Healing Hemp: How Hemp Gets Its Therapeutic Effects
Learn about the chemicals responsible for hemp’s relaxing and relieving properties and beneficial attributes.
The hemp plant is remarkably rich in resources and has countless uses, which is why humans have cultivated it for thousands of years.
Evidence from ancient archeological discoveries suggests that hemp may even be one of humanity’s first cultivated crops.
Hemp’s stalks are used to make paper, textiles, and fabric, and its strong fibers are well suited for construction materials and sustainable alternatives to plastics.
While hemp seeds are powerfully nutritious and packed with protein, it is the hemp flowers that are packed with beneficial compounds and cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC that can have relaxing, relieving, and comforting effects.
What Are The Main Active Ingredients in Hemp?
Like other flowering plants, hemp has both male and female plants. The male plants produce pollen sacks that fertilize female flowers to produce seeds.
In the absence of male plants and pollen, however, rather than seeds, female hemp plants will put all their energy towards producing aromatic, resinous flowers.
Within these resinous, fragrant bouquets lies the primary therapeutic power of hemp. As hemp flower ripens to full maturity, it produces higher amounts of compounds known as cannabinoids and terpenes.
What Are Cannabinoids and Terpenes?
Cannabinoids and terpenes are the main active chemicals in hemp flower that trigger therapeutic and analgesic effects in our bodies thanks to our internal endocannabinoid system and receptors.
You’ve likely already heard of the more popular major cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) and delta-9 THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). But hemp also contains other minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC, which are typically present in smaller concentrations.
While CBD is the primary cannabinoid in hemp flower, studies indicate that a full spectrum of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes is more effective than isolated CBD alone due to the “entourage effect.”
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in hemp flower, and other plants, that give the flowers their unique aromas. Think of lavender, mint, or eucalyptus. All of these plants get their aromas from their terpene profiles.
And similar to how lavender relaxes stress or mint is good for nausea, the terpenes in hemp flower also contribute to its overall healing effects.
This synergistic effect between cannabinoids and terpenes is known as the entourage effect, which is largely responsible for hemp’s medicinal value and incredible ability to combat stress, sleeping difficulties, and mood disorders.
How Do Cannabinoids Work?
Cannabinoids work by interacting with an innate signaling network within the body known as the endocannabinoid system.
The network functions as a regulator, helping to maintain homeostasis by balancing aspects of bodily functions required for survival including sleep, hunger, stress, focus, and others.
Cannabinoids from hemp enter the body and travel into the bloodstream where they connect with specialized receptors called endocannabinoid receptors.
The hemp compounds can bind with these receptors because our bodies produce endo-cannabinoids that are nearly identical to the phyto-cannabinoids from hemp.
The cannabinoids such as CBD bind with cannabinoid receptors, which trigger receptor cell functions that activate endocannabinoid system activity.
CBD also works by blocking certain enzymes from metabolizing endocannabinoids in the body, increasing the presence of endocannabinoids in the bloodstream, and strengthening the system’s overall system tone, signaling, and healthy functioning.
Overall, increased functioning of the endocannabinoid system correlates with improved health and wellness. Any dysfunction or deficiency within the endocannabinoid system is connected to sickness and disease, including mental illness.
What Are The Benefits of CBD-rich Hemp?
People taking CBD report benefits primarily for sleep, stress, and pain. Since the endocannabinoid system is connected to nearly every aspect of health and wellness, improved endocannabinoid system functioning may help with issues related to -
- Healthy Sleep Cycles
- Healthy Digestion
- Stress and Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Appetite
- Mood
- Comfort
- Mobility
CBD works to block processes that lead to stress and inflammation, while also promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
It’s generally recommended to begin taking CBD in small amounts (less than 10mg) and wait up to an hour to see how it will affect you before consuming more. Over time, slowly increase the dose in small increments until you’ve reached the desired effect.
Generally, people take CBD and other types of cannabinoid formulations to help combat the negative effects of daily stress, improve physical comfort, and help with sleep-related problems.
CBD and other cannabinoid-based hemp products are available over-the-counter and online, however, further research is needed to better understand and confirm how it can be used to treat specific medical conditions.
It’s always recommended to consult a medical professional for serious health issues before experimenting with cannabinoids.
Do Hemp Rolling Papers Have CBD?
Since hemp rolling papers are made from hemp fibers from the cellulose-rich stalk and not hemp flower, they don’t contain any cannabinoids or terpenes.
The best rolling papers are free from any added cannabinoids or terpenes so that they provide a smooth, neutral flavor and elevating touch.
Buddha Bhaang™ hemp pre-roll cones are made from premium French hemp and are completely free from any chlorines or bleaches for the finest smoking experience.
Perfectly pre-rolled and fitted with a paper filter tip, Buddha Bhaang™ pre-roll cones are ready to pack with CBD-rich hemp flower.
