The use of hemp has grown in popularity since the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp has many purposes and can be used to not only better our health and wellness but can also help the planet. Let’s dive into the many uses of hemp.
What Can Hemp Be Used For?
Health and Wellness
Hemp is most commonly used for both recreational and medicinal purposes by harnessing the power of its cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are compounds that can be found in both hemp and cannabis plants that produce therapeutic benefits. There are over 200 cannabinoids that have been identified in the hemp plant, the most prominent one being CBD. Cannabinoids have been extensively researched for the many therapeutic benefits they hold. Here are some of the many benefits cannabinoids from hemp can potentially deliver:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-seizure
- Smoking Cessation to help reduce or quit nicotine
- Pain Relief
- Sleep Support
- Supports Brain Health
- Gastrointestinal Support
- And so much more!
When taking cannabinoids there are three main routes of administration to choose from. They can be taken orally, by the way of tinctures or edibles; applied topically through lotions or patches; and can also be inhaled through hemp smokables, such as vapes or hemp flower. All routes of administration can be beneficial, and the route needed is dependent on individual’s needs.
Cannabinoids can be a great ally to support health and wellness and can help with a wide range of ailments. It is best to always consult your primary care physician prior to adding any products into your routine.
Resources
Hemp is an extremely versatile plant that has a wide range of uses, including being able to be formed into a massive number of products we use frequently. In colonial times, hemp was used as a primary resource to make paper, sails, ropes, and much more. In fact, in the United States it was once required to grow hemp on your farm in order to operate, and even the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Production of products made from hemp halted around the 1970’s, but with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, popularity of this sustainable resource began to grow once again.
Here are some of the products that can be made from hemp:
- Plastic: One of the main components of plastic comes from petroleum, which is highly toxic, especially when burned. Hemp can be substituted for petroleum in the production of plastics to make them both greener and biodegradable.
- Paper: Deforestation is a huge industry, as paper products are incredibly common. Fortunately, paper can also be made from hemp, limiting the need for deforestation. Additionally, since hemp naturally has a lighter color, it also eliminates the need for chlorine bleach, which is also toxic.
- Clothes: Clothing can be made from hemp in a much more sustainable way than current manufacturing processes that make clothing out of cotton or polyester. Hemp clothes are durable and long lasting.
- Fuel: Hemp can be a great alternative to fossil fuels and lessen our dependence on them. Hemp can produce methanol and can be much more easily obtained than fossil fuels. Hemp fuel is biodegradable and is estimated to cost consumers one dollar a gallon on average.
Hemp is a plant with many benefits, not only to those who consume, but also for the environment. Next time you are going out to purchase your items, take a moment to consider buying an alternative made from hemp.