Category: Blog

Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country.

– Thomas Jefferson

 

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill, excluded hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. By removing hemp from the statutory definition of marijuana, hemp products are now allowed to be transferred across state lines when purchased in a state where it was lawfully produced. The majority of CBD products that are available to purchase, are hemp-derived. This means that the CBD oil is produced from a hemp plant rather than a marijuana plant. The difference between the two will be discussed here, but first, what is hemp?

 

Hemp is of the Cannabis genus, specifically the Cannabis Sativa species. Its uses date back for over 10,000 years across many different cultures for purposes ranging from pottery making to medicinal and food sources. The reason why this Farm Bill was needed in the United States was because it did become looped in as a part of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, strictly regulating the cultivation, production and sales of all forms of cannabis. Although hemp has low quantities of THC, the industrial crop became criminalized along with marijuana. There are theories that state those in positions of power were trying to protect their own interests in the synthetic fiber and tree-made paper industry. It is believed by some that this eventually led to the hemp farm ban in 1970 along with the passing of the Controlled Substances Act to label hemp as a Schedule 1 drug. 

 

Currently, there are educational campaigns designed to raise awareness about the plant as it may benefit the environment, health, and provide agricultural potential and industrial significance. To do our part, we have here a list of the eight things to know about hemp. 

 

1. Hemp played a prominent role in United States history

 

Hemp arrived in Colonial America along with the Puritans. The seeds were stored with the intention of planting, and the ropes and sails of the Mayflower were made with hemp fiber. Once they arrived in America, the colonies were required by British law to grow hemp and it soon became a staple in the expanding economy. The first drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp on their farms. Hemp played an important role up until the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, where heavy taxes were imposed on farmers, physicians, and pharmacists for growing, prescribing, and selling cannabis products.  

 

During World War II there was a “Hemp for Victory” campaign due to a shortage of fibers necessary to make ropes, shoelaces, and parachute webbing. Although hemp was illegal in America at this time, a propaganda film was made to persuade farmers to grow hemp instead of maize for the war efforts. Hemp was once again prohibited with the end of the war.

 

2. Hemp seeds are a superfood

 

One might say that hemp seeds have the ability to offer total nutrition for the body. They contain high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and are a great source of protein in that they provide all nine essential amino acids. Hemp seeds also have an assortment of minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamin B, and the well-researched antioxidant – vitamin E.  It also has something else that sets it apart from most superfoods we know of today. One of those omega-6 fatty acids hemp seeds contain is known as gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is also found in breast milk. This vast nutritional profile may benefit as a neuroprotectant, anti-inflammatory, and immune and heart health regulator.

 

Hemp seeds can also be made into a flour, oil, or milk. The many capabilities of the seed arguably gives it potential to address malnutrition and food shortages in the world. 

 

3. Hemp may improve the environment it is grown in

 

The hemp plant is able to consume four times as much CO2 as trees do from the environment, in the process known as carbon sequestration. The root has a lot to offer as well. The deep root allows the plant to reach nutrients left behind by previous plants as well as find deep water sources. This ability of the roots not only benefits the plant but the surrounding soil. It loosens the soil, therefore encouraging plant growth afterward, as well as holds the soil together to reduce erosion. 

 

The potential of hemp plants to remove toxins from the soil where it is being grown is being studied as well. In fact, hemp is being grown in the surrounding areas of Chernobyl to assist in removing caesium (a radio-nuclide left over from the devastating 1986 explosion) from the soil. This process is called phytoremediation, where plants may be used to decontaminate soil of high concentrations of contaminants, such as heavy metals, by the plants’ ability to accumulate them in their plant tissue. Although there are many plant species with this ability, hemp has an advantage due to its superior tolerance, root system, and biomass. 

 

4. Hemp could easily replace what trees produce

 

On average, the amount of paper produced by 2-4 acres of trees in a year can be accomplished in one acre of hemp. The paper manufactured from hemp pulp is able to be recycled several more times than paper manufactured from wood pulp, and the fiberboard that can be produced from hemp is reportedly stronger and lighter than wood. 

 

As documented in 2012, about 521 million acres are reserved in the United States for timber harvesting, which will primarily produce wood for lumber and construction materials. Harvesting takes place when the tree reaches a large enough diameter. This process can take, on average, 10-20 years depending on the tree species. In contrast, hemp plants for pulp and fiber are ready for harvest in 60-120 days. 

