cannabis

What’s The Difference: CBD Isolate And Full-Spectrum Extracts

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The world of CBD products can be both an exciting and overwhelming place. While it is fantastic that there are so many different CBD products available, that also means that there is so much more to look at and learn!

The variety can cause confusion, and we completely understand that. It gets even harder when there are many products with similar names as it becomes difficult to know what one offers that another does not.

We’d like to take some time today to explain the difference between CBD isolate products and full-spectrum products. We often get asked about these substances, so we know that it is a confusion point for many. Let’s get started!

First, Meet CBD:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details about what separates isolate products from full-spectrum products, let’s touch on what CBD is and what it is most frequently used for.

Cannabis, whose varieties include both marijuana and hemp, is known for having many different types of effects. The effects of cannabis are caused by cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis, and CBD is one of those compounds!

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

Every body has an endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of receptors, and those receptors can bind with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a specific type of chemical compound. Cannabis contains more than 100 different kinds of these substances, along with other compounds called terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its distinctive taste and smell.

When a cannabinoid binds with a receptor, a specific effect will begin to happen in the body. The effects can be in the blood, nervous, digestive, or really any other system! The effect depends on where the cannabinoid came from, where it binds, and how well it binds. Based on these attributes, different effects will happen.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, in particular, has become very popular because it does not cause any psychoactive effects. This means that you don’t get high when you use CBD products, but you can still feel other effects. CBD products have been on a fast-track to full legalization in the United States.

CBD is available in a lot of different products, but the products are often marketed as either full (or broad-)-spectrum or isolate. So what’s the difference?

All About CBD Isolate

CBD oil marketed as a CBD isolate is a form of pure CBD. Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, but CBD isolate products contain the cannabinoid CBD and nothing else. The extraction is very pure as the other components are removed through a complex process, usually involving CO2 or other solvents.

Since CBD has been widely researched (compared to other components of cannabis) and there are many studies supporting the effects that it has on the body, CBD isolates have been a very popular choice for medicinal use. In fact, the FDA recently approved a CBD-isolate pharmaceutical called Epidiolex.

As there are no other cannabinoids in isolate products, the results and effects are more predictable. Many even believe that this is the safest and smartest way to use CBD.

Understanding The Power of Full-Spectrum CBD Extract

The other type of CBD oil that you might hear about from time to time is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extract. Sometimes, this extract is abbreviated as FSO. In FSO, there are more cannabinoids in the final product than just CBD because it has not been as extracted as isolated CBD oil.

In broad-spectrum oil, there are more active plant and chemical compounds than just CBD itself. Cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBDa, CBCVA and more might all be in a full-spectrum oil in varying amounts depending on the precise product composition. Additionally, broad spectrum products contain terpenes and flavonoids extracted from the plant along with cannabinoids.

When all of these different cannabinoids work together, some users find that the effects are more powerful or effective for their needs. This is often referred to as the “entourage effect” because the combination of numerous cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids create specific unique effects.

Full-spectrum extract users sometimes mention that they get a bigger boost from it, or that they can notice its effects more.

The Risk of THC

Because THC is the cannabinoid that causes users to feel “high”, compliant CBD products cannot contain high amounts of THC. While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

Most CBD products are low-THC even when they contain the cannabinoid, however, because hemp is a low-THC plant. If your vendor is reputable, they will be able to provide certificates of analysis that clearly indicate THC concentrations, so you don’t have to worry about ingesting something you don’t want to.

Which CBD Product Is Right For You?

Ultimately, the decision about which of these two products is right for you is going to be up to you, but we can help you make that choice if you want!

It was thought for many years that CBD isolate was the superior product because it was cleaner and more straightforward. In more recent years as more research has come in, it has become clear that full spectrum products have their own benefits. 

It’s now believed that in many cases broad-spectrum products may have more powerful effects because the cannabinoids balance and boost each other in positive ways. The interactions between different chemicals and their receptors lead to special effects that you might not see with a CBD isolate. 

