Introduction
Did you know that hemp oil is medical marijuana? Find out why as you read all about hemp oil in this exhaustive article on the subject.
What is Hemp Oil?
It all begins with Cannabis. Cannabis is a family of plants with two principal classifications – Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. While marijuana can be deemed a member of either the Indica or Sativa families, Hemp is strictly a constituent of the Cannabis Sativa family.
In Hemp, the oil is sited in the aerial section of the plant but is not found in the roots or seeds. The aerial parts of the hemp plant are located in the parts of the plant above the soil line, specifically, the stems, flowers, and leaves.
There is also Hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is derived from the ripened the seeds of the hemp plants or Cannabis sativa.
There is a variety of different extraction methods used to extract CBD from the raw cannabis plant material. The most frequently used extraction methods are solvent-based methods. With this method, solvents such as butane, propane, and ethanol (along with others) are used to extract CBD from the plant material.
A more advanced extraction process which is without solvents is the Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) method, which uses carbon dioxide (CO2). During the SFE process, a specialized extraction machine freezes and compresses the carbon dioxide until it achieves a supercritical cold liquid state. This liquid then passes through the plant material, which extracts the cannabinoids and organic compounds from it.
Hemp seed oil on the other hand is produced by cold-pressing the ripened seeds of industrial hemp plants. These plants have almost no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). More detail on this to follow below.
Along with essential fatty acids, hemp seed oil contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
What is the Difference between Hemp Oil and Marijuana?
Since both Hemp and marijuana plants originate from the Cannabis Sativa family, they do contain similar properties. Conversely, because they have different biological structures, they have several vastly distinct and central differences.
Cannabis plants have a variety of diverse compounds called Cannabinoids. There are actually over one-hundred of them but two of the plenteous and most prevailing are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both have shown to provide acute benefits to the human body. However, the major difference is THC produces psychoactive effects, which triggers the user to get high, whereas CBD does not contain any substantial psychoactive properties. This is why hemp oil is legal in all fifty states in the US and some countries.
While both Hemp and Marijuana plants contain CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes that psychoactive high, Hemp contains a much higher percentage of CBD and only trace amounts of THC, which is the reason CBD is normally extracted from the hemp plant (and is also known as hemp extract). CBD from the Hemp plant won’t get an individual high, even though it can have psychoactive effects along the lines of reducing anxiety and depression.
How does Hemp Oil Work
Hemp extract contains powerful compounds including cannabinoids (i.e. CBD), terpenes, and a number of other beneficial phytochemicals. All of which work synergistically with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to support the body’s natural ability to heal and rebalance itself.
The endocannabinoid system was only discovered recently in the early 1990’s when researchers discovered cannabinoid receptors. It was further realized that these were some of the most plentiful neurotransmitter receptors established in the brain. This awareness was soon followed by the finding of the endocannabinoid system.
This intricate system was named for its relationship with the cannabis plant, but the ECS does much more than get you high. In fact, we produce our own cannabinoid compounds (known as endocannabinoids) that play a vital biological role by sustaining balance or homeostasis in the body.
Imagine, our bodies produce weed!!
As I like to say, balance is the key to life. This applies both externally in our existence and internally with our bodily systems.
To summarize, the ECS works to keep the body in a stable position where everything is working optimally, regardless of what might be going on externally. The body is at its best when it is in a state of equilibrium or balance, so the endocannabinoid system works with the various systems of the body to maintain this balance.
Cannabinoid receptors are located on the surface of cells throughout the nervous system and the rest of the body. Endocannabinoids, as well as external cannabinoids ingested, can bind to these receptors, allowing them to communicate with various systems in the body and reset the equilibrium where needed. The two main sorts of cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors.
- CB1 receptors exist in the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the nerves in the spinal cord.
- CB2 receptors exist in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves located throughout the rest of the body (enabling the brain to correspond with these areas), as well as the digestive and immune systems.
Because cannabinoid receptors are positioned throughout the body, the ECS system is able to act with precision whenever it addresses an issue of imbalance in one of the body’s systems. It is able to pinpoint an area with inflammation and zero in on that issue explicitly, rather than disturbing other systems and heaving more things misaligned.