 

5. Growing hemp requires a lot less resources than growing cotton

 

The water footprint to produce one pound of cotton is approximately 1,320 gallons whereas the water footprint required to produce one pound of usable hemp fiber is about 255 gallons. Being that low to moderate amounts of water are needed to effectively grow hemp plants, it is able to be successfully grown in all 50 states and across many climates. 

 

Just as with trees, utilizing hemp plants may save on acreage as well. Case studies show that while about 1,190 pounds of cotton fiber can be produced per acre; 2,645 pounds of hemp fiber can be produced per acre. While cotton fabric may be softer (due to the fibers quickly and easily breaking down), hemp fabric tends to be stronger, longer lasting (due to the fibers taking longer to break down), and more insulating. 

 

6. Protein from hemp seeds is more nutritious than most protein sources

 

In our second point, we discussed hemp seeds as a great source of protein. However, there is more to add to this! Hemp seed protein can be used to produce: milk, butter, cheese, salad dressings, tofu, veggie burgers, ice cream, and more. Hemp flour can make pasta, bread, and other baked goods. 

 

While in comparison to other foods that are high in protein, it may seem that hemp seeds are not that superior at about 10 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons. However, what sets them apart is the lack of trypsin inhibitors. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme, which breaks down proteins we ingest within the small intestine, making the amino acids and other nutrients available to the body. Trypsin inhibitors block this function. Meaning, if you are eating a high protein food that contains them, not all of that protein is being broken down and digested. The fact that hemp seeds do not contain these inhibitors, means that all of the protein taken in becomes available to the body. Soybeans and legumes are among the several protein-rich foods that contain trypsin inhibitors, although the amount is able to be reduced by means of heating. 

 

7. Hemp and marijuana are not the same

 

As mentioned earlier, hemp belongs to the Cannabis Sativa species only. Marijuana, on the other hand, can be of either the Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica species. The most basic of differences between the two is that hemp will contain less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana is typically grown to encourage the development of trichomes, which are glands on the flowers of the plant where THC is concentrated. These female plants are kept separate from the male plants to avoid fertilization, as fertilized cannabis flowers may produce lower THC. 

 

CBD can come from hemp or marijuana plants – regardless of the plant, the compound that is CBD remains the same in molecular structure. All hemp-derived CBD products are what will be available to purchase over the counter or be shipped state to state and to most countries. Marijuana-derived CBD will only be available to purchase in a state that supports recreational use or a medical cannabis program, as it will contain more than 0.3% THC.  

 

If what you are looking for is a federally legal product that contains low THC, high CBD, and is full-spectrum, in that it contains all of the natural cannabinoids of the plant, a hemp-derived CBD oil or tincture would be the way to go. 

 

8. Hemp is a versatile natural resource, with more to offer than almost any other

 

In addition to the capability of being a source of fiber for ropes, nutrition, paper, and a cotton replacement, hemp seed oil could be used to produce fuel, laundry detergent, natural wood finish, and much more. For example, hemp cellulose may be used to produce hemp durable and biodegradable plastic. In 1941 Henry Ford famously showcased a car made from soybean and hemp plastics, gloating that it was lighter than steel and could withstand ten times the impact. 

 

How is that possible; that hemp fibers are stronger than steel? It comes down to tensile strength and compression strength. Hemp fibers have greater tensile strength, meaning it may handle more tension before it is permanently deformed. For example: the weight endurance a rope can hold before it tears. The weakest hemp fiber needs more pressure to break than the weakest variation of steel. Hemp has the capacity to hold double the weight. Compression strength is how much damage an object can endure before it loses the capacity to mend itself. Hemp has six times the ability of steel to not bend with pressure.

 

 

For these very good reasons, we celebrate the wrongly criminalized hemp plant. It has the potential to play many important roles, thus education and awareness of its capabilities is paramount. If you have any questions about what was discussed here, or wish to find out more, refer to the Hemp Week educational campaign or contact a Realm of Caring Care Specialist at info@realmofcaring.org. 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLORADO SPRINGS – August 10, 2020
Realm of Caring Foundation (RoC) turns 7 this month and has many accomplishments to celebrate! Co-founded in 2013 by mothers Heather Jackson and Paige Figi, the RoC is a seasoned, independent nonprofit that has longitude in the industries of hemp and cannabinoid therapy. RoC
leads innovative research and revolutionary education while supporting and building a global community. This consumer-driven nonprofit really does care, created by consumers to elevate the industry. In June, RoC published its first peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Cannabis and
Cannabinoid Research.

