Raw Hemp Benefits – Does It Do Something If You Eat it?

A common misconception in the mind of many people today is that the hemp plant and marijuana plant are pretty much the same things. Amusingly, another misconception is that they are not even related at all. Both are wrong, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle because they are both part of the Cannabaceae plant family.

Hemp and marijuana are each a different variety of the cannabis plant; their distinction lies in their chemical composition. From a legal standpoint, any cannabis plant which TCH content exceeds 0.3% is effectively marijuana. However, any plant which THC levels remain at 0.3% or go below that automatically classifies as Hemp due to their legal definition.

THC, for its part, is short for tetrahydrocannabinol and is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Thus, it is the reason you get high from it. Yet, THC is also a part of a larger family of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, from which there are hundreds.

CBD is one such cannabinoid, and it requires extraction from the hemp plant as a first step toward becoming a viable product. Yet, the compound is still inside the raw hemp plant as it is, which begs the question – does eating it gives you any sort of raw hemp benefits similar to taking CBD? Read on to find out.

What Is Hemp? Definition & Explanation

The term “hemp” or “industrial hemp” refers to cannabis that has a dry weight of 0.3% or less THC content. But why 0.3%? Originally, the definition first appeared in 1979, in a book called “The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics.”

Ernest Small, the book’s author, looked into the fact that it is very challenging to distinguish between cannabis and Hemp. There are no taxonomical differences between these two plants. Small came up with the 0.3% rule as the most practical solution. However, he also admitted that it is an arbitrary number that he chose.

The number made its way to the legal hemp definition as outlined in the Agricultural Act of 2018, as well as other laws in the U.S. This is because, being the THC level significantly low, the plant is unlikely to cause you to get high.

How Does Hemp Differ from CBD and Marijuana?

As implied, there are some varieties of the cannabis plant. All of them contain different amounts of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.

Until recently, most scientists only sought to learn more about THC. Its curious mix of psychoactive components and potentially therapeutic effects baffled them. Yet, in the last few years, the possible therapeutic advantages of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD caught their eye.

It’s also worth noting that although CBD and THC are the most studied cannabinoids, they are not the only ones. Cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and cannabichromene (CBC), as well as flavonoids and terpenes, are the other compounds currently undergoing research.

Scientists also realized that hemp-based products with all these other compounds tend to be more effective than isolated products of just THC or CBD. Primarily, this is because of a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect”, which might boost the effects given.

Legality

Apart from the THC content, there is another crucial difference between marijuana and hemp: their legal status. Since the introduction of the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s legal to cultivate Hemp consisting of not more than 0.3% THC in the U.S. Furthermore; it made hemp-extracted CBD products federally legal.

Of course, that means that marijuana, or cannabis exceeding 0.3% THC, is not federally legal. Yet, each state is able to come up with its own laws. Some states allow it recreationally or medically. In some others, only medically and very strictly, while in a few still remain completely illegal.

Products & Uses

Hemp is fiberless, flexible, and long – often greenish, yellowish, or gray, or dark brown. It’s durable, strong, and often applied for cordage like string, cable, rope, yarn, and twine. Also, for artificial sponges and certain coarse fabrics like canvas and sacking.

In some states, Hemp undergoes special processing, creating appealing luster and whitish color, typically used to produce fabric similar to linen. What’s more, hemp fiber goes to create bioplastics that are biodegradable and recyclable.

Typically, edible seeds consist of around 30% oil and are a great source of magnesium, fiber, and protein. Shelled hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are also available as a health food. You might eat them raw. In most cases, people blend them with fruit smoothies or sprinkled on salads.

Hemp seed milk is also a substitute for dairy milk in recipes and drinks. The oil extracted from hemp seed might create edible oil, soaps, varnishes, and paints with a relatively low smoke point. The seed’s primary commercial application has been for caged-bird feed.

Raw Hemp Benefits?

