Just as CBD oil can help some humans with epilepsy, it can also help dogs with seizures too. CBD oil can also help dogs recover from the aches and pains of aging, and relieve anxiety.
Just as CBD oil can help some humans with epilepsy, it can also help dogs with seizures too.
Have you heard the saying, “you can see the soul of a dog through their eyes?” We have an undying love for our canine friends which inherently causes an immense amount of sadness when we see them suffer. CBD oil can have a profound impact on helping to minimize our canine’s pain and discomfort.
This amazing oil extract derived from the hemp plant can reduce inflammation, joint pain, and relieve an array of other physical ailments, such as seizures for our beloved furry friends. CBD is also life-changing for dogs who suffer from owner separation anxiety, as well as loud, triggering noises that cause undue stress on so many dogs, like Fourth of July fireworks. CBD oil may come to your loved one’s rescue, calming and soothing your canine when they need it most.
5 PERCENT OF DOGS SUFFER FROM SEIZURES
Five percent of dogs suffer from seizures with the two most prominent types being epileptic and idiopathic seizures. If your dog experiences seizures, it’s essential to visit or consult a veterinarian. Commonly prescribed drugs, such as phenobarbital and potassium, can be of help but also be harmful to your dog’s organs. In some cases, CBD oil may be a safer, natural solution to minimize and reduce the severity of canine seizures.
Even though CBD oil is a very safe choice for dogs with seizures, it’s always important to consult with a veterinarian before beginning any treatment plan.
Safety is undoubtedly a primary focus when considering how and what to utilize to relieve your canine’s symptoms. CBD impacts the dog’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the brain, nervous system, and immune system. Dogs are extremely sensitive to THC, the active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”). For canines, it’s important to avoid using any tinctures or CBD products which have even trace amounts of THC. Dogs can have strong reactions to amounts far smaller than humans would even notice.
HOW TO GIVE CBD OIL TO DOGS WITH SEIZURES
CBD oil for dogs is administered orally by tincture form, capsules or dog treats. You can give CBD to dogs between one to two times daily. The same “finding your sweet spot” dosing regimen used for humans is the same used for animals as well. After giving the same dosage for a 5-7 day period without desired relief of symptoms, you will want to consider adjusting the dosage with your veterinarian’s guidance. Usually, start very small and adjust upwards with your veterinarians’ guidance.
There is often a stereotypical misconception that our dogs will obtain a euphoric high from CBD oil. CBD itself is a non-psychoactive compound and does not produce the intoxicating effect like the psychoactive compound, THC. Again, it is important not to give your dog any amounts of THC as even the trace amounts found in most CBD oils can accumulate in the body over time with consistent usage.
GETTING STARTED WITH CBD OIL FOR YOUR DOG
What should you do before starting CBD oil for a dog with seizures? Just as you would with a human, it’s vital to your dog’s health to establish care with a reputable veterinarian. If possible, find a vet that understands the value in the holistic and natural approach and supports using CBD oil. Schedule a consultation to discuss the core benefits of CBD oil, dosaging and why it may be a safer alternative.
Using CBD oil for dogs helps them feel better and more active despite the everyday aches and pains of aging.
You may be wondering if the CBD oil used for humans is any different than CBD oil for dogs. The answer should really be no. Both humans and pets require the same quality of pure hemp extract. Low quality CBD oil can be riddled in heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, or evewn molds. Bad quality CBD oil isn’t good for humans or pets. It is important to use a high quality, full spectrum, zero-THC CBD Oil derived from organically grown hemp for yourself and your pet. The only differences of the CBD oil between humans and dogs are the potency amounts and sometimes the carrier oils. In tinctures, organic coconut oil is the best for dogs as they digest, though some humans may develop flatulence or more frequent bowel movements from coconut oil.
CBD OIL CAN HELP DOGS LIVE BETTER LIVES
Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts. As loving owners, we can further help them in times of need. The same natural remedies that benefit us can sometimes help our dogs too. As long as you take the time to consult with your veterinarian and do the research, CBD oil can be of great assistance when it comes to helping your dog get back its fun loving, energetic self.
DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS
The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.
Natural oils are famous for the medicinal benefits they provide, and that too without side-effects in most of the cases. However, those like CBD have always been doubted regarding ‘mind-altering’…
Natural oils are famous for the medicinal benefits they provide, and that too without side-effects in most of the cases. However, those like CBD have always been doubted regarding ‘mind-altering’ effects, which have now been cleared anyway. CBD oil these days is being marketed by various re-known brands and is being frequently Googled as well, for the herbal oil is benefited with several attractive boons.
