Hemp is typically cultivated for industrial purposes and fibre, and it contains .03% or less THC, a compound found in the cannabis plant that can sometimes cause a ‘high’ feeling. CBD, another compound, can also be extracted from the plant - this does not produce a ‘high’. And with such low levels of THC, it’s unlikely hemp will cause a ‘high’. But ultimately, hemp is a variety of cannabis. It belongs to the same Cannabis sativa species, just with different characteristics and lower THC content.
Hemp products can also be sold over the counter in supermarkets, unlike medical cannabis, which can only be prescribed through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. And with it being so easily accessible, and its benefits being explored, it’s becoming more and more popular.
Some forms and uses of hemp can include:
- Textiles and clothing
- Paper
- Building materials
- Fuels
- Biodegradable plastics
- Oils
- Food products like oil or hemp milk
- Some CBD products
- Skincare products
It can also be used in skin care and may also reduce inflammation. However, if you’re suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and a whole bunch of other conditions, it may be worth checking out Alternaleaf as a more effective option. Higher levels of THC and CBD working together have been shown to provide targeted and enhanced therapeutic effects. This is known as the entourage effect.
What is Hemp and How Is It Different from Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal and nutritional applications. Its flowers contain over 100 cannabinoids, active chemical and therapeutic compounds, that can cause drug-like effects throughout the body, and terpenes, the part of a plant that produces the smell. When combined, they can impact the central nervous system, the immune system, and more.
Since 2018, doctors have been able to legally prescribe cannabis in the UK. Medical cannabis is grown in controlled environments, to a strict level of quality, and can be consumed in flower form, cannabis oil, vape cartridges, capsules, and more.
When it comes to hemp vs cannabis, the biggest difference between the two is the THC content. Cannabis can have a much higher THC content than hemp, depending on the strain and how it is grown. A strain is a specific variety of cannabis distinguished by its unique genetic makeup and characteristics, and can be influenced by genetics, growing conditions or the way it’s cultivated, and breeding techniques.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed for chronic pain, depression, anxiety and more. It should always be used against prescription guidance. And although medical cannabis has more THC than hemp, levels are controlled and monitored by professionals to provide therapeutic benefits. The law isn’t determined on THC content, just whether you have a prescription or not.
As we’ve covered above, both the cannabis plant and hemp plant have very different uses. Where hemp is mostly cultivated for its fibre and used to create paper, cloth and building materials, cannabis is used in medicine for its therapeutic benefits. It can be used for a number of neurological conditions, mental health conditions, chronic pain and women’s health. We list examples of conditions under each of these categories on the Alternaleaf website, so head there for more details.
Potential Benefits of Hemp
Heart health
Hemp itself contains nutritious components like essential fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins.
Hemp oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the plant, is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) omega 3 and 6 which are sometimes described as ‘good fats’. Research has shown that the essential fatty acids or ‘good fats’ found in plant oils can help ensure that your heart is healthy.
Brain health
The ‘good fats’ in hemp may reduce anxiety. However, the effectiveness of over the counter hemp products is much harder to predict and monitor compared to regulated forms of medical cannabis from clinics like Alternaleaf. And if you’re looking for a treatment to help with anxiety, our clinicians can provide guidance to find more efficient ways to tackle the root cause.
There’s research to suggest that hemp seeds can feature high levels of melatonin, the compound that helps the body regulate the sleep-wake cycle. CBD has also been known to promote sleepiness at higher doses. When we’re better rested, quality of life can improve.
Skin health
Hemp is nourishing and can also moisturise the skin without clogging your pores. This can therefore help reduce acne that’s caused by excess oil.
Linoleic acid and oleic acids found in hemp can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
A 2014 paper weighed up 15 separate psoriasis trials that used omega-3, which is found in hemp oil, to see its effect. It found that 12 of these showed “clinical benefit”.
Inflammation
Research has shown that these ‘good fats’ may also reduce inflammation.
In 2005, researchers found hemp made a significant difference on atopic eczema, by boosting levels of GLA (a potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid), alongside essential fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid.
If pain and inflammation are targeted with hemp products, this can also lead to a better night's sleep. Chances are you’ll feel more relaxed if you’re not in pain.
Methods of Using Hemp Products
Topical Application
Applying hemp products directly to the skin can target pain and inflammation. This method is great for people who want relief from conditions like arthritis or muscle pain, without the need for inhalation or ingestion. It may also be beneficial for people with skin irritation or dry patches that need soothing quickly.
Oral Consumption
Ingesting hemp products can provide the same results as topical use. But there can be some additional hemp oil benefits to your overall health. This method reduces the risk of skin irritation or break outs, but can increase the risk of temporary digestive upset - however this is an unlikely side effect.
Inhalation
This involves breathing in vapour, and provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes. Doctors will always recommend using a dry herb vaporiser, as smoking can irritate the lungs, while vaping is considered a less harmful alternative.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Given its chemical makeup, the potential risks and side effects of hemp are less of a concern than side effects of THC and CBD-dominant products. Yet hemp products can still pose some risks.
It’s rare, but possible, for some people to experience irritation on the skin when using hemp creams. The best thing to always do when using a new product is to patch test it. Apply a small amount of your product to a patch of skin, and wait to see if you have a negative reaction.
There’s also a possibility of digestive upset.
The most important thing is to always follow either the instructions that come with the product or, if you choose to go down the medical cannabis route, what your clinician tells you.
Summary
So, now you know some of the different uses of hemp for skincare, brain health, heart health and inflammation. It really is an incredible plant.
However, as we mentioned at the start of this article, if you’re suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and a whole bunch of other conditions, it may be worth checking out Alternaleaf as a potentially more effective option.