RoC’s programs and services remain free to consumers who need guidance on their cannabinoid journeys, and partnerships with like-minded companies make this possible. Aspen Green is the latest company to join the ranks and carry RoC’s Quality Seal of Approval, after passing strict quality control standards.

Realm of Caring’s Quality Seal of Approval is awarded to select companies and involves a stringent quality checklist administered by the Realm of Caring team to ensure all Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) guidelines are met and
maintained.

Aspen Green is one of just a handful of USDA Certified Organic Hemp & CBD brands, and all of its hemp is grown from the perfect topography and climate found in Colorado. It is a family owned business and is deeply committed to the science of providing only the purest hemp and CBD products for the best results and most beneficial experience. Its mission is to bring the therapeutic value of pure, organic hemp and CBD to people who seek supplemental relief through the use of healthy, natural products. Aspen Green is free from toxins and run up to eight different lab tests from bona fide third party labs throughout its product line. It holds in high regard 3 foundational principles that guide every aspect of their business, actions, and interactions with their customers, partners, and the community: QUALITY, INTEGRITY, and TRANSPARENCY. These will always remain at the heart of their efforts to bring their beneficial products to consumers. Check out why Purity Matters at www.aspengreen.com.

Realm of Caring Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that exists to support families who are out of medical options. By creating educational resources, conducting research, and assisting families with data-rich answers to their questions, RoC continues to be a leader in the cannabinoid
field. RoC’s Care Team has served more than 100,000 clients and medical professionals worldwide. To learn more or to donate to this cause, visit www.realmofcaring.org or call 1-888-210-3772.

Just as our bodies are naturally designed to produce endocannabinoids to bring about biological harmony, or homeostasis, within the body, our bodies are also naturally designed to eliminate toxins through detoxification. 

 

There may be instances where your body suffers from an endocannabinoid deficiency or you are seeking to provide your body with a wellness boost. This is where taking in plant cannabinoids, like Cannabidiol (CBD), may help. Just as you may be able to boost your Endocannabinoid System with these cannabinoids, you may also enhance your body’s natural detoxification system with the addition of plant antioxidants to your diet. 

 

Therefore, it would make sense that CBD and these nutritional foods working together, may provide you with a detox boost. 

 

Antioxidants for detoxification 

 

Antioxidants are compounds naturally occurring within the body to defend your cells from potentially harmful free radicals, which are atoms that may cause damage to cells, proteins, DNA, and trigger diseases. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural antioxidants to regulate them, what is known as oxidative stress may take place. 

 

Taking in antioxidants may assist your body in preventing or decreasing oxidative stress by safely interacting with the free radicals before molecules become damaged. Among others, some of the major, researched micronutrient antioxidants that can be taken in to supplement endogenous antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, B-carotene, and Zinc. Studies show that these nutrients are most effective when consumed in their natural, plant form. For example, a vitamin C supplement may contain 500 mg per serving whereas a strawberry contains 80 mg, but that strawberry also contains plant chemicals known as proanthocyanins and flavonoids to help give it that, more effective, antioxidant boost. 

 

CBD as an antioxidant

 

Research has shown CBD and THC to be equally successful at blocking toxicity of a neurotransmitter released by nerve cells in the brain, known as glutamate. It’s effects were comparable to the industrial antioxidant known as BHT, suggesting their role as not only an antioxidant but a neuroprotectant. 

 

Additional studies have shown the therapeutic actions of CBD to reduce the force of oxidative stress in human disease models and improve kidney function as well as be a modulator of the immune system through anti-inflammatory properties. 

 

These therapeutic benefits of CBD, among several others, show the potential of taking CBD as a part of a daily regime or cooking with cannabinoids for added, overall wellness. If you are just starting out with cannabinoids, please remember that the quality of your product matters. Make sure you are using a product of quality that is safe. 

 

If you are looking for an antioxidant-rich recipe to assist your body with detoxification, we have a refreshing smoothie here for you to try! Use frozen fruits for an even more delightful summer treat.

 

CBD-Infused Detox Smoothie

 

1 cup fresh or frozen mangos (beta-carotene)

½ cup frozen spinach (beta-carotene)

½ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks (vitamin C)

1 banana (vitamin C)

Handful mixed cashews and almonds (zinc and vitamin E)

About 20mg of CBD oil (I used 1mL which was equivalent to 17mg of CBD in a “natural” flavor)

2 cups filtered water

Optional: 1 tbs of hulled hemp seeds for added protein and omega 3 fatty acids

Optional: Top with shaved coconut for added vitamins C and E

Blend until smooth and ENJOY!