Insomnia is a great issue of the people of today. Not that it wasn’t ever present in the past, but the frequency of this matter in today’s era is many a times greater. Sleeping pills are a solution that come with a health-compromising cost. Hence, people are scooting towards alternative remedies that are natural and affordable.
Cannabidiol and Sleep Disorders
Research works in this aspect are inclining in the favor of CBD for alleviation of insomnia. For example, a study carried out in the year 2006 revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is the second important constituent of cannabis, and is non-psychoactive in nature, may have an impact on the sleep mechanism of rats. It was shown to increase alertness with light, and had no particular impact on sleep with the lights off. This provides an insight that CBD could be brought into use for therapeutic relief of day-time somnolence, and hence, can this way improve night-time sleep.
Cannabidiol works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for all the homeostatic functions of the body. Hence, in this manner, CBD also tends to regulate balance and homeostasis in the human body.
Yet another study revealed an interesting way by which CBD wanes-off insomnia. Being an anti-anxiolytic, CBD fights off anxiety, a common factor that is responsible to keep you up for long hours at night. This is the reason why CBD oil is also employed for anxiety treatment.
Best CBD for Sleep
With the re-introduction of CBD in the market, as well as its legalization in the United States and in several other countries across the globe, the production of CBD by various brands and its consumption for numerous conditions is rising. Looking for the best CBD tincture for sleep can be a task pretty time-consuming, and so, you need to hold on to patience. The easiest way to sort out your path towards a suitable CBD oil is by surfing through customer reviews about a particular product.
Where to buy CBD Oil?
If you are looking to buy CBD oil, there are many online website available where you can get quality CBD products. It is recommended to read online reviews before you place an order.
CBD oil dosage for sleep
Every person has their own tolerance and reactivity threshold. Hence, we would advise you to consult your doctor who can set the CBD dose you need to put you into sleep. However, the best way to calculate your customized dosage is by starting at a low amount and increasing it gradually thereon, until the desired effects are met. Be careful not to overdose.
CBD REM Sleep
REM stands for random eye movement. It is one of the phases of your sleeping process where eye movements become rapid, muscle tone reduces, and you are able to dream. The REM sleep seems to play an important role in keeping up one’s physical health, for it is during this period that the blood flow diverts towards the muscles, which gives time and space to your brain to take a break. Having troubles attaining REM phase of the sleep can certainly produce negative impact on your health, since if this is the case, your brain remains devoid of rest.
Research works have been pretty favorable in describing the role of CBD in improvisation of REM sleep phase. For example, in a study, it has been found that CBD is effective in regulating REM sleep alteration that is induced by anxiety in rats. It is important to mention here that anxiety is an important risk factor of insomnia. Moreover, CBD is also employed for fighting off with anxiety.
Conclusion (& Advice)
CBD can fight insomnia without making you get high. On the other hand, certain CBD oil formulations that contain low amounts of THC may also be employed for treatment of this condition. This is why it is very important that your doctor approves of your decision about taking CBD oil or edibles for sleeping disorders. Make sure that you are not self-administering yourself with any online treatment.
DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS
The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.
In search of a new backpack? Kahush, a newly launched hemp startup, is reimagining the look of hemp bags. Until now, hemp bags and accessories were known for their high…
In search of a new backpack? Kahush, a newly launched hemp startup, is reimagining the look of hemp bags. Until now, hemp bags and accessories were known for their high quality fabric, but not so much for their design. Kahush is looking to change all that. Recently launched on Kickstarter, this startup from St. Louis, Missouri is working to bring high performing hemp bags for the outdoor lovers. Their products range from outdoor backpacks, disc golf bags, to duffle bags (and more!).
We sat down with Jan-Michael, the founder of Kahush, to learn more about Kahush and its mission.
What’s the origin of the name? Your backpacks all have unique names as well (Asa, Hennep, Dr. Hanf, Hamp, and Dr. Hamppu) – how’d you come up with those?
The term, Kahush, stands for ‘grade A’, ‘premium’, ‘number 1’, ‘the best’, while also playing on the word “kush”. For our backpacks, we wanted to come up with a naming convention that represented the global usage and impacts of hemp.
