You may have seen hemp-based products on store shelves and wondered what they are and what they’re used for. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant, but it contains only trace amounts of THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. That means you can’t get high from using hemp-based products. Instead, people use these products for their purported health benefits.
What Are Hemp-Based Products?
Hemp-based products are made from parts of the hemp plant, including flowers, leaves, and stalks. These parts of the plant are rich in CBD, a compound that some people believe has health benefits. CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it’s one of more than 100 compounds found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high.
Products that contain CBD are sometimes called “CBD oils.” however, they can come in various forms, including liquids, capsules, gummies, creams, and more. You can even find CBD in some pet foods and beverages.
Are There Any Proven Health Benefits?
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that CBD may offer certain health benefits. For example, studies have shown that CBD may help reduce anxiety and inflammation. It’s also been shown to be effective in treating seizures associated with certain medical conditions like epilepsy. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Using These Products?
Most hemp-based products are considered safe for most people to use. However, there’s always a potential for side effects when taking any kind of supplement or medication.
Some people who take CBD may experience dry mouth, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or diarrhea. In general, these side effects are mild and go away on their own. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any kind of supplement or medication, including hemp-based products.
Hemp Through the Ages
Hemp has been cultivated by humans for over 10,000 years and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber. Throughout history, hemp has been used to create a wide variety of products including rope, sails, cloth, and paper. In fact, the United StatesDeclaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper!
Conclusion
If you’ve been curious about hemp-based products but weren’t sure what they were or how to use them, this beginner’s guide is for you. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains only trace amounts of THC; as a result, you cannot get high from using hemp-based products.
People use these products for their purported health benefits; while there is some scientific evidence to suggest that CBD may offer certain health benefits, more research is needed to confirm these claims. Most hemp-based products are considered safe for most people to use; however, there is always a potential for side effects when taking any kind of supplement or medication—be sure to talk to your doctor before taking anything new.