Because of THC’s intoxicating properties it is illegal in many parts of the world, but CBD on the other hand has emerged as a promising drug candidate for researchers to examine. It holds many useful therapeutic properties by energizing the ECS. However, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get one intoxicated.
The reason is CBD interacts with the ECS differently than THC. It only binds weakly to CB1 and CB2 receptors. And when it does, CBD essentially operates as an antagonist. Sometimes called blockers, antagonists attach to receptors and reduce their signals. This explains why CBD can counteract the consequences of THC intoxication.
CBD also affects the ECS by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme, which breaks down anandamide. Anandamide produces a relaxing effect, so by blocking the FAAH enzyme that breaks it down, CBD is helpful in treating anxiety disorders.
The fact of the matter is homeostasis plays a vital role in health in general. Since external cannabinoids like CBD can bond to our cannabinoid receptors even as well as the endocannabinoids our bodies naturally produce, researchers are finding that CBD products can have wide-ranging therapeutic benefits for various health issues. These receptors are found in all mammals so CBD products are also beneficial for pets (dogs, cats, etc.) as well.
When something in the body is out of balance, hemp oil encourages the body to bring it back to normal. This is why evidence suggests hemp extract can help relieve a host of conditions that affect the body.
For a visual of how CBD functions, see the video.
What are the Health Benefits of Hemp Oil?
There are several health benefits of hemp oil which are described below.
Attacks temporary Inflammation – Historically, Cannabis has been used for its pain-relieving qualities. Pain can have a range of sources, but one offender in the body is inflammation, which can affect muscles, joints, and tissues.
Research proposes that the cannabinoids in full spectrum hemp oil can help to cool the effects of temporary inflammation, providing welcome relief. For more information on inflammation, please read the article, The Dangers of Inflammation on this website.
When experiencing undue inflammation, it is basically the body’s immune system responding and reacting when it shouldn’t.
The cannabinoids in hemp, namely CBD, help supports the immune system. For example research on animals found that CBD promotes the signaling of the adenosine receptor A2A. This receptor, in turn, produces an anti-inflammatory effect.
Hemp extract regulates the immune system in other ways also. Thanks to research, scientists have discovered that the CBD in hemp extract can modulate the body’s inflammatory response by inducing the apoptosis (programmed cell death) of activated immune cells. As a result, it effectively suppresses cytokines and chemokines (cell growth) at inflammatory sites throughout the body.
CDB is not the only compound in hemp that fights inflammation. CBD is undoubtedly the most researched compound in hemp extract. But that doesn’t denote that it is the only compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits. There are several other cannabinoids and terpenes (organic compounds) in hemp extract that additionally help the body control inflammation.
For example, a cannabinoid called cannabichromene was found in rat studies to be as effectual as an anti-inflammatory drug called phenylbutazone. The scientists noted further that it might be a better alternative than the anti-inflammatory drug because it is significantly less toxic, yet just as effective.
Another study on mice found that a unique cannabinoid called cannabigerol is such a potent anti-inflammatory compound that scientists are considering its use for treating inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Hemp extract also contains a variety of terpenes—aromatic oils naturally found in plants. Much like the cannabinoids, these terpenes can fight inflammation. One of these terpenes in hemp extract is called alpha-pinene.
Research conducted on mice suggests that the terpene alpha-pinene possesses anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it’s so effective that scientists are considering it as a candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
There also are several other terpenes in hemp extract like myrcene that are showing promise for anti-inflammatory properties.
Bottom line is that CBD can support the body’s immune response, by inactivating the immune cells that are triggering inflammation.
Inflammation is involved to some degree in almost every health complication. Ranging from less acute problems like muscle tension and headaches to more critical conditions such as heart disease and arthritis.
This is the reason keeping inflammation under control should be one of a top priority. An individual additionally can take steps to fight inflammation by eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods, exercising regularly and detoxing. These are the traditional methods of maintaining good health and controlling inflammation.