That’s how we came up with our signature line – Asa. “Asa” is a Japanese term for hemp. The reason why Japan is significant for hemp is because they have a religious tradition that requires the Emperor to wear hemp garments. These hemp fabric traditionally came from a very small plot maintained for the imperial family only.
We took a similar approach for our other bags too – “Hamppu” is a Finnish term for hemp; “Hänf” is German; “Hamp” is Norwegian, and “Hennep” is Dutch.
What made you start this project? What made you design your products with hemp?
“This startup is all about making a significant impact on our environment and creating a sustainable product.
When we started product development in 2014, we wanted to create an outdoor bag and pack company that doesn’t rely on synthetic chemicals for production. This startup is all about making a significant impact on our environment and creating a sustainable product. As we learned more about hemp and how it could potentially have over 50,000 uses and benefits, we got more passionate about this material. We also came across several other hemp startups working in various product niches that all shared the same sustainability goal. We thought this would ultimately be an exciting community to be a part of!
Some reasons we decided to use hemp were:
Hemp can substitute for anything made from trees, cotton, plastic, and petroleum. (As a matter of fact, The U.S. Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper.)
Hemp does not deplete the soil like other industrial crops do. It can clean soil of toxins and impurities such as phosphorus and radiation.
Hemp can produce 2-3x more fiber than cotton using the same amount of land and it matures in only 4 months.
Hemp requires no pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides and adds nitrates back into the soil, healing our planet.
I noticed you guys are from St. Louis, Missouri – How would this business be of benefit to your local community?
Hemp is still considered one of the planet’s most important natural resources. Hemp products are in a high-growing industrial revolution. Unbeknownst to most Missouri residents, Missouri was previously one of the largest growers of industrial hemp in the world. Because of recent revised Missouri statutes, hemp production and cultivation facilities now exist in Missouri but in limited numbers and production capabilities. With Missouri being the former hemp capital of the world and St. Louis having the fastest growing startup scene in the U.S. we couldn’t think of a better home for Kahush.
I know there’s a pretty strong disc golf community around the US – what makes the Hennep better than backpacks already out there?
“We saw an opportunity to marry an environmentally friendly textile with an environmentally friendly sport.”
While we are focused on your everyday carry essentials, we saw the opportunity to create an environmentally friendly product for what is the fastest growing sport in the US. The sport of Disc Golf is growing by leaps and bounds both domestically and internationally. With disc golf being a great deal more sustainable than regular golf, we saw an opportunity to marry an environmentally friendly textile with an environmentally friendly sport. Fact – it takes 2.5 billion gallons of water a year to maintain U.S regular golf courses.
This also gave us the ability to show off our product design skills and show how incredibly versatile hemp can be. Hemp is a very environmentally friendly crop. Hemp requires no pesticides and needs little water, yet it renews the soil with each growth cycle. In combination with disc golfs’ eco friendliness and a bag made out of hemp, we could see this being the most sustainable sport in the world.
Where do you currently source your hemp?
Hemp, in general, is mainly sourced from overseas today because it is typically unavailable here in the United States. Our hemp is sourced from China where it has been legal and masterfully crafted for centuries. They simply make the best hemp textiles on the planet. Hemp products are in a high-growing industrial revolution. As members of the sustainable business community, we aspire to be a part of the high-growing industrial revolution that changes antiquated laws, and re-legalizes the cultivation of industrial hemp in the United States.
What advantages does a hemp backpack offer customers?
Stronger and more durable than cotton. Sustainable. Versatile. Ecofriendly. Antimicrobial.
The market opportunity for Kahush is to take the strongest and most useful natural fiber (hemp), and create highly functional bags to reflect our love and devotion to the outdoors.
Kahush gear features hemp for a variety of reasons. Stronger and more durable than cotton. Sustainable. Versatile. Ecofriendly. Antimicrobial. The vast majority of products in the outdoor industry come from petroleum based products nylon or polyester. Cotton is typically grown with herbicides/pesticides. It is a weak material unfit for most outdoor packs, and consumes a considerable amount of water to be grown. Animal based products such as leather are even worse, as it uses a considerable amount of resource to produce.
You’ve recently launched a kickstarter campaign. How will the crowdfunding help your initiative?
