Is Hemp Flower Considered A Drug?

Cannabis users are generally familiar with the name “hemp.” Many people get confused about hemp, marijuana, and cannabis. Hemp is a Cannabis Sativa plant; the herb offers many therapeutic benefits like other cannabis plants. People also eat hemp seeds because of their high nutritious content.

The most popular way to use hemp flowers is to smoke them. But users are more into vaping now as it is a safer way. Manufacturers also use the flowers to extract oil and make edibles, tinctures, and other products. But is it a drug? Let us break it down; some other frequently asked questions about hemp.

What is hemp?

Many people consider that hemp is a different species than marijuana or cannabis. Both are Cannabis Sativa plants, and the primary difference is THC content. Hemp contains less than 0.3% of the intoxicating drug.

So, the herb has no noticeable psychoactive effects. But all the therapeutic benefits of cannabis plants remain intact.

Hemp contains plant chemicals like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), CBN, etc. Hemp-derived products are legal in the US, according to Farm Bill 2018. There are many specific instructions and rules to produce hemp in the US and UK to maintain quality and safety.

What are the benefits of using hemp flowers?

The raw and dried hemp flowers are available at the stores for you to buy. It is organic and does not have cholesterol or fat. The herb does not have addictive properties.

It offers many health benefits; many shampoo, skincare, and cosmetic brands also use it as an ingredient. Here are some well-known uses of hemp flowers.

Hemp flowers contain different cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids have strong analgesic properties. When you smoke or vape the flowers, they get into your bloodstream via your lungs. The chemicals help activate the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body. They help numb the nerves that carry the pain signals like an opioid.

The herb can alleviate chronic pain like muscle pains, arthritis, joint pains, psoriasis, cancer, and chemotherapy-related pain.

• Skincare and cosmetic product ingredients:

Hemp flowers are rich in CBD and work as a superfood for the skin. So, many premium skincare and cosmetic brands have taken hemp as an ingredient. You can find hemp-infused shampoo, conditioners, body lotions, creams, facemasks in the market.

It keeps your skin younger and rejuvenates the skin cells. Antioxidant properties of the drug help reduce wrinkles, scars, and acne. The herb monitors sebum production. Skin pigmentation and texture improve with every use. It also helps deal with chronic skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin.

Ignoring your mental health can cause severe health issues later. The cannabinoids in hemp help deal with daily stress and reduce stress build-up. They induce the secretion of endorphins in your mind and delete all the negative thoughts. So, you feel positive and lifted.

So, if you need a mood booster, dosage of hemp flowers might help you. Some scientists think that it may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), depression, and other stress disorders.

Sleep deprivation is an agonizing concern nowadays. The issue can cause severe problems if not treated in time. The herb reduces your worries and calms your nerves. A night of quality sleep rejuvenates, repairs, and refreshes your mind and body.

Hemp is a purely organic remedy without any intoxicating effects; it increases your productivity and alleviates snoring issues. The herb improves REM sleep and betters your sleep-wake cycle.

Though there is no scientific proof, some believe hemp might help prevent some diseases. CBD, a hemp-derived cannabinoid, helps treat seizures (Epilepsy). Cannabinoids have shown promising results in reducing the growth of carcinoma cells. So, many scientists think that they might help prevent cancer.

The herb also reduces the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart issues. More studies, research, and clinical trials on the herb will tell us more about its medicinal properties.

• Alleviates oxidative stress:

When the free radicals in our body and the antioxidants are not balanced, we call it oxidative stress. It can result in cancer, diabetes, heart issues, etc. Hemp reduces stress and alleviates the physical damage caused by the stress build-up.

The herb also has neuroprotective properties that improve memory. Also, it improves cognitive functions and prevents Alzheimer’s. The fiber in the herb removes toxic materials from your body effectively and prevents constipation.

What are the side effects of using hemp flowers?

Hemp does not have any severe side effects. The side effects are primarily short-lived and mild. According to users’ reports, you might feel,

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Bradycardia, or slow heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Throat irritation
• Appetite changes
• Mood swings

Here are some warnings you should know about before trying out hemp flowers.

• We do not have enough information to know that the herb is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The food and drug association (FDA) also recommends not to use them in these conditions.
• No research confirms the herb is safe for children. So, keep these products away from them. Hemp seed oil might cause bloodshot eyes and sleepiness in children.
• If you are allergic to any cannabis, you might have the same reaction to hemp.
• Hemp proteins can lower your blood pressure. It can create severe issues during surgery.

So, if you have any surgery scheduled, stop using them at least two weeks before.So, you may call hemp flower a drug or an herb. You can purchase the herb online, or licensed brick-and-mortar stores are also available in the market. Smoking or vaping hemp flowers is one of the quickest and most effective ways to intake CBD. It is also a cheaper option.

Conclusion

Enjoy your hemp! But do not forget that no cannabis products are FDA-approved. So, you have to check their potency and ensure their safety before buying. Try to inspect the third-party lab test results of the product. Start with a smaller dosage, keep track of your progress, and increase it slowly.

-Terry Asher