We believe that both products have their place. If you’ve never tried any full-spectrum products, however, we do think that it is time for you to see what time of synergy you can discover when you use a product containing a range of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Still, many people prefer to use CBD isolate because they trust the studies done by pharmaceutical companies or they worry about the presence of other compounds. If you would prefer to stick to something that is tried-and-true, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using CBD isolate!

Terpenes and Flavonoids: How These Chemicals Affect Cannabis

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Common knowledge about cannabis, CBD, and related products has been rapidly improving over the last few years, but there is still a lot to be learned. It’s awesome to see that there are so many great resources full of information for those that want to learn, and we’re excited to be able to provide that kind of content, too.

Though some people haven’t heard of the word cannabinoid, they have heard of THC and CBD. These are the two most well-known cannabinoids, so there is some level of familiarity with these substances.

Flavonoids and terpenes, on the other hand, remain largely overlooked despite the huge number of these compounds found in cannabis plants! Why is it that these compounds aren’t as talked about? Let’s take some time to understand what they are, and why you should care!

The Basic Differences Between These Compounds

Many familiar with CBD, THC, and other cannabis products don’t know much about these components and how they affect what you experience.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds (such as the well-known CBD and THC) that interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. When the cannabinoid binds with a receptor, it causes a specific reaction in the body.

Flavonoids are nutrients. These nutrients give cannabis plants (and lots of other living things!) their color. There are more than 20 different flavonoids that have been found in cannabis plants, and more research still needs to be done to understand their use. 

Terpenes are aromatic metabolites. They are aromatic compounds that can be found in the oils of all plants. When you smell a basil plant and can recognize what it is based on the smell, that is because of the terpenes! Terpenes help to create the flavor of plants and plant-based products as well.

There are more than 20,000 different terpenes in the world. Cannabis plant strains have more than 100 identified terpenes; most plants contain at least 50 different terpenes.

The Variations of Products

One of the reasons that we find it important to learn about these different parts of cannabis and what can be extracted from the plant is because every strain has different amounts of these items. That is why there are cannabis plants with different levels of all of these things. 

Depending on the way that the plant was grown, handled, and processed, the final amount of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids will be different. From there, the balance between the three might be further adjusted while creating any cannabis-based products.

When you choose a product, there is nearly always going to be more to its history than just what its name is! By gaining a better understanding of what can be extracted from the plants, you can also better understand any supplements that you are using.

All About Flavonoids

As mentioned, flavonoids are nutrients that create color in plants. They can create any color depending on what they are, and cannabis plants contain more than 20 flavonoids on average. Despite how their name sounds like the word “flavor,” these nutrients have no known effect on taste.

Dark purple cannabis strains may be colored by anthoxanthins or anthocyanins. Plants like berries also get their color from anthocyanins, and the specific color will depend on the pH of the plant’s growing environment.

Effects

There are cannaflavins that are found only in cannabis that have also been shown to have pharmacological effects. These flavonoids may have an effect on how things like CBD and THC are formed or function, but more research is still needed to figure this out.

We already know that one flavonoid, quercetin, that can be found in vegetables has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. Catechins, found in cocoa and tea, may support the cardiovascular system.

We still aren’t sure exactly what many of the flavonoids in cannabis do, but we are excited to find out!

All About Terpenes

As mentioned, terpenes help to create the aroma and flavored experienced when perceiving a plant or plant-based product.

You might already be familiar with the effects of some terpenes:

  • • Humulene: Earthy. Found in basil and cloves. Suppresses appetites.
  • • Myrcene: Fruity. Found in basil and lemongrass. In some strains, up to 50% of cannabis’ terpene content is myrcene. Anti-inflammatory.
  • • Terpinolene: Smokey. Found in sage and rosemary. Reduces anxiety.
  • • Linalool: Floral. Found in spices and flowers like lavender. Anti-inflammatory.

While it’s often the most abundant, myrcene isn’t the only terpene found in cannabis. There’s even a terpene that boosts anti-acne effects in cannabis-based skincare products.

