Hemp seeds and oils are used in a wide range of food products, including hemp milk, hemp oil and hemp protein powder, which provides a vegan alternative to whey protein. In more recent years, CBD products have grown in popularity thanks to their potential benefits, including pain and anxiety relief. In the last few years, HHC has become available. HHC is a semi-synthetically produced cannabinoid made from CBD. You may have seen HHC products online.
Some hemp products have been researched more than others. One of the most studied hemp products is hemp seed oil.
About hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds. Although hemp and cannabis belong to the same family of plants, and are sometimes referred to as the same species, in practice hemp plants differ from cannabis plants.
One major difference between these two plants is the amount of THC present. THC is the psychoactive portion of the cannabis plant. While THC levels can reach 28% in cannabis, hemp’s THC concentration does not exceed 0.3%.
Benefits of hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and research has shown that these types of fats can help lower blood pressure.
It’s recommended that you combine blood pressure medication with fatty acid supplements if you need to lower your blood pressure.
Hemp seed oil has also been shown to reduce pain. The oil can be applied directly to a painful area for a natural pain remedy.
While not dating as far back as hemp seed oil, there is research behind possible benefits of CBD.
About CBD products
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
Given that CBD products are derived from the hemp plant and thus have low concentration of THC, CBD products not psychoactive.
CBD is available in the form of various products, including supplements, drinks, oils and edibles.
Potential benefits of CBD
One common reason for purchasing CBD products is to relieve pain. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain.
Another potential use of CBD is to treat mental health disorders. A 2020 systematic review of studies concluded that “cannabidiol might have a role as a treatment for mood disorders” and that there was an “an urgent need for well-designed clinical trials”.
More research is needed, but CBD may help with cancer-related symptoms. 2022 research suggests that nausea, vomiting and pain may be reduced with the use of CBD.
CBD has also been researched as a possible treatment for high blood pressure. Findings have been encouraging but, again, more research is needed.
Is HHC the same as CBD?
While HHC, another cannabinoid, is semi-synthetically produced from CBD (itself derived from hemp), the chemical process results in a compound with additional hydrogen atoms.
This means that HHC is not the same as CBD. Some people have reported feeling a “lite” or “milder” THC-like high from HHC products, but not enough studies have been completed to prove this.
Conclusion
Hemp and CBD products have a range of possible benefits, and HHC has also recently become available.