One new and straightforward step is to incorporate a top quality hemp oil extract. Hemp oil contains a plethora of cannabinoids that can aid the body in calming the effects of temporary inflammation naturally. This can entail newfound relief to ease pain and discomfort in hips, shoulders, knees and everywhere else inflammation may flare up from time to time.
So, for an individual experiencing joint pain, it’s possible that hemp extract can provide relief by reducing the inflammation that is causing the joint discomfort or stiffness.
Eases Stress – Surveys have shown that up to one third of the population in the US will experience an anxiety-related disorder at some point in their lives.
But even more common is everyday stress. Work deadlines and home demands led to feelings of stress and anxiety which are soon to follow.
In the fast paced society we live in today, it isn’t easy to find the time to relax and get the sleep our bodies desperately need. Over time, this leads to a buildup of stress and sleep deprivation.
Numerous studies have shown that stress and a lack of sleep will weaken the body’s immune system, cause weight gain, harm the digestive system, and so much more. These effects compound over time, creating a vicious cycle…Stress and poor sleep leads to fatigue and poor health which leads to more stress. For further information on sleep, please read the article, The Importance of Sleep for Health on this website.
One solution is to make changes in behavior such as getting more exercise or better time management. However, changes in behavior require time, effort and motivation. These are resources individuals won’t have when they are stressed and sleep deprived.
Luckily, research has shown that cannabinoids may help. On a review of studies on military veterans showed benefits that ranged from reduced anxiety to improved coping ability.
In a different study, cannabidiol (CBD) was found to aid in the reduction cortisol production in the body, consequently helping relieve the effects of stress.
Hemp oil has powerful plant-based compounds that can yield the boost needed to break free from the stress cycle. It biochemically affects the body in a distinctive way to help relieve stress effects and improve sleep quality. This is accomplished without making time-consuming behavioral changes.
By turning stress into relaxation and restless nights into quality sleep, the cycle is often reversed. When happy and relaxed, one can sleep well. With improved sleep, an individual will naturally feel better and experience less stress.
This is how it happens. When the body is stressed, it releases a hormone called cortisol. It is the compound that gives the feeling of being overwhelmed, uneasy, and causes the mind to race. These are the common characteristics of stress.
In small doses, this hormone is utterly harmless. But when caught up in the stress-sleep cycle, the stress can easily become chronic or constant. This is when it starts to have a negative effect on the mind and body.
Research has established that the cannabinoids in hemp oil can decrease the concentration of cortisol in the body considerably in that way supporting the body’s stress reaction.
Again, as mentioned earlier, hemp oil also fuels the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS is an intricate system of receptors that play a vital role in stress adaptation or how we deal with stress.
Getting back to sleep, Hemp oil can make a meaningful difference in the quality of sleep simply by reducing stress levels. However, there are other ways it makes sleep quality better.
There is more to getting a good night’s rest than sleeping for 7-8 hours. Because an individual can still be sleep deprived if one is not getting quality
sleep. But, hemp oil is shown to improve both
the duration one stays asleep at night and the quality of that sleep.
One review established that the CBD in hemp oil treated signs of sleeplessness in that it reduced the time to fall asleep and prevented disrupted sleep. This additionally improves daytime alertness.
Scientists have additionally discovered that the endocannabinoid system performs a vital role in the crucial REM stage of sleep. If the REM stages of sleep are interrupted, it could decrease the body’s ability to cope with stress. This stage of sleep can affect how one reacts to events throughout the day.
Soothes Joint Irritation – Since it is a fact that cannabinoids assist with fighting temporary inflammation, hemp oil can ease joint discomfort. But for greatest advantage, it is best to obtain a cannabinoid extract that is paired with hemp seed oil. The reason is hemp seed oil is additionally full of beneficial plant omegas, which support joint health.
For this purpose, hemp oil is also available in balm form to apply to a specific joint for faster effectiveness.
Supports a Vigorous Heart – While much focus is on its potential to relieve stress and discomfort, hemp oil additionally sustains a healthy heart.