Because of the increasing popularity of hemp-based products, many people started experimenting with the numerous ways of consuming the plant. Cannabinoid capsules, hemp salves, and CBD tinctures, as well as hemp seed oil and hemp seeds, found their way into the wellness industry.

Manufacturers create thousands of products extracted from processed Industrial Hemp each month. Nonetheless, one rising Hemp trend demands minimal processing; Eating raw Hemp. Most health food enthusiasts vouch for advantages in consuming raw, unprocessed Hemp.

From a nutritional perspective, Hemp or cannabis is very healthy. Generally speaking, Hemp shares several properties with leafy green vegetables. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and a variety of minerals and vitamins. You can blend fresh buds and leaves may into a smoothie with other vegetables and fruits, eat them in a salad, or even pressed them into a raw juice.

There are many possibilities and appealing health advantages! Here are some examples of raw hemp benefits:

1. Raw Hemp’s Cannabidiolic Acid Levels

Consuming raw hemp flowers and leaves or buds exhibits some possibly therapeutic benefits. Generally, these advantages are because of the many compounds that do exist in the raw plant. One particularly important one is CBDA or Cannabidiolic Acid.

CBDA is an acidic precursor form of CBD that converts into the latter on its own with time or by exposure to heat. Most cannabinoids bind or adhere in some way to the endocannabinoid system’ CB1 or CB2 receptors. CBDA does not function in this way; it actually interacts with the system by blocking the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. These COX-2 enzymes relate to inflammation after an infection or injury. Because of this, by inhibiting COX-2 enzymes, CBDA might alleviate the associated pain and inflammation.

What’s more, the compound also might work as an anti-bacterial, antiemetic and anti-nausea agent. Several studies also illustrate the potential of this compound as a viable antidepressant. In a study using rodents, researchers discovered that CBDA affected serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical secreted by nerve cells to help in signaling between cells. Thus, it is essential to core human functions such as emotions, digestion, eating, sleeping, and motor skills processes and, therefore, CBDA might boost it and subsequently its ability to balance said processes.

2. Lots of Terpenes Present in Raw Hemp

Apart from the natural acidic precursors present in raw Hemp, users get plenty of terpenes. Terpenes are essentially the aromatic chemicals present in many different plants responsible for a distinct taste and aroma. Apart from releasing the flavor and aroma, terpenes demonstrate their set of medicinal qualities.

The terpenes are the primary contributors to the pharmacological qualities of many medicinal herbs. Thanks to the entourage effect, it works synergistically with the acidic cannabinoids to boosts their effects when consumed.

3. Raw Hemp Creates Similar Compounds as Leafy Greens

Much like other leafy greens, raw Hemp creates significant quantities of iron, fatty acids, protein, and fiber. It could also provide you with a good daily dose of

• Vitamin C for immune function.
• Folate for DNA repair.
• Calcium for strong bones.
• Vitamin K for calcium absorption.

What’s more, manufacturers usually eliminate chlorophyll from CBD products. On the other hand, hemp leaves have them in spades. But what makes chlorophyll great for your health? According to research, chlorophyll promotes blood quality, wound repair, and clear, healthy skin.

Rich in magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorous, fiber, and more, raw Hemp is indeed full of nutrients. Consider the loaded quantities of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids along with the antioxidant impacts of polyphenols in raw Hemp. Thus, it is without a shadow of a doubt a very healthy addition to your salad, smoothie, or juice.

Raw Hemp Benefits – The Takeaway

The legal definition of Hemp is a cannabis plant that has not more than 0.3% THC. On the other hand, marijuana is a cannabis plant that consists of more than .3% THC. The popular CBD might come from either of them, yet, it’s easier for CBD to be legally compliant if sourced from Hemp.

Furthermore, you can also skip the derivatives and eat the hemp plant raw. There are a lot of raw hemp benefits, much somewhat similar to those of the CBD cannabinoid. You can incorporate it into their diet in many ways. IF you are not keen on eating it raw from the get-go, hemp salads, hemp juices, and smoothies are also an alternative. You should try out and see what the raw hemp benefits can offer to your body!