The recent legalization of hemp in the United States has sparked a national conversation about the future of the hemp industry and what it could mean for the national economy.
In the next three years, CBD is expected to become a $22 billion industry, making it one of the most promising markets today. However, despite its promising future, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the industry in the U.S. with many people not even aware of hemp oil ’s benefits.
Understanding hemp and its benefits need not be overly complicated, and the added advantage is that learning about hemp oil can improve your life in unimaginable ways.
Legality of Hemp
As of 2019, hemp and hemp-derived products are legal in the United States thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act. More commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, the new law legalized hemp at the federal level by removing the plant and its derivatives from the federal list of controlled substances and classifying it as an agricultural commodity. The act also took away the Drug Enforcement Administration’s regulatory power over hemp and established that hemp is to be regulated by the Department of Agriculture and individual state agencies.
Types of Hemp Oil
In the United States, two types of hemp-derived oils dominate the market: hemp seed oil and CBD oil. While both oil products are formulated using industrial hemp extracts, they have very different uses.
Hemp Seed Oil
As the name implies, hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant. This type of oil is generally used for its nutritional value and nutty taste. Hemp seed oil is mostly found in kitchens where it is commonly used as cooking oil and as a salad dressing. Due to its rich vitamin E content, hemp seed oil can also be found in beauty products like shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
CBD Oil
By far the most popular type of hemp oil nowadays is what is known as CBD oil. Short for cannabidiol, CBD belongs to a family of compounds found in cannabis known as cannabinoids. CBD is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties which can help with a wide range of symptoms related to multiple health conditions. As is the case with all products derived from industrial hemp, CBD oil and other CBD products contain no more than 0.03% THC.
Hemp Oil Benefits
In the last decade, CBD oil and other CBD infused products have skyrocketed in popularity due to the compound’s natural medicinal properties. Even medical professionals have begun to recommend CBD to their patients as a supplement for their health and wellness needs. Some of the most common CBD hemp oil benefits include:
Hemp Oil for Pain
CBD interacts with receptors throughout our nervous system responsible for regulating pain. By attaching itself to these receptors, CBD helps reduce inflammation and improves how our body reacts to stimuli that generate sensations of pain. Users have reported that a daily dose of CBD can help with pain and aches associated with age, injury, arthritis, and fibromyalgia, among other conditions.
Hemp Oil for Anxiety
CBD has been proven to help improve anxiety and mood by activating serotonin receptors found in the peripheral and central nervous system. Studies show serotonin is directly linked to feelings of calmness and happiness which is why these receptors are the main target of antidepressants.
Hemp Oil for Sleep
Due to its soothing effects, CBD is a natural relaxant that can help reduce the time it takes for us to fall asleep. As a way to maximize the relaxing effects of CBD, many brands offer CBD products infused with melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep in humans.
By combining it with melatonin, CBD can not only reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, but it can also help users achieve a deeper sleep.
How to Choose a Hemp Oil Product
If you are new to hemp and CBD, choosing the right hemp oil product can be a challenging endeavor. The variety of hemp-derived products out in the market today is overwhelming especially when it comes to online shops where product diversity is seemingly endless. A quick Google search for hemp products will show just how versatile the plant and its derivatives can be with products ranging from oils and creams to candy and beverages, just to name a few.
With so many options, you may be asking yourself, “how do I choose the right hemp oil product”? Even though the selection process may prove somewhat tricky at first, there are some tips you can follow and product standards you should look out for to help you make the best hemp purchase for your personal needs:
Legality
First and foremost, make sure you are buying from a brand that uses hemp extracts obtained from industrial hemp grown in the United States. This ensures products are completely legal and meet federal regulations, so you avoid any potential legal trouble.
Formulation
There are hundreds of brands out there offering hemp products like CBD oil; however, only very few offer products that are formulated by licensed pharmacists. Brands with pharmacists formulated products will include this information on their website and packaging. Avoid products formulated by “experts” or “specialists.”
Lab Testing
Another important sign of a reliable company is their quality testing process. Testing by independent labs ensures a brand’s products are safe for consumption and the contents are exactly what is being advertised on their label. If you are not sure whether a particular brand tests their product with a third-party lab, call customer support and ask the question.
How to Dose Hemp Oil
If you are a new user of hemp oil, finding the right dosage for your particular needs may prove to be difficult at first especially when it comes to CBD. It is recommended that new users start out with a small daily dose and work their way up until they achieve the desired results.
Before you begin a daily CBD regimen, consider the potency of the product, your tolerance level, and the severity of your symptoms. If you need help determining the right dosage, check a product’s label for a recommended daily dose or call their customer service team for personalized assistance.
Hemp Oil Side Effects
One of the main reasons CBD oil from hemp has become so popular in recent years is that for many users it offers a safer alternative to prescription and over the counter medications. While it may cause mild drowsiness on rare occasions, CBD oil and other CBD products produce no other considerable side effects.
Most importantly, CBD is completely non-habit forming meaning it will not lead to addiction or dependence as is the case with many prescription opioids.
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