Unless you’re completely living under a rock, you’ve probably heard one of this century’s hottest buzzwords: Hemp. And whether you don’t even know what it stands for (the answer is cannabidiol) or are using it regularly, there’s always something new to learn about this natural, magical remedy that is taking the world by storm.
Hemp is not new. Its medicinal, anti-stress, and health-boosting properties have been in practice for centuries whether by American Indian to Ancient Chinese medicine. Over the years, Hemp has proven to be the non-habit forming go-to for pain, inflammation, stress, and yes, wellness. We are only beginning to learn all of the incredible benefits of Hemp, with research providing new insights regularly. If you’ve come to learn about Hemp, you’ve come to the right place, because here is everything we do know about this gift from nature.
What is Hemp?
Hemp, or cannabidiol, is a natural botanical compound that is found in either Hemp or cannabis plants. Hemp can be defined as any part of the cannabis Sativa plant that contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC. As THC is the part of the plant that gets you “high,” Hemp does not cause the same impairment.
How is Hemp made?
Hemp is sourced by extracting it from the industrial Hemp plant and then diluting it with another oil for consumption (usually coconut or Hemp seed oil). As we stated before, Hemp can be derived from either Hemp or marijuana (THC), but the Hemp that is extracted from the Hemp plant is the one more commonly used in products for the market.
How does Hemp work?
Upon entering your system, Hemp interacts with receptors in your brain, encouraging the body to produce more of its own cannabinoids. This promotes relief for pain and inflammation, improves mood, reduces anxiety, and causes better balance in your system overall.
How will Hemp make me feel?
This is perhaps the most common question we hear, as those who have never tried Hemp are a bit apprehensive as to what the substance will do to them. Again, it depends on what plant your Hemp is derived from (Hemp or cannabis). Most Hemp-based Hemp contains little to no THC, and will not get you “high”, (i.e. have no psychoactive effects). The “feeling” of Hemp is far more subtle. Overall, people report feeling less anxious, more energized, better rested, less pain or discomfort and an improved mood. The fascinating part is it turns out your body has an endocannabinoid (ESC) system that controls neuronal synaptic communications in your body (anxiety, pain, satiety to name a few).
What types of conditions can Hemp treat?
Hemp’s healing properties were first noticed when treating epilepsy in children. From there, it has been a boom of discovery finding conditions it provides relief for. Some of the conditions it helps to alleviate are:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Sleep
- Digestive Disorders (IBS, Crohns, Colitis)
- Stress and Anxiety
- Depression and PTSD
- Psychosis
Currently, the Hemp treatment for epilepsy – Epidiolex – is the only product on the market that is approved by the FDA, but with growing positive research, we are confident we will see more in the near future. Epidiolex is a prescription drug that treats two severe and rare forms of childhood epilepsy – Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
What are the risks of Hemp?
As with all supplements, before you start using Hemp, you should check with your doctor to ensure it won’t negatively interact with any medications you are already taking. Possible mild side effects that a small number of users may experience are:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability or mood changes
- Change in appetite
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Adverse reaction when paired with certain medications
Although these risks are not typical, every user’s journey is different, so we encourage you to start small with a low dose and monitor how you are feeling when first beginning a Hemp regimen.
Is Hemp legal?
While Hemp may be closely associated with marijuana, it’s not when it’s derived from Hemp, thus making it legal as of 2018’s Farm Bill declaring Hemp legal to grow and consume. That means that Hemp derived products – like Hemp – are legal at the federal level, but each state will still have its own regulations and policies. While some states allow the use of marijuana and Hemp for medical use, other states only allow the use of only Hemp and other Hemp-based products.
Is Hemp regulated by the FDA?
In short, only partially. That is why it is of the utmost importance to buy products from a company you trust that provides transparent labeling and 3rd party lab testing for efficacy. When you buy Hemp Hemp oil from Full Spectrum Zen, you know you’re getting products you can count on. Once harvested, our Hemp is carefully processed and undergoes extraction under the supervision of the State Department of Agriculture and rigorous lab testing for purity, creating legal Hemp-rich Hemp oil which we infuse into each and every product. This ensures that all our products have the desired Hemp Hemp oil effects while satisfying federal laws and guidelines for production and distribution. Full Spectrum Zen’s Hemp/Hemp Oil is non-GMO and contains no pesticides, solvents, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. Many over the counter products found in your everyday drug or grocery store cannot claim this. At Full Spectrum Zen, we have all our products tested by third-party laboratories so you can buy Hemp Hemp oil that is completely safe and legal for consumption.
Will Hemp show up on a drug test?
Most likely, Hemp will not show up on your drug test – however, that does not mean it is a guarantee. If your Hemp product has enough traces of THC, it will show up on your drug test so check the label. This is important to note for athletes to government employees who may undergo strict drug testing. Another hugely important reason to only buy from companies that you trust. Full Spectrum Zen is proud to be THC free.
How long does Hemp stay in my system?
At this time, research is showing that Hemp will stay in one’s system for three to four days before it is completely cleared from the system. The results of this research are still being clarified, but this answer can serve as a general guideline for usage.
Is Hemp addictive?
No. According to the World Health Organization’s 2017 study, researchers found Hemp not to be addictive. However, the DEA does classify Hemp as a Schedule 1 substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. On the other hand, the FDA-approved Hemp drug Epidiolex (with each dose weighing in at 100mg), and has been regarded as highly effective, non-addictive; and has since been rescheduled as a Schedule V drug in 2018.
What types of Hemp products are available?
We’re so excited for you to discover a whole new world of products – everything from edibles, topicals, capsules, tinctures, and even dissolvable strips are at your disposal to start feeling better.
How should I take my Hemp?
Just like with other nutrients in your body, they deplete over time and your body’s ECS need supplementation to work most efficiently. Depending on your preference, some people believe ingesting it has longer-lasting effects. Those with injuries may prefer topical gels, roll ons and creams in order to directly target their pain. Tinctures are popular as their effect is generally felt within half an hour of placing them under the tongue, as well they can be easily added to recipes, (smoothies, baked goods, tea, baths, lotions, etc). We suggest in and out approach meaning ingestible and topical combination.
When it comes to dosing, start small and increase as you assess your tolerance.
What is the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate Hemp?
Full-spectrum Hemp contains other cannabinoids like cannabidivarin or cannabigerol which increases its effectiveness in the body. Broad-spectrum Hemp is classified as containing zero traces of THC. Isolate, as its name entails, is 100% Hemp. Of the three forms, you will always need fewer milligrams of full-spectrum Hemp to be effective.
There’s so much information out there on Hemp, we hope that you’ve found our accurate collection to be helpful. We’re thrilled for you to be starting this holistic journey to health. Read the latest on 100 Surprising Benefits of Hemp, and try a few “Zen” recipes to get you started on your way to a new level of wellness.
Recipes with Hemp
Bath bombs
Smoothies & Shakes
Tea / Coffee
Cookies / Brownies / Breakfast Bites
Oatmeal / Cereal
