Photo courtesy of Ecofibre, Kentucky Industrial Hemp, LLC. and Kentucky Hempsters

Hemp CBD Oil has been making headlines lately, especially around Texas. So what exactly is CBD oil and why are people talking about it? Let’s break it down:

Hemp CBD Oil is derived from the Cannabis Sativa L plant. There are many uses of the Cannabis Sativa L plant, so it helps to relieve confusion if we use of the correct term for the plant based on how it is used:

• When the plant is used for agriculture with the THC level being 0.3% or less, it should be referred to as hemp.
• When the plant contains over the 0.3% threshold and is used for medical purposes, it is referred to as medicinal cannabis.
• States that allow for recreational use of the plant prefer the term adult use cannabis.
• The illegal use of the plant has historically been referred to as marijuana.

The molecules within the cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids, and there are over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties. International research has shown CBD to be beneficial for conditions such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and numerous neurological and autoimmune disorders.

When CBD or any other cannabinoid is extracted from a hemp plant, it is a legal hemp product similar to hemp seeds, hemp protein, hemp milk, etc. that can be found in thousands of grocery stores and other shops across Texas. Various uses of CBD can be found in cosmetics, sublingual oil, vape oil and transdermal patches.

Did you know that all mammals have an Endocannabinoid System designed to be nourished from cannabinoids?

It was only recently discovered in the ‘90s! Humans naturally produce the cannabinoids (known as Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol) and have many receptor sites all over the body for cannabinoids, including in the central nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system and respiratory system. The endocannabinoid system could be called the body’s “Master System.” This system helps act as a regulator for various body functions in both pets and people, and many functions of the body can be improved when people start nourishing their endocannabinoid system by adding cannabinoids to the diet. Non-cannabis plants that contain cannabinoids include: Chocolate– Theobroma cacao, Black pepper– Piper nigrum, Coneflower– Echinacea and others.

Does the quality of CBD Oil matter?

How the plant is grown, the extraction method, and the heat and pressure used impact the end product and its effectiveness. There are many ways to extract molecules from a cannabis plant. These methods include solvents, CO2 gas, or using oils such as coconut, olive, sunflower etc. Various manufacturers utilize processing methods that provide for whole plant extractions that preserve the terpenes and various plant components to create what is referred to as the “entourage effect.” Since the cannabis plant is very efficient at taking up what is contained in the soil where it is grown, it is important to know where and how the plant is cultivated and extracted.  

Peoples Rx offers quality CBD oils to choose from, including Palmetto Harmony, Lidtke, Hemp Fusion and CV Sciences, which come in different forms, including capsule, spray, sublingual and vaping oils. Talk to one of their wellness specialists to see if you may be a candidate who could benefit from the use of one of these products.

What are other hemp uses?

Hemp seeds are highly digestible with 35% protein, with a near perfect 3 to 1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp oil can penetrate all seven layers of the skin and has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from psoriasis and eczema. The hemp plant itself can be used as food, animal feed, fuel, fiber, paper, plastics and even as a building materials in the form of hemp insulation, hemp fiberboard and hempcrete. Hemp is four times more absorbent than wood, making it an excellent material for animal bedding, cat litter and for absorbing toxic oil or chemical spills.  

It is a good Texas crop?

Water can be sparse here in Texas, so as hemp requires half as much water as cotton, that attribute alone makes hemp make sense for Texas! Hemp also requires little to no pesticides or herbicides, and since the health of our bodies starts with the health of our soil, that’s a great thing too. A financially viable rotation crop for farmers, hemp is good for helping conserve our natural resources, for remediating our soils, and for providing nutrition to our bodies. Hemp is good for life!

Will hemp be legal to grow in Texas anytime soon?

Although industrial hemp products can be purchased legally in the state, it is currently illegal to grow hemp in Texas. You can help change this by calling or emailing your State and Federal Representatives and Senators and voice your support for industrial hemp legislation. The Texas 85th Legislative session begins January 10, 2017, and your voice makes a difference. Our vote today is with our dollars and purchasing hemp products right here in Austin is the fastest way to support your health and promote the benefits of hemp.  

by Sheila Hemphill

Sheila Hemphill is the Policy Director for the Texas Hemp Industries Association. She is owner of Help Yourself Wellness serving as a certified nutrition and natural health consultant. She is actively involved in protecting individual’s rights to seek complementary and alternative health care options and protecting practitioners who provide these services.  Other areas of interest include educating the public and state legislators on the hazards from radio frequency radiation exposure emitted from smart meters, WIFI, baby monitors, cordless home phones, smart appliances etc. These and other areas of her interest can be found at www.texasrighttoknow.com or contact at info@texasrighttoknow.com