Highs and Lows of Terpenes

One of the most interesting ways that terpenes may have a huge effect on the future of cannabis-based products and medicinal usage is because of their ability to bring out the benefits of other chemicals in the product.

There are terpenes which lower the effects of THC, a psychoactive component. This means that a strain with very high concentrations of both CBD and THC could be blended with the terpene in such a way that the powerful potency of the CBD could be harnessed without too much THC causing problems for the user.

There is still much research to be done about possibilities like this in the CBD world, and it will be very exciting to see what is discovered

Full Spectrum Benefits

As you can see, there are a lot of potential benefits that things like flavonoids and terpenes bring to the table when looking at a cannabis plant. That is why some people prefer to use full-spectrum products as they contain higher amounts of all three important items:

  • • Cannabinoids
  • • Flavonoids
  • • Terpenes

If you’re interested in seeing the effects for yourself, trying a full-spectrum product might be a good idea.

Complementary Chemicals

While it’s true that flavonoids and terpenes don’t have as much impact in the medical and supplement world as CBD does right now, that doesn’t mean that these chemical substances don’t have some power. And that power is worth learning about!

As you learn more about the specific components that make up cannabis plants, you can learn more about the possibilities that may be further developed in the future. CBD oil is the most well-known chemical product right now, but other complementary chemicals may get similar products in the future!

How These Carrier Oils Work With CBD

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While most people pay attention to the CBD extract and content when they are considering different CBD oils, they might not realize that they should be paying attention to the carrier oils, too!

Carrier oils are used in many products as a way to suspend the cannabinoid, CBD. Without a carrier oil, it wouldn’t be as straightforward to create easy-to-use CBD products. The carrier oils help to preserve and dilute the CBD in a way that makes it easy to take.

There are a number of different carrier oils that can be used in CBD products, and they each have their own body-boosting benefits. By knowing what carrier oil is being used in your products, you can double down on what type of benefits you see from the oils. Let’s take a closer look!

The Basics of CBD Oil

CBD oil is an extraction made from a cannabis plant. CBD itself is what is known as a cannabinoid. This is a specific chemical substance that can be found in the cannabis plant; there are hundreds of different cannabinoids in various types of cannabis plants.

When CBD is used in or on the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system works much like a nervous system. Whenever the cannabinoid binds with receptors in the body, specific reactions occur. This is why different cannabinoids have such different effects.

THC, for example, is the main cannabinoid found in marijuana, and it is what makes people have a psychoactive high. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause this type of reaction.

Why Do People Take CBD?

CBD is used by lots of different types of people. There isn’t one category of person that uses CBD, and that’s because there are so many different ways that the cannabinoid can interact with your body and create a positive change.

CBD oil supplements have a wide variety of reported effects, which you can easily find with an internet search.

There is scientific research being done about numerous potential benefits and effects of CBD, and we expect to see more and more specialized treatments made from these phytochemicals as we move forward. Remember, though, the FDA does not officially state that CBD oil can treat these symptoms, despite anecdotal and scientific evidence.

Carrier Oils: Why Are They Needed?

Carrier oils are almost always needed when creating a CBD oil product. While CBD is extracted from the plant itself, the oil needs to be suspended and diluted in another carrier oil to be truly effective.

In particular, the carrier oil can help to improve the absorption rate of CBD by the body. It can even affect how potent the CBD is. Bodies process and digest different types of oils in different ways, so it is important to have a well-chosen carrier oil.

Not all CBD oil products have a carrier oil, but the way that you use CBD may require it. If you use oral CBD, you will most likely need a carrier oil.

Common Carrier Oils & Their Benefits

Carrier oils are more than just a diluter and carrier; they have their own benefits as well! By choosing a specific carrier oil that suits your needs, you can improve the function of your CBD products even more than just have straight CBD.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular carrier oils and what types of benefits they may have.