The roadblock we are currently facing is raising the necessary funds for production to bring these products to life. For Kahush, Kickstarter was the best way to capture the attention of early adopters for our brand. We’re hoping to use this opportunity to educate consumers on the benefits of hemp and start a new trend in the backpack industry.
Can hemp penetrate a $4.8 billion skateboard market? With over over 11 million skateboarders across the globe, skateboarding is still a highly popular sport for teenagers and athletes in neighborhoods…
Can hemp penetrate a $4.8 billion skateboard market?
With over over 11 million skateboarders across the globe, skateboarding is still a highly popular sport for teenagers and athletes in neighborhoods and skateparks all across the United States. Yet, in this aging sports market, innovation has been slow. Skateboards released in 2016 are not that different from skateboards that were developed in 2010. Skateboards have conventionally always been built out of a wooden frames. When you include longboards, snowboards, and even skis, that’s a lot of trees being cut down to fuel our entertainment.
But what if we could eliminate the need to cut down trees to enjoy these activities?
That’s the question Nick and David were trying to answer as they were brainstorming ways to combine sustainability and skateboarding. After 3 years of prototyping and development, they found the answer through hemp. By using hemp to build the frames for skateboards, Granny Smith Sports has been able to develop a skateboard that’s not only sustainable, but also lighter and more durable.
The implications of this is huge for hemp. Especially with skateboarding added as an official Olympics sport in Tokyo 2020, the popularity of skateboarding seems likely rise in the foreseeable future. In addition, when you consider the fact that the technology used to make hemp skateboards are directly transferrable to different sports and products, such as snowboards and skis, the opportunity seems limitless.
We sat down with David to learn more about his skateboard brand and where they plan on taking it from here.
Let’s start from the very beginning. How did you guys even come up with the idea of making a skateboard with hemp?
Nick and I were eating dinner one night just brainstorming on a sustainable concept. This was right around the time the Fukushima nuclear disaster [2011] happened. I was in a fit because I thought the entire coast of California was going to be toasted with radiation. Being a surfer, this was a big scare.
For us, that pretty much sparked a frenzy between us. That’s when we decided to try to develop a sustainable product to at least step foot in the right direction for preserving the planet.
So you decided to use hemp for sustainability reasons. How did you choose skateboards?
Our first idea was to make trucks out of hemp, so we contacted several universities and organic chemists to pick their brains without revealing what we were trying to make. Most people familiar with organic composites were saying that such a process did not exist, nor did they think it could be done. [Note: To learn more about cars made with hemp, check out our featured post on the Cannabis Hemp Car]
By fate, we found our current partner, Greg, online and reached out to him. It was like hitting lightning in a bottle to find someone who has such specific and similar special interests with us. He said trucks were possible, but for moneys sake it would be a lot easier to start with something smaller. Since we were passionate surfers and skateboarders, we decided on skateboards.
One non-disclosure agreement and 3 years of work later we launched.
Sounds like an amazing journey! So tell us a bit more about the skateboards. How are they actually constructed?
It’s a patented compression molded with two simple ingredients, Hemp and Resin. The ratio is 80% hemp fiber and 20% plant-based resin.
In terms of sustainability, how is this compared to conventional wooden skateboards?
A regular skateboard is typically made out of maple wood. When you consider the amount of skateboards sold across the world, this is a big cause of deforestation, especially in Canada. When you add to this the toxic adhesives that are used to glue all the parts together of a skateboard, the environmental impact is sizable.
Hemp completely eliminates this harmful practice. We’re using a crop that can be grown in 4-6 months and using plant-based resin instead of toxic glue.
Does hemp make the it more durable than regular skateboards?
“One night, it got ran over by a car downtown dead in the center than again on the nose. Even with all this, the board did not break.”
When we made our first prototype over three years ago, our initial thought was, “Ok, is this even going to work?”.
But when we received the board from Greg, initially I was blown away by how similar it was to a standard wooden skateboard. We put it to the test by thrashing it pretty hard and taking on wall rides and banks to see how it did. Surprisingly, it didn’t even budge! Finally one night it got ran over by a car downtown dead in the center than again on the nose. Even with all this, the board did not break in the center but only chipped on the nose! We were so shocked on the strength of the material. So yea, I’d say it’s more durable than regular skateboards.
Are there any downsides to the board being made from hemp?
From a manufacturing standpoint, yes. The process is definitely more labor intensive because they are all hand made and materials cost a tad bit more than glue and maple. We also pay more for our materials, as we are committed to staying 100% plant-based.
