Hemp is an increasingly popular product that you might be familiar with. Maybe you’ve even tried some form of hemp flower before. But do you know anything about hemp’s interesting history? Do you want to learn more about hemp flower? Hemp is a fascinating plant with a huge range of uses and many surprising elements. Odds are, there’s still more left to learn about hemp flower that might amaze you.
Keep reading for 10 fun facts about hemp flower, courtesy of Silver Rain.
1. Hemp flower is NOT marijuana.
While hemp and marijuana are both types of cannabis plant, they have key differences. Marijuana contains high concentrations of the cannabinoid THC, the chemical that causes most of the effects that we commonly think of with marijuana use. In contrast, the hemp plant has extremely low concentrations of THC and high concentrations of the cannabinoid CBD. CBD has many possible healing benefits that you may harness through hemp.
2. Hemp is not psychoactive.
Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that consuming hemp does not affect someone’s sobriety in the same way that marijuana does. You can enjoy the healing benefits of hemp flower without impairment, unlike marijuana.
3. Hemp might address a number of symptoms.*
Hemp, and especially the cannabinoid CBD present in hemp, might address a wide range of ailments and symptoms. Some of the issues CBD might alleviate include:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia (and other sleep-related issues)
- Low energy levels
- Certain neurological disorders, such as epilepsy
- PTSD
- Issues related to the physical and/or emotional pain correlated to serious illnesses, such as cancer
4. You can smoke hemp.
That’s right! Much like marijuana bud, you can smoke hemp flower. Some people choose to smoke hemp flower because it invokes the effects of CBD much more quickly than through oral consumption. Other people who enjoy smoking use hemp as a healthier substitution for herbs such as tobacco or marijuana.
New to smokable hemp? Learn more about smokable hemp flower with our blog “Why Flower?”
5. Hemp flower is legal.
Hemp flower is legal at the federal level, and certain hemp-derived CBD products are legal in most US states. However, if you are interested in smokable hemp flower, it is important to check on its legal status in your state. Hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC, and some states have slightly different interpretations about whether or not smokable hemp with low THC content passes this regulation. No matter where you are, you have to be at least 18 years of age to buy any CBD products. Some states require 21 years of age.
6. Hemp has been in use for thousands of years.
The hemp plant is quite literally ancient. Hemp cultivation can be traced back to ancient China, where it originated around 3000 to 2800 BCE. It later spread to Europe in approximately 1200 BCE, and was cultivated in South America in the 16th century CE. Later, it spread to North America and is still being cultivated today.
7. Hemp cultivation has a quick turn around.
After being planted, hemp can grow and become ready for harvesting in as little as three months. This timeline is extremely quick in comparison to many other commonly known crops. In comparison, wheat can take up to 8 months to cultivate, and rice often takes as long as 150 days.
8. Hemp has many practical uses.
On top of hemp flower’s medicinal purposes, the rest of the hemp plant serves many practical uses. Parts of the hemp plant can be processed and used for materials such as fabric, rope, paper, and other textiles. Hemp textiles are known to be incredibly strong. Hemp rope has been put to use for centuries, and today, you can find sturdy shoes, bags, and other products made of hemp. In construction, hemp boards can be used for building and make for stronger panelling than wood.
9. The founding fathers used hemp paper.
Hemp paper is another popular hemp textile. Along with parchment, hemp paper was widely used during the eighteenth century. Rumor has it that our Nation’s founding fathers drafted important constitutional documents on hemp paper.
10. In addition to CBD, there are other beneficial components in hemp.*
On top of CBD, there are other beneficial cannabinoids and nutrients in hemp. Most notable, hemp contains the nutrient Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA is a fatty acid that is also present in breast milk, and can help treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Thanks For Reading!
Hopefully, these 10 fun facts jump started your knowledge on the vast topic of hemp flower. Of course, there’s still a lot more to learn about the world of hemp. Keep an eye on our weekly blog for more information, and check out the Silver Rain Flower store to see a list of smokable hemp products.
*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.