MCT Oil

This is the most common carrier oil in CBD products. MCT — medium-chain triglyceride — oil is an easily digestible oil. MCT oil is used in many types of supplements because of how efficiently it can be processed by the body.

Additionally, MCT oil can carry a large amount of CBD because of its fatty chain structure. This leads to more concentrated serving sizes and better absorption rates.

MCT oil is extracted from many types of products:

  • • Coconut oil
  • • Palm products
  • • Dairy products
  • • Acids

MCT oil found in supplemental products like CBD oil is likely to come from a coconut oil. Some products may contain MCT derived from a combination of sources, but coconut oil is most common. Most Bridgetown Botanicals products contain MCT oil or a combination of MCT and hemp seed oils.

Hemp Seed Oil

Another type of oil used as a carrier oil is hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil even though they are derived and harvested from the same type of plants. Hemp seed oil is extracted from seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the actual plant matter.

Hemp seeds contain more than 30% oil, so making a carrier oil from them is a very efficient process. The resulting oil is packed with healthy fatty acids, vitamin E, and other amino acids as well. The oil does not contain any CBD.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil, extracted from grape seeds, is another common carrier oil in CBD oil products. This oil has a lot of polyunsaturated fats. Unfortunately, grapeseed oil doesn’t have as many fat bonds, which means that it is a less efficient carrier oil. Still, it is often used in CBD skincare products because it doesn’t contain many skin irritants or much grease.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is often found in CBD tinctures because of its flavor, but isn’t used in many other products because you would taste it too much. Olive oil has lots of antioxidants that can fight infections, but it isn’t as easily digestible as other options because it is composed of very large fat molecules. This could lower the absorption rate of some CBD products. (You can even purchase CBD infused olive oil to add to your favorite salad!)

Look Beyond The CBD

Of course, you’re going to be paying attention to CBD when you are choosing your CBD oil products, but remember that it isn’t the only thing that you should pay attention to. Many products use a carrier oil, and you want to be sure that you choose on that makes sense for you.

Choose a carrier oil that complements your needs. Working on a sore back? Choose something that helps with inflammation. Feeling stressed? Choose an oil with brain-boosting amino acids. By choosing the right carrier oil, you can change the way that the CBD works with you overall.

The Construction of Cannabis: What Are Cannabinoids?

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Are you someone that is curious about the world around you? Do you find that you want to know more about what’s in something rather than just using it and not knowing the difference? Then you’re in the right place!

Today’s article is going to be focused on understanding what cannabinoids are. Anyone who uses CBD or cannabis-based products should be aware of cannabinoids and what role they play in the function of these items. Still, we know that this information isn’t something that we get taught in school.

Get ready for class, everyone! Phytoextractum cannabinoid class is now in session.

What Are Cannabinoids?

The chemical compounds that make up cannabis are known as cannabinoids. There are more than 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, and each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids in it. Each cannabinoid works differently in the body, so the effects that they have differ widely.

You may have heard people talk about how different strains of cannabis have different psychical or psychological effects. Have you ever wondered why that is?

Simply put, that is because each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids, so the way that the compound interacts with your body is different.

How Do Cannabinoids Interact In The Body?

Our bodies have something known as the endocannabinoid system. This system is full of endocannabinoid receptors, and these receptors are the areas of the body that interact with the cannabinoid compounds. When each binding occurs, a different effect or reaction may happen in the body.

Since there are so many different cannabinoids as well as different types of receptors throughout the body, there are different reactions that your body may have

Common Cannabinoid Effects

There are a lot of different effects that can be caused by the interactions that cannabinoids have with the body. In fact, some cannabinoids cause more than one effect. A lot of research still needs to be done into cannabinoids, but it has been found that many issues may be helped with cannabinoids.

There are many resources you can use to keep up-to-date on the latest research on cannabinoids and their benefits. We’re excited to see what future research into cannabinoids will help us discover.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

Though there are hundreds of different cannabinoids, there are a few that are more commonly known than others. In particular, most people know about THC and CBD. Both of these cannabinoids are incredibly powerful and interesting, but they aren’t the only ones.