Introductory research suggests that cannabinoids may assist blood vessels to relax and widen, which suggest that it may support healthy blood pressure.
Full spectrum hemp oil is a natural source of heart-healthy essential fatty acids, conveyed at optimal omega ratios. These comprise omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-3 (alpha-linoleic acid), and omega-9 (oleic acid).
Battles Free Radicals – A small amount of oxidative stress is a basic byproduct of living. But environmental contaminants, consuming processed foods excessively, high- energy exercise, and a stress-filled lifestyle can all contribute to a harmful and damaging level of oxidative stress.
This is harmful for the body because over time, free radicals can damage cells and even the DNA in an individual. The optimal therapy for oxidative stress is found in antioxidant-rich plants and herbs. For more information on free radicals, please read the article, What are Free Radicals and Why are they Bad on this website
According to the research, the great news is that hemp oil has powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Sustains Exercise Recuperation – Extreme exercise training can strain muscles, leading to discomfort (i.e. soreness) and long mending times. FULL SPECTRUM HELP OIL may be able to assist.
Along with comforting temporary inflammation, one of the ingredients of hemp oil is called cannabigerol (CBG). Research has suggested that the cannabinoid CBG may hinder the release of the neurotransmitter GABA, which can lessen muscle tension.
The combined benefits of antioxidants, omegas and cannabinoids in hemp oil are an additional way to sustain general exercise recovery.
With comprehensive health benefits—from lessening joint aches, to making daily stress more controllable, to supporting better sleep, and more—premium hemp oil is worth taking a look at for the health and well-being of our bodies. For free samples of premium quality hemp oil and hemp oil products, CLICK HERE.
This makes a quality hemp oil product a simple and effective way to improve the quality of the life.
As with any supplements or medication, you should always do the research and buy legally-sanctioned products in order to enjoy the full benefits of CBD.
Where to buy Hemp Oil
The most important thing to consider when purchasing hemp oil is the company selling it. There are companies that make many false medical claims which are out of compliance with the FDA. There are also companies that make false claims regarding how much hemp oil is actually contained in their products.
Therefore, you must consider a company that is honest, compliant, openly presents their test results, uses quality farms, has quality extraction methods (CO2 extraction), and are certified by the US Hemp Authority.
For free sampleS of premium quality hemp oil products, from a premium hemp company, CLICK HERE.
You can also view the second video for a review of the company and its products.
Please feel free to leave any question, comment or concern below. You will receive a response.
Good Health!!
Great website and a lot of great information! I’ve been using CBD oil for 2 years and this information teaches me why it works so well. Thanks so much for posting this information.
Hi Jamie – I’m really glad to know that it’s working so well for you. Thanks for commenting!
Hello there – It was so fun to reach this post. As a recent customer for Hemp oil, I can resonate with this article in many ways. Had to self educate myself with the differenced between Hemp oul and Marijuana and I was not clear but after reading your post it helped me clarify a few things. I was suffering form major back pain and hemp oil was my saviour. Highly recommend it.
Hi JN – Yes as I was doing my research I ran across a lot of conflicting information and it took some time to get the facts correct. I’m glad to know that the post was able to help you to clarify. I’m also glad to know that the hemp oil helped you with your back pain. Thanks for commenting.
Hello there, Hemp oil is really a very nice application, as we all know they made by cold-pressing the ripened seeds of industrial hemp plants. These plants have almost no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that produces the high associated with weed.thanks a lot for sharing this awesome article i know it would help a lot of persons
Hello Ismeglamour – Actually you’ve described hemp seed oil. Hemp oil comes from the stalk, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and contain a higher concentration of CBD. Whereas hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant which does not contain CBD. They do however have a rich collection of nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds that can also have health benefits. And you’re correct that neither contain the THC compound.
Thanks for commenting!
This article provides details about the all about hemp oil . I enjoyed reading this article and would suggest others it as well. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us and look forward to more such in future for all of us.
Greetings – I am very happy to know that this article was informative for you. Thank you so much for commenting.