Hemp is a cultivar of the Cannabis Sativa plant that is produced for several industrial purposes. This crop is sometimes misinterpreted and mistaken with the narcotic marijuana, and as a result, has been the subject of several falsehoods.
Because of its numerous advantages and applications, hemp is a rising star in the health sector. It’s time to put hemp’s issues to rest and debunk the various falsehoods surrounding the plant.
Myth #1: Hemp and Marijuana are the same plants
Hemp and marijuana are both members of the Cannabaceae plant family.
While they may have a similar appearance and scent, the two types have different structural and chemical makeup. They even differ in terms of cultivation and application.
Hemp has little THC and is used to make a wide range of goods, including but not limited to:
- Goods such as hemp fabric, hemp seed oil, hemp protein powder, and other seed-based products
- Industrial items such as paper, textiles, construction materials, and plastic, among other things.
Marijuana plants, on the other hand, have greater levels of THC and are utilized for recreational purposes.
Myth #2: Hemp’s perception as a Narcotic
Hemp leaves are classified as a Schedule E-1 substance under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1985. This categorization includes a list of compounds classified as Ayurvedic (including Siddha) and Unani.
Myth #3: Every product made out of Hemp has Psychoactive Properties
One of the most common misunderstandings regarding hemp products is that they can intoxicate you; however, this is not the case.
Because hemp seed-based products contain no cannabinoids, they are not psychotropic and are perfectly safe to consume.
Medical cannabis oils created from Hemp leaves, on the other hand, can be psychotropic owing to the THC concentration found in the leaves.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the molecule that causes intoxication, is one of 113 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Marijuana has greater THC levels than hemp, which has almost no THC at all.
Myth #4: THC may be derived from hemp and used recreationally
The government allows the use of cannabis extract, thus both CBD and THC are legal, but in a broad spectrum version rather than as a single ingredient from the whole plant.
As a result, the extraction of just one chemical and a portion of the plant is not authorized and, in any case, is close to impossible, given the relatively low THC levels found in hemp.
Myth #5: The use of hemp products will be detected in blood testing
The use of hemp products will be detected in blood testing.
Because hemp-based products do not contain psychoactive traces of THC, they will not show up in blood testing.
On the other hand, products such as cannabis ayurvedic oils/capsules, etc. that are manufactured for medicinal purposes are formulated utilizing the Hemp leaf.
Because the leaf includes cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it shows up in blood tests.
Myth #6: Hemp Products are healthy to use
Because of its high nutritional content, hemp is considered a superfood rather than merely a healthy component.
Hemp may be a very flexible food source since its seeds have various applications. Hemp may be found in everything from cold-pressed oils, milk, protein powder, and flour to bread, salads, smoothies, and burgers.
Hemp seeds, too, fall into the same category and are commonly regarded as the ‘vegan superfood.’ This is due to their high nutritious content.
Hemp seeds are the most nutritionally complete food source on the planet.
Hemp seeds include various nutrients that assist in preserving human health.
These small seeds provide the right mix of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids that the human body requires, and they are the only plant-based source that is high in globular proteins, albumin, and edestin.
They also have a high nutritional content of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamins, and minerals, as well as all 20 amino acids.
The Takeaway
Throughout human history, hemp has been an essential crop for food, fibre, and medicine.
Despite tremendous advances made by the international academic community, the underlying biology of hemp plants is still poorly understood.
To direct future research, clear objectives are required.
