How to Use Hemp
Hemp, not to be confused with marijuana, contains minimal amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that can hardly be traced. Because of this, it is usually grown for industrial use. Products like lotions, infused drinks and other items are common because makers rely on the components or Cannabidiol (CBD) given from hemp. Used in a variety of products, hemp is one versatile herb that is flooded with plenty of benefits. While it can be made into different types of food, fabric and cosmetic products, not all parts of the hemp are used the same.
Hemp Seeds
Threshing and winnowing the seeds manually or mechanically is highly important when treating this nutrient dense protein. Hemp seeds must be properly cleaned and dried before use or storage to ensure quality. Containing almost as much protein as soybeans, these seeds provide a great source of essential amino acids. Hemp seed also contributes to great heart health by lowering cholesterol and adding healthy fats back into your diet. So whether you’re sprinkling them on top of your acaí bowl or blending them into your favorite smoothie, they’re here to provide great dietary benefits.
Hemp Oil
Containing less than three-tenths of THC, hemp oil comes from the small seeds of cannabis sativa plant. The extraction process known as decarboxylated, generally uses solvents such as ethanol or CO2 to remove the oil from the plant biomass. Although the oil doesn't carry the same level of CBD as the plant, it is rich in nutrients, fatty acids and other useful compounds often found in many cosmetic products. The fat produced by this oil is used holistically to relieve many skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and more. Oil can also be extracted from the flowers and leaves using different methods. Our preferred method is ethanol extraction. Ethanol is an efficient extracting method that can be done quickly and allows us to extract most of the cannabinoids. Ethanol is generally recognized as saf (GRAS) by the FDA which means it is safe to use for human consumption, unlike butane or other chemicals. We are also able to recapture and recycle for future extraction processes using this method. For more information about our extracting services contact us here.
Hemp Fibers
Hemp decortication removes the woody interior of the hemp plant and separates it from its soft leafy exterior. The stalks are then moved through fluted rollers to break it down into smaller pieces and separate the hemp fiber. Hemp fiber is usually woven into other fabrics or can even be used on its own. Proven to be more durable than cotton, hemp fibers are commonly used in products like paper and landscaping materials. Fiber processing uses few chemicals, if any at all making it a clean alternative to other industrial products.
While they stem from the same cannabis namesake, hemp and marijuana each serve a distinct purpose and are different in the way they can be curated. Breaking it down even further, the hemp plant is known for its diverse industrial use due to its beneficial CBD component. This chemical has made hemp a popular ingredient in everyday essentials such as skincare products, healthy foods and even the clothing hanging in your closet.
Work cited:
Christiansen, Sherry. “What Is Hemp?20.” Verywell Health, 2021, https://www.verywellhealth.com/hemp-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4767355.
Nickus, Leslie. “The Differences between Hemp and Marijuana.” Weedmaps, 10 Mar. 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/hemp-vs-marijuana.
Rose-Francis, Kim. “Hemp: Forms, Benefits, Nutrition, Uses, and More.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308044.
Sheppard, Laurel M. “Industrial Hemp.” How Products Are Made, 2007, http://www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Industrial-Hemp.html.
Therapeutic Research Faculty Staff. “Hemp: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1605/hemp.