Let’s take a closer look at both THC and CBD as well as some other unique cannabinoids; you might be surprised at what you learn!

THC and CBD

As mentioned, these are the big players in the world of cannabinoids. These two have some of the strongest and most recognizable effects of all of the cannabinoids, and they are also present in very large quantities.

CBD has incredible benefits, and it is now being used in both medicine (Epidiolex, recently approved by the FDA) and at-home health concoctions. CBD is not psychoactive; this means that it will not make you high when you use it. From CBD oil to CBD edibles, there are many different ways that people are using this cannabinoid to ease their everyday aches and other problems.

THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive. THC is typically the cannabinoid that is responsible for feeling high when cannabis is used, but it isn’t the only psychoactive cannabinoid out there. THC is present in very large quantities in some strains of cannabis; in others, it can barely be traced.

CBC

The next cannabinoid that we want to introduce is CBC, also known as cannabichromene. The amount of CBC found in any cannabis strain tends to be very small, but it is still effective. In fact, this is one of the cannabinoids that most full-spectrum products will make sure to include because of how it rounds out the overall treatment plan.

The endocannabinoid system in your body contains fewer CBC receptors compared to the number of THC and CBD receptors. As such, CBC on its own would not have a very large effect. When used in combination with a full-spectrum product, however, CBC’s presence can activate more receptors.

The CBC receptors studied so far seem to mostly affect the digestive and immune system.

CBN

Now, let’s talk about CBN, also known as cannabinol. Like THC, this is a cannabinoid that does have some psychoactive effects. The effects, however, are not as strong as those of THC. In fact, it is interesting how the two are linked. CBN, as far as it has currently been studied, only seems to show up in strains that also contain THC. Why is that?

It’s actually because CBN is a side product of THC’s oxidation process! As cannabis plants that contain high amounts of THC get older, the THC oxidizes and creates CBN. Depending on the age of a plant, the ratio of CBN and THC will differ, and that is why there is some commonality between the two.

More than psychoactivity, CBN is known for sedation effects. It can make you quite sleepy! If you eat old edibles or use older cannabis plants in any way, it’s quite possible for this effect to occur. This is because of the THC oxidation.

CBG

CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBG, also known as cannabigerol, forms very early in the cannabis growing process. As more and more CBG is created, the presence of this cannabinoid triggers the THC and CBD formation.

The effects of CBG are similar to those of both THC and CBD, and that is likely because of how they are linked. CBG is a great for nervousness and restlessness, and it also may have a number of other effects on mental health. 

As CBG is studied more and more, we believe that it is possible that links to other cannabinoids might be found. Since there are so many cannabinoids that haven’t been studied very much, we can’t wait to see what else will be learned in future years!

Can You Spot The Differences Among Cannabinoids?

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As CBD oil and other cannabis-based products grow in popularity, the range of common knowledge about the scientific facts of these products is growing, too. Many people have heard of THC and CBD, and they are also aware of the ways that these two substances affect the body when cannabis products are used.

What a lot of people are still unaware of, however, is that THC and CBD are just two of the many cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis. Each individual cannabinoid can have effects on the body, and some are found in larger quantities than others.

Let’s learn about what a cannabinoid is, why THC and CBD seem to be the only well-known varieties, and what else is worth learning about some of the lesser-known cannabinoids that come from cannabis!

What The Heck Is A Cannabinoid?

Cannabis is full of naturally occurring chemical compounds. These compounds are known as cannabinoids, and they cause various physiological and psychoactive effects when cannabis products are used. Most strains of cannabis contain more than 100 different cannabinoids, and some strains may even have twice as many!

How Do Cannabinoids Work In The Body?

Every person has an endocannabinoid system in their body. Much like the nervous system, this system responds in different ways when chemical compounds bind to the system receptors.

In the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids will bind with the various endocannabinoid receptors. When this bind occurs, some effects may be noticed or felt in the body. The exact effect will depend on which set of receptors it binds to and how fully it binds.

