Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile plants that has been used by the human civilization. In fact, a piece of hemp fabric is one of the oldest artifacts found on the planet! Today, hemp is used in foods and even textiles, but we’re most interested in the hemp seed and the oil it produces.
However, there are many misconceptions and confusion on what exactly hemp is and how it’s derived from the Cannabis plant.
What is Cannabis?
The Genus Cannabis has three distinct species: C. sativa, C. indica, C. ruderalis. Cannabis is the only plant genus with a unique class of molecules known as cannabinoids. Cannabis produces two major cannabinoids: THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), and several other minor cannabinoid compounds.
Essentially, both hemp and marijuana ultimately come from the same plant… just different parts. For instance, the term cannabis (or marijuana) is used when describing a Cannabis Sativa plant that is bred for its potent, resinous glands (known as trichomes). These trichomes contain high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid most known for its psychoactive properties.
Hemp, on the other hand, is used to describe a Cannabis Sativa plant that contains only trace amounts of THC. Hemp is a high-growing plant, typically bred for industrial uses such as oils and topical ointments, as well as fiber for clothing, construction, and much more.
(Research sourced from “Understanding the Differences between Hemp and Cannabis”)
Is Industrial Hemp the same as Marijuana?
Nope. Marijuana, as a drug, has a THC level between 5 and 20 percent. Industrial hemp contains 0.3% or less of THC and has higher levels of CBD (cannabidiol). It would be impossible to get “high” on industrial hemp.
What makes Hemp a “Super-Crop”?
Hemp has over 30,000 uses!
Food: hemp seeds are an incredible source of a complete protein. They are used in health food products like granola, hemp milk, protein and organic body care products.
Oil: used for hair and skin care, as well as detergent. Hemp oil is very high protein and can be used for animal and human consumption.
Fiber: used in textiles, biofuel, building material, medicine, paper, cordage, hemp-derived cellulose for plastic composites. It is a natural substitute for cotton and wood fiber. Hemp is 10 times stronger than cotton.
Hemp is also naturally resistant to most pests, so no need for harmful herbicides or pesticides. It is an excellent crop for crop rotation because it builds up and revitalizes the soil by aerating the soil and depositing carbon dioxide, so a food crop could be planted immediately after a hemp harvest without leaving the land fallow. Hemp grows in a wide variety of climates and soil types.
(Research sourced from “Industrial Hemp: A History and Overview of the Super Crop—and its Trillion-Dollar Future”)
How can Hemp Seed Oil help my dog?
What products do you recommend? We recommend a few different options for treats, capsules, and oils that contain hemp.
If you’re looking for a CBD Oil supplement, Pet Releaf has wonderful full spectrum hemp oil in a liquid tincture treatment or treats. They use the entire plant (seeds and stalk), so the CBD hemp oil provides all of the benefits of CBD while also providing the multitude of additional benefits provided by the terpenoids and flavonoids.
There are many reasons why Pet Releaf is our brand of choice when it comes to CBD for your pets.
- One of the only certified organic pet CBD products from “seed to sale”
- Specific products for your needs: Hip and Joint, Calming and Stress, and Daily Wellness formulas
- Available in oils tinctures and treats
- Family owned and women operated
- Contributing members to the “Hemp Round Table” to help with hemp legislation
- Full Spectrum so the product has better efficacy for your furbaby
- Transparency
- Regenerative and Sustainable Farming Practices
- and many more!
Have questions? As always, your L&L experts are here to help. Stop by the store today!