But for customers, there aren’t any downsides. The board is light in weight (24oz) while also being completely water resistant. We’ve tested our products’ durability and can guarantee a longer life span than a plastic cruiser or other wooden cruisers. Wooden boards tends to swell and stretch over time, which causes it to lose strength and de-laminate. Cheap plastic chips away and breaks over time.
Let’s shift gears a bit to your brand. “Granny Smith Sports”. What’s the origin or the meaning behind your name?
We wanted a mark that was memorable and an identity that spoke of our company mission, which was to have all plant-based products and promote good health. To us, Granny Smith Sports embodies that.
What is the long term vision that your company has?
Our goal is to be known and to have an undeniable reputation for making the highest quality products while not sacrificing our conviction of being 100% plant based. We also aim to make all sports products possible out of our bio-composites. That means we could replace hard plastics and other harmful materials from pretty much any sports products or gears.
Where do you get your supply of hemp? Was it difficult for you to get the hemp raw material?
All of our fibre and hurd comes from the United Sates. We also use a small amount of woven hemp cloth that is sourced from other countries overseas. That’s mainly because it is unavailable in the US. We do encourage more hemp farming in the United Staes for industrial use because we see there will always be a demand for it.
How have customers responded to your skateboards?
It’s been awesome! People love the boards. A lot of people are shocked and can’t really believe it’s made from hemp. It is a branding process and an entirely new product that many people are not familiar with, so there is work to be done there.
Anyone who rides them loves them!
How can our readers try out Granny Smith skateboards? Where can they find you?
Check us out at www.GrannySmithSports.com. We have an online store where you can directly buy completes and decks. For these first few months of our launch we are putting a discount on the boards, just to help get the products out there.
We will also be on Amazon.com next week and are in the process of getting in to local surf and skate shops through out the US.
We also love to share customers pictures and videos of them riding on our Granny Smith boards! Check out more pics on our Instagram or Facebook.
“American farmers are promised a new cash crop… and it will provide thousands of jobs for American workers throughout the land” – Popular Mechanics in 1938 How much do…
“American farmers are promised a new cash crop… and it will provide thousands of jobs for American workers throughout the land”
– Popular Mechanics in 1938
How much do you know about hemp?
An article published in Popular Mechanics in 1938 claimed hemp as the New Billion-Dollar Crop. Claiming to have thousands of potential applications, there seemed to be no limit on how and where hemp could be used.
Yet, not even a year after this publication, the government passed restrictions on hemp that essentially killed the entire industry. For the next 80 years, hemp has largely been forgotten and misunderstood.
Sadly, today most of us don’t even know about hemp. We grew up never learning about it or even using it. The modern society never got the chance to experience the amazing quality and benefits that hemp brings. Many people mistakenly assume it’s the same thing as marijuana (close, yet distinct, cousin). Others aren’t even aware of its existence.
So what is hemp and what can it do? To show the true potential of hemp, we’ve created an extensive, all-encompassing list of hemp products that exists today. Although some of these applications may not yet be fully commercialized, most of these items can be purchased online through various boutique brands. Many hemp advocates are fighting to offer customers high quality, eco-friendly hemp products that are superior to its conventional counterparts.
Check out our full list below and see what hemp has to offer. One thing that’s clear is that as more people start using hemp, its misconstrued stigma will more quickly disappear in the modern world. We hope you’ll try some. You’ll be surprised how awesome they are.
Hemp seeds are probably the most popular application of hemp because it’s so nutritious. Popular among vegetarians and athletes, hemp seeds are often compared to flax and chia seeds as superfoods. Here’s just a short list of some of its amazing health benefits:
One of the most nutritious foods available in nature.
Easily digested by the body.
Can sustain our dietary needs, even without consuming any other healthy food.
Contains essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) – helps with immune system and cholesterol levels.
Helps heal those suffering from immune deficiency diseases.
While hemp offers different types of oil, hemp seed oilis the most common dietary application you will find. Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the plant itself. When the oil is unrefined, it is commonly considered “Nature’s most perfectly balanced oil”. Here’s why:
It contains a perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Great source for Vitamin A & E.
Includes number of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Has amazing skin care properties.
Promotes healthy hair and nails, while reducing inflammation.
Hemp protein is one of the most popular vegetarian protein powders among