The Well-Known Cannabinoids

THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids among all of the cannabinoids that are found in cannabis. This is mostly because they have the most obvious effects, and they are found in the largest quantities depending on which strain of cannabis you are looking at.

CBD is known for the wide range of benefits that it has, and it does not have any psychoactive properties. THC, on the other hand, is known for the “high” aspect of cannabis and does have some psychoactive properties depending on its concentration.

Potential Effects of Cannabinoids

Many cannabinoids have been studied to various degrees, and we can expect more to be unraveled about these interesting compounds as time goes on. For now, however, we can say that there is the potential for cannabinoids to help with a variety of health and wellness issues, and there is much anecdotal evidence as to their effectiveness.

Differences Among Other Cannabinoids

What are cannabinoids other than CBD or THC going to do if they enter your endocannabinoid system? Let’s find out a little bit more about these cannabinoids and why they matter as well.

CBG

CBG is a sort of mother hen cannabinoid. The full name for CBG is cannabigerol, and it is a non-psychoactive chemical substance found in cannabis. When the cannabis plant is growing, CBG is one of the very first compounds that is created by the plant. The presence of CBG in cannabis allows for the formation of THC and CBD.

Because of this parental nature, many of the effects that have been studied of CBG are similar to those of THC and CBD. CBG does stand out in its ability to fight off anxiety and other mental health issues thanks to the specific way that it binds with the endocannabinoid system.

There have even been studies that show CBG may have positive effects on the symptoms of Huntington’s disease! In time, it can be expected that more clear answers about how CBG works in the body and what it can treat will be discovered.

CBN

Another cannabinoid that is worth learning more about is CBN. Also known as cannabinol, this is a very powerful cannabinoid that has some psychoactive effects. The effects are not nearly as strong as those of THC, but they are worth mentioning.

CBN is known for inducing sleepiness, and it is only present in cannabis strains that also contain THC. CBN is actually a by-product that forms when THC oxidizes. This means that older, dried cannabis plants will have very high levels of CBN and low levels of THC, while fresh plants will see the opposite effect.

If you have experience with cannabis products such as edibles or topicals, you may have noticed that they seem to cause you to get sleepier as they get older. Or maybe you’ll notice it for the first time after reading about CBN today! That is because the CBN overpowers the THC as the product oxidizes, and this leads to more physically relaxing effects.

CBC

Cannabichromere, also known as CBC, is a cannabinoid that tends to appear in very small amounts whenever it shows up in a type of cannabis. Though it isn’t present in large amounts, it is nearly always included in full-spectrum CBD products that seek to use more of the natural power of cannabis.

CBC binds with specific receptors in the endocannabinoid system that are less numerous in the body compared to the receptors that bind with THC and CBD. This means that the effects of CBC are much gentler, but they are still present. That is why it is typically used in combination with other cannabinoids.

The effects of CBC are not psychoactive, and they seem to focus on the digestive and immune system about others.

There’s More Than CBD!

As you can see from just these few introductions to lesser-known cannabinoids, there is a lot that we are still learning about cannabis and all that it has to offer! While CBD is becoming a common and useful product for many around the world, there is more waiting to be unlocked within cannabis thanks to all of these different cannabinoids.

If you are interested in trying some of their effects, we recommend finding a full-spectrum CBD oil or product to try. Full-spectrum products contain more than just CBD cannabinoids, so you can get a balanced set of effects from the included cannabinoids.

How Hemp Is Used In Other Industries

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Here at Phytoextractum, we’re super excited about the things that we are able to offer to our customers. We love hearing about how our products have made your lives better, but that’s not all that we want our site to be about. We also love being able to share more knowledge that can help you to become more informed about the industry at large.

While we love the power that CBD has and how accepted it has become, we also think it’s worth mentioning that the hemp plant is good for more than just making CBD oil! In fact, there’s a whole separate industry worth covering.

Join us as we explore this whole new world!

Hemp and Marijuana: Cousins, Not Sisters!

