Marijuana users who have not explored the hemp space may be missing out on many benefits. While cannabis and hemp are two distinct species of plants, hemp products can offer the same effects and benefits as cannabis without the legality issues or psychoactive effects. In this article, we will explore why marijuana users should not ignore the hemp space, the difference between hemp and cannabis, and how to choose the best hemp products.
Hemp vs. Cannabis: What’s the Difference?
Cannabis and hemp are two distinct species of plants that belong to the cannabis family. Cannabis is used to make marijuana products, while hemp makes products like clothing, food, and building materials. The most significant difference between hemp and cannabis is the level of THC (the psychoactive compound that gets you high). Most hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, while cannabis contains anywhere from 5-30% THC. This means that some hemp won’t get you high, but it still has many of the same benefits as cannabis.
THCa is another cannabinoid found in hemp that has almost no Delta-9 THC. Some states allow for high levels of THCa as the federal 2018 Farm Bill only specifically mentions Delta-9 THC and not THCa. THCa is converted to Delta-9 THC when heated, but some Hemp flowers contain high levels of THCa, making them legal in most states and providing the same effects as cannabis.
Benefits of Hemp Products
Hemp products have many benefits over cannabis products. For one, hemp is legal in more states than cannabis. It’s also often easier to find hemp products than marijuana since they’re sold in more stores. Hemp also has many of the same benefits as cannabis. It can be used to treat pain, anxiety, and other conditions. Some hemp products are also non-psychoactive, making them a safer choice than many marijuana products. Hemp flowers and products can also be less expensive than cannabis, which is a significant benefit for those who are looking for an affordable treatment option.
Rigorous Testing for Consumer Safety
Most hemp products are rigorously tested for potency and safety. Consumers can count on the products they buy for their effectiveness and, more importantly, their safety. Look on the label for the test results or look for a scannable QR code that links to the product’s Certificate Of Authenticity (COA). COAs should list the Lab Results for potency and verify there are no heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and bacteria. These are the most reliable hemp products to look for when shopping.
New Extraction Methods Bring More Exotic Cannabinoids to the Market
Another benefit of hemp is that new extraction methods bring more exotic cannabinoids to the market. These cannabinoids offer additional benefits that often can’t be found in traditional cannabis products. These include cannabicitran (CBT), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), Cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv), delta-8, delta-10, and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa).