Written in Partnership with Juliette Constantine
Model Shot By Esquivel; Product Shot By Patricfoto; Models Rebecca Lynne Morley
Dr. Ganja and the Good Vibes Tribe brings to you a detailed guide to one of the most debated yet useful plants on the planet. Below we proceed to rope you into the world of hemp, passed and present. We also discuss the difference between hemp, marijuana and cannabis, and give you details on the almost infinite uses for hemp.
The Genesis
Genesis isn’t only an awesome band from the 80’s, it means so much more. It is from the Greek génesis, which is the Greek rendering of Hebrew bĕrē shith that translates to “in the beginning.”
In the beginning, mankind found hemp. Where and how will remain a mystery. We no doubt will always wonder how man’s discovery of this exceptional and useful plant came to be.
What we do know begins with archeologists finding traces of hemp in what is modern China and Taiwan dating back as far as 8000 BCE.
It is believed that the Chinese and Taiwanese used hemp plants to make tools, clothes and shoes. There is evidence that they would also consume seeds and oil for nutrients, and would prepare topicals and teas to aid in pain relief.
Hemp has also been found with Ancient Greek artifacts, while the Hindus sacred text, Artharvaveda, refers to it as “sacred grass” and considers it one of five sacred plants from India.
By 600 BCE, hemp spread throughout Russia and with the passage of time, hemp usage expanded throughout Western Europe and the Middle East.
Around the 1600’s, North and South America were introduced to hemp. In fact, during the early 1600’s until the early 1800’s, hemp was actually used and accepted as legal tender throughout most of America.
By the 1700’s, American colonial farmers were required to grow hemp lest they be subject to arrest.
2018 Farm Bill
However, when we arrive to the 20th century, hemp suddenly becomes a major threat to two specific corporations owned by Joseph DuPont and William Randolph Hearst. These two gentlemen were instrumental in the accelerated push to make all varieties of cannabis illegal.
Needless to say, they succeeded and the 20th century wrought few ups and many downs for the useful plant. Fast forward to 2018, Senator Mitch McConnell happily signs the infamous 2018 Farm Bill, thus federally legalizing hemp in the U.S. once again.
Model Shot By Esquivel; Product Shot By Patricfoto; Models Rebecca Lynne Morley
What’s The Difference Between Hemp, Cannabis And Marijuana?
Before we get into why hemp is such a useful plant, we have to clear the air a bit. And let it be known that the title above is sort of a trick question.
All In The Family
Cannabaceae is a family of plants. It is of the Rosales order. The family includes over 150 species in 11 separate genera. Members of this family include Cannabis, which has three recognized species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis.
Hemp is the term used to refer to varieties of Cannabis sativa L. Hemp is a cannabis species that contains 0.3% or less THC. It is characterized by a difference in cultivation methods to maximize development of strong stalk growth and fibers, as well as hemp seeds and oils.
The origin of the word marijuana is long debated and speculated upon due to the fact that there is little mention of the differences in meaning throughout historical texts. However, the etymology is still overshadowed by the term we now know used to radicalize cannabis for a white audience in 1930’s America in order to stigmatize minorities who used it.
This is most notably demonstrated by Harry Anslinger when he testified before Congress in the 1930’s saying, “Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage.” He goes on to say, “..the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”
Model Shot By Esquivel; Product Shot By Patricfoto; Models Rebecca Lynne Morley
Common Uses For Industrial Hemp
Industrial hemp is a term coined to describe a variety of Cannabis sativa that is grown specifically for the benefit of manufacturing textiles and now CBD.
The most common uses for industrial hemp is a sizable list. In fact, it has been touted as having over 60,000 uses and we don’t doubt this for a second! This plant is literally the gift that keeps on giving!
CBD Hemp Flower And More
Hemp farmers specifically cultivate their hemp to produce flowers with significant levels of CBD and of course low levels of THC (0.3% THC). CBD oil can then be infused into a variety of products such as soft gel capsules, tinctures, topicals, food and more.
Dr.Ganja is a major distributor of the best quality CBD flower with guaranteed high amounts of CBD. It is the perfect alternative for those who are trying to quit smoking tobacco or for those who don’t want to feel stony from bud high in Delta-9 THC.
CBD has also been found to be a more than excellent natural alternative to prescription or over the counter drugs used to counter pain, nausea, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, arthritis and epilepsy.
In the years to come, it is certain that as researchers continue to investigate the benefits of CBD, we will be introduced to numerous additional beneficial uses.
Skin Care Products
Hemp seed oil is known to alleviate dry skin, dermatitis and it is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores.
Lotions, shampoos and other topicals nourish the skin by providing it a source of several minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. But that’s not all, it also is most notably rich in fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins A, C and E.
Food and Beverages
Hemp is safe for human consumption and offers great health benefits.
Hemp happens to contain a complete amino acid and fatty acid profile (Omega-3 and Omega-6), and is high in protein. This makes it a perfect protein powder to supplement your daily diet. It is also rich in magnesium, B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
Hemp oil can be found in the form of isolates or tinctures and both can be added to any of your favorite foods or beverages.
Hemp seeds can be eaten like most nuts or some seeds and can even be used as an additional ingredient in baked goods. Leaves of the hemp plant can be added to salads or to protein shakes, as well.
For those with a sweet tooth, many sweet edibles are pre-made with CBD and Delta-8 THC derived from hemp.
Hemp is used to make several other beverages such as hemp milk, it can be fermented into wine and brewed into beer, as well as distilled into other alcoholic beverages.
Pet Food And Animal Bedding
Animals can also benefit from the nutrients provided by this very useful plant. It is said to contribute to healthy coats and an excellent nutrient for cows, horses and dogs.
Hemp is often also used for comfortable bedding for horses, but many other pets can find comfort in a hemp made bedding like rabbits and dogs. It also makes great kitty litter for your feline friends.
Construction, Plastics, Fuel and Chemical Cleanup
Have you ever heard of hempcrete? Yes, it’s a thing. The plant is made into a fibrous pulp, mixed with water and lime in order to create hempcrete. It is said to be lighter yet stronger than concrete, as well as eco-friendly-of course.
Plastic can be derived from hemp, which is considered a bio-plastic. It can be used to make bottles, bowls, bags, straws, utensils and more.
These bio-plastics are more costly to manufacture, however the higher cost is a more valuable investment for our planet rather than increasing CO2 emissions, an ocean filled with more plastics or chemically contaminated water sources.
As if it couldn’t get any more crazier, hemp oil can also be used to make bioethanol and biodiesel!
It is known that biodiesel derived from hemp oil offers more effective lubrication, which in turn has the potential to extend the life of diesel engines. Hence, a great alternative to fossil fuels.
Throughout my research for this article, I have been amazed at all the interesting facts surrounding this miracle plant and it’s not surprising that hemp is also useful in restoring contaminated soil.
In fact, in the late 1990’s, hemp was tested at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site and proved it was a substantial contributor to rescuing soil contaminated by heavy metals, sewage sludge and more.
Paper
Hemp has been used to create paper for over 2000 years.
Interestingly enough, in 1916 the USDA published research proving that hemp produces 4 times the amount of paper per acre than do trees. Then they proceeded to outlaw it. That’s our government, folks.
Today hemp paper accounts for only 0.05% of paper produced globally despite the fact that it is more economical and ecologically friendly.
Clothing
As we mentioned above, hemp has been used as far back as 8000 BCE in China and Taiwan for clothing and shoes. The fibers are durable and offer great durability, which means more bang for your buck.
It is often mixed with a variety of other fabrics to add durability. Many clothing companies are using hemp like Patagonia and their Workwear Line that is primarily functional and quality clothing made from hemp.
Model Shot By Esquivel; Product Shot By Patricfoto; Models Rebecca Lynne Morley
Lasting Thoughts
Dr.Ganja and the Good Vibes Tribe hope you enjoyed some basic facts about the ever versatile hemp plant.
Let it be known that we’re not implying that hemp is the be-all end-all. We simply want to spread the word about the role hemp played in all of our ancestors’ lives throughout time in the world.
We believe it will continue to play a valuable role in the future of our civilization and sustainability. It offers great solutions for the benefit of mother nature, humans and animals alike.
So we want to hook you up with the best of hemp derived products, including CBD, Delta 8-THC and other unique cannabinoids surging the market, so you too can begin to benefit from this beautiful plant.
Check us out DRGANJA.COM and enjoy 10% off today with the code LAWEEKLY.
Sources
History Of Marijuana. History
Hemp As A Medicine. Ministry Of Hemp
The Origin Of The Word ‘Marijuana’. Leafly
The History Of Hemp. World History
The Many Uses For Hemp: Is There A More Versatile Plant?
What Plants Are Close Relatives Of Marijuana? Sciencing
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