Last updated on March 26th, 2024 at 01:46 am
Among the first plants ever domesticated by humankind, cannabis remains today a controversial plant. Though more and more states and countries are legalizing recreational use of the psychoactive drug, many individuals remain concerned about the potential impact that this plant might have on the mind and body.
Though research on the short- and long-term effects of cannabis is only just beginning, the results are already incredibly promising — and in fact, some types of cannabis use might radically improve an individual’s health and wellness.
In particular, you might consider integrating hemp into your routine to improve how your body looks, feels and functions. Here is more information about hemp and how to use it for your health and wellness.
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Hemp 101
Though many assume that hemp is merely another term for cannabis, in American law and in weed culture, hemp has a very specific meaning. So, what is hemp? Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis; according to the 2018 Farm Bill, farmers across the U.S. can legally cultivate hemp, as long as their crop maintains levels of THC lower than 0.3 percent.
THC is the cannabinoid, or compound unique to cannabis, that is primarily responsible for producing the psychoactive high that cannabis users experience. Though hemp has negligible amounts of THC, and thus does not compromise a user’s brain or body, it does have many other cannabinoids that have been found to be useful in maintaining health and wellness. For example, hemp contains the following useful compounds:
Cannabidiol (CBD). One of the best-known cannabinoids, CBD seems to influence the body to produce more of its own natural compounds that can fight pain and inflammation and promote health in other ways.
Cannabigerol (CBG). Found in only trace amounts, CBG still seems to have a promising effect on the human body. Early research indicates that CBG could help the body better regulate various systems.
Terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are most closely associated with scents, like citrus, pine and lavender. Terpenes have been found to have diverse effects on the body, from increasing energy levels to enhancing relaxation.
If you are interested in the different ways you might take advantage of the healing powers of hemp, you might consider the following popular applications of non-psychoactive cannabis:
Hemp for Sleep
Many people who struggle with troubled sleep find valuable assistance from hemp products. Compounds in hemp help the body reach a restful state of relaxation, which can make it easier for the mind to drift off into stable slumber. You might get in the habit of taking a hemp supplement before bed, and you can mix hemp with other natural sleep aids, like melatonin, magnesium or valerian root.
Hemp for Skin
Aside from the unique compounds contained in hemp, hemp is filled with rich oils that nourish the skin, hair and nails. You can take hemp supplements that allow your body to absorb and benefit from the healthy hemp fats, and you can apply topicals like lotions, balms, salves and creams to your skin, hair and nails to hydrate, moisturize and strengthen with the power of hemp.
Hemp for Aches and Pains
Pain is among the most popular reasons for using hemp. Sufferers of both acute and chronic pain attest that CBD and other compounds in hemp will safely and naturally alleviate pain, making daily tasks more manageable.
Most often, hemp for pain relief is consumed in tinctures or tablets, but you can also find topical hemp pain relievers that deliver effects to a targeted area.
Hemp for Mind
The COVID pandemic increased rates of anxiety and depression by over 25 percent. Though hemp is not a recommended solution for clinical mental illness, those with mild symptoms of anxiety have found that hemp supplements can provide comfort and control over racing thoughts. You might try using hemp as an aid for meditation or to help you manage your mind during particularly stressful times at work.
Hemp and humankind have a long history. If you are looking for a natural tool for improving your health and wellness, you might consider investing in a few different hemp products today.
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