Unlike kratom, hemp and marijuana are both members of the cannabis family, yet the two plants are fairly different. Hemp is typically grown for industrial purposes, while marijuana is grown for its psychoactive effects. Hemp is likewise used as a component in healthy edibles used for better sleep or energy boost. You can get more info about such products online and now let’s take a closer look at what sets marijuana and hemp apart.
The Difference between Hemp and Marijuana
Chemical composition
The most obvious difference between the two cannabis species is their chemical composition. In contrast to marijuana which contains high doses of THC, hemp contains less than 0.3% of it so it won’t produce any psychoactive effects when consumed. This is why it can be legally used in health-promoting edibles and natural supplements.
The low doses of THC make it safe to be taken regularly while preserving the vast benefits of the cannabis plant from reducing inflammation to lowering blood pressure.
Uses
Due to its low THC content, hemp has a variety of uses. Besides the aforementioned hemp-based health supplements, the uses of this plant range from textiles to food products such as milk and protein powder. It is also commonly involved in paper production due to its long fibers which make for great absorbency compared to regular paper made from wood pulp.
Plus, hemp oil is likewise popular amongst health-conscious consumers as an alternative source of essential fatty acids such as omega-3s.
As to marijuana, its primary use remains recreational but it has been gaining traction recently as an alternative medicinal treatment due to its anti-inflammatory properties which could potentially help those suffering from conditions such as cancer or chronic pain caused by arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Legal implications
Perhaps one of the most important differences between hemp and marijuana lies in their respective legal statuses. The Farm Bill has legalized industrial hemp production in all 50 states (again, it must contain less than 0.3% THC to be considered hemp).
In contrast to this, marijuana remains classified as an illegal Schedule I drug according to federal law which means that growing or possessing it – even if done so legally under state law – carries serious criminal penalties including jail time or hefty fines in some cases.
How to Choose the Right Hemp-Based Products
With the rise of hemp-based products, from cosmetics to pet treats, it’s important to make sure you only bring safe products into your home. The good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to ensure the hemp-based products you buy are safe and effective. Here are some tips for choosing safe items.
Read labels carefully
One of the most important things you can do when choosing a hemp-based product is to read the label carefully. Make sure that you understand what ingredients are used in the product and that there are no questionable additives or fillers. You’ll also want to look for any certification seals on the label. This will let you know that the product has been tested for safety and efficacy by an independent third party.
Check reviews
Another way to ensure that you’re purchasing safe hemp-based products is by researching the company’s reputation and reviews online before making a purchase decision. Read through customer reviews on sites such as Amazon or Reddit to get an idea of what people are saying about their experience with the brand’s products. Negative reviews may indicate potential problems with quality or safety protocols so it is better to avoid using such products.
Search for third-party certifications
Third-party certifications from organizations such as US Hemp Authority or NSF International indicate that a company takes pride in producing safe, high-quality products for its customers. These organizations have strict guidelines about what qualifies as safe hemp production and use stringent testing protocols before awarding certifications.
If your chosen brand has these certifications, then you can rest assured knowing that its products have met rigorous safety standards.
Know the source
Knowing where your hemp comes from is another important factor when choosing quality hemp-based products. Make sure that the company uses organic farming practices and sources its hemp from reputable suppliers with sustainable standards in place. This will ensure that your product contains no contaminants or pesticides which could potentially harm your health and well-being over time if consumed regularly.
Understand the purpose
Hemp edibles might be suitable for different purposes which is why it is essential to look for products that best fit your needs. It is thus a good idea to, first, define your goals before you start shopping. Is it improved sleep or an energy boost? Or maybe you are looking for some supplements to help with concentration? Whatever the purpose is, it is wise to keep it in mind when choosing your hemp-based remedies and consult your healthcare provider for some personalized recommendations.
Research extraction methods
Different extraction methods will produce different qualities of the product, so it’s important to research how your chosen brand extracts its hemp oil or CBD isolate before purchasing anything from them. CO2 extraction is generally considered the safest method as it produces purer oils while leaving behind harmful chemicals such as chlorophyll and solvents.
Ask questions
If there’s anything else you want to know about a particular brand or product, don’t hesitate to ask. Reputable companies should have knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions you might have about their process or ingredients without hesitation.
Conclusion
By reading this article, you now know that hemp and marijuana are different plants with different effects and legal implications involved. Knowing these differences can help you make an informed decision if you’re considering trying either type of product out for health benefits or recreational purposes. Choose smartly and never hesitate to consult your healthcare providers before including any new products in your regimen.