Hemp is a highly nutritional plant, boasting many secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties. Hemp provides a wealth of phenolic compounds like luteolin, kaempferol and quercetin for maximum medicinal efficacy.
CBD extracted from hemp plants can be added to foods and dietary supplements. However, due to its legal complexity it requires significant knowledge and understanding of statutory framework.
Legality
Hemp is an exceptionally useful crop that has long been grown in America — even by Thomas Jefferson himself! In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp growing and selling under federal jurisdiction; THC (psychoactive compound found in cannabis) was also removed from being classified as cannabis under this definition.
CBD and other non-THC components of cannabis plants may legally be sold as dietary supplements; however, hemp-derived products that will be ingested require approval by FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C).
As is currently the case with law, this can be an intricate process. Only one CBD-derived drug has been approved by FDA so far and three hemp seed derived substances have been recognized as GRAS for direct addition into food products; however, state laws in Colorado and Oregon appear to close any loopholes left open by FD&C Act.
Purity
Hemp does not contain THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for inducing high. Therefore, CBD derived from hemp can be consumed safely without fear of becoming high.
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein, fibre and essential fatty acids – including omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids – providing natural health benefits including stress reduction and improved sleep and well-being. You can enjoy them raw or use them in muesli, smoothies or salads as part of a diet plan. Furthermore, hemp seed can also be added as an ingredient to functional food products which deliver these natural health advantages for optimal wellbeing.
While both hemp and marijuana belong to the same species, they differ considerably in terms of genetics. Hemp plants typically possess a gene that suppresses THC synthase production; as a result, hemp plants typically produce large amounts of CBD without THC production; in comparison, marijuana plants tend to activate this gene and produce more THC than its hemp counterparts do. Furthermore, both species vary significantly when it comes to their phenolic acid content and terpene profiles, making uniformity difficult.
Safety
Hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis sativa plant, yet each has distinct characteristics. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC – the psychoactive component that causes highs. Marijuana typically contains much higher levels of THC which may lead to feelings of euphoria as well as other side effects.
Hemp seed oil and CBD products do not contain THC and can be safely utilized. Hemp seed oil, extracted from the seeds of cannabis sativa plants, provides essential omega-3 fatty acids as well as gamma-linolenic acid for proper functioning and other beneficial elements in our bodies.
CBD-based drugs have been approved by the FDA, including Epidiolex which has been shown to reduce seizures among children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome through controlled clinical trials and the rigorous review process required for any new drug. Its effectiveness was demonstrated through controlled trials as part of this rigorous approval process for new medications.
Availability
Hemp CBD products include beverages, food items and even pet treats; however, experts caution consumers to be mindful of its possible risks before making their purchasing decisions.
CBD produced from hemp plants is legal in all 50 states with three exceptions, where marijuana-derived cannabis remains illegal to grow or sell. Hemp CBD differs from marijuana CBD in that its THC levels fall under 0.3% (this psychoactive component gives people high).
While research is ongoing, little is understood regarding the long-term effects of CBD on humans and animals alike. Meanwhile, scientists are working on creating safer CBD products.
