth is, hemp and marijuana are not the same, and it’s important to understand the differences.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a chemical that can create psychoactive effects if a person consumes a large enough quantity of it. Marijuana contains a large concentration of THC, usually 5%-35%. However, hemp only contains a small amount of THC that is not enough to make a person high. In 2018, the US Congress passed an amendment to the Farm Bill, and this amendment legalized hemp as long as it had a THC concentration of 0.3% or less.

Using hemp products is not the same thing as using marijuana. Hemp and marijuana plants have different chemical makeups and are grown in different ways. In fact, these two types of plants are so different that they can’t be grown near each other without damaging each other!

Are hemp seeds a “superfood”?

If you’ve never eaten hemp seeds before, you’re missing out on a very healthy nutrient-rich food. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of amino acids, high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. Healthline describes these seeds as “one of the few superfoods worthy of their reputation.”

There are a ton of ways to enjoy hemp seeds, such as eating them raw, toasting them, and grinding them and sprinkling them onto other foods. If you need a good hemp seed recipe idea, check out this vegan hemp and berry smoothie recipe from Clean & Delicious. You can mix this smoothie using hemp seeds, frozen berries, frozen banana, and coconut milk. 

The many uses of CBD

While hemp seeds are very beneficial, CBD has benefits of its own. CBD (cannabidiol) is found in cannabis plants. In contrast with THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not come with any serious side effects. You may have come across various products containing CBD oil, which is often used in skincare and other health products.

CBD is currently being studied as a possible treatment for multiple conditions. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and many people have also used it as a way to reduce anxiety, stress, and pain. But because CBD can interfere with some medications, be sure to check with your doctor before using it.

Hemp as a sustainable material

Not only is hemp excellent for its nutritional benefits, it’s also used to create sustainable materials with many different functions. Hemp can be grown in a variety of environments, making it a convenient crop because it isn’t limited to one or a few locations. Plus, it’s pest-resistant and it requires less water than other crops such as cotton.

So what exactly can hemp be used for? There is a long list of things! For example, hemp can be made into a biodegradable plastic. Since normally, plastic usage is harmful to the environment, hemp plastic is a much-needed alternative. Also, hemp has uses in building materials. It can be used in floors, walls, insulation, and more. There is even something called hempcrete that is similar to concrete but more energy efficient. Hempcrete is also fire-resistant and mold-resistant.

The benefits and uses of hemp don’t stop there. There is so much more to discover about this incredible yet often misunderstood plant. Hemp Month is the perfect time to try hemp products for yourself and learn about how hemp can create a more sustainable world!