The first thing that we want to mention is that hemp and marijuana are actually two different types of cannabis plants! While the words are often used to replace one another, it would be more correct to point out that they are not the same thing. Both are cannabis plants, but they have their own unique properties.

The looks and chemical compounds found in both of these plants are different. Because of this, the two plants are used in very different ways! While the bushy marijuana plant is often short and stout, the skinny hemp plant has different uses because it is tall.

How They Relate To CBD

Both hemp and marijuana are types of cannabis plants, and all cannabis plants contain cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. While marijuana has high THC levels and thus makes you high, hemp tends to have lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD. For that reason, hemp is frequently used to create CBD products!

Hemp is legal to grow in the US as long as it has a THC content of less than 0.3%. Anything more than this and it is possible that the plant would get you high, so the government regulates the hemp industry at this number.

Hemp: More Than Just CBD!

While hemp is often used to create CBD products, the plant is a very powerful part of the agricultural community for other reasons as well. Our focus today is not on CBD products but on the other ways that hemp is being used in manufacturing, agriculture, and other industries in today’s world.

Past Uses of Hemp

Hemp was a very popular crop until it was banned in the United States. In fact, the history of hemp dates back for thousands of years in some areas of the world! There are many famous documents that were made from hemp paper, and even famous clothing that we read about in textbooks may have been made from hemp.

There were a lot of ways that the hemp plant was used throughout time. It was used to create:

  • • Shoes
  • • Ropes
  • • Paper
  • • Clothes
  • • Sails
  • • As food

Today, hemp is still used in some of these products, but we tend to see it in some different ways. Hemp was banned as a farm crop from 1957 to 2007. The Farm Bill now allows for hemp to be farmed in regulated ways, so it is seeing more usage in various industries again.

Dietary Products

Hemp is often used as a dietary product. Hemp oils and seeds are both good for adding flavor, protein, and fatty acids to any meal. Some people mix these ingredients into smoothies while others simply snack on the seeds directly when they want a healthy snack.

It’s possible to find hemp flour as well. Hemp seeds can be ground into a flour, and then the flour is used in the same way that wheat flour would be used. Since hemp is so high in amino acids, it is often considered to be a healthier alternative to wheat flour.

Keep Things Building!

Hemp-base construction materials are also becoming more popular due to how fiscally and environmentally friendly they are. France uses a type of concrete known as hempcrete to work on their roads, buildings, and sidewalks. The material is lightweight, making it a very easy product to use.

The fibers in the hemp plant are very strong, so they are often repurposed into various types of construction materials and equipment. Their strength lends itself to this type of product very well.

Hemp For Your Pets!

While CBD oil made from hemp may be given to pets in the proper amounts, that’s not the only way that hemp might be doing something special for your doggie! There are a lot of dog foods that include either hemp seed or hemp seed oil because of the high amounts of amino acids and protein in them. These products help to improve your pet’s skin and coat health as well as their digestion.

Clothing Galore!

Much as was done in the old days, hemp fiber is often used as a way to make clothes, shoes, and textiles. As the material made from hemp is very soft, it’s a great alternative to cotton. Hemp can also be grown in more eco-friendly ways than the fickle cotton plant, so this alternative is a great thing for the world around us.

We expect many clothing companies to switch to hemp fiber rather than cotton in the future as an affordable and eco-friendly choice.

Tie It Up; Write It Down

Historically, hemp was most frequently used to create paper and ropes. The types of fibers in the hemp plant just makes sense for these uses, and that is why there is still rope and paper being made from hemp today!

Hemp paper is much more eco-friendly than paper made from tree pulp, so it is possible that we will see more paper products being made from hemp in the future as well.

Have You Heard Of Hemp Plastics?

One of the coolest things that we’ve ever heard that can be made of hemp fibers is plastic! Things like CD cases and pencil boxes can be made from biodegradable hemp-based plastics. This type of experimental product that can safely biodegrade is going to be a great option as we move towards an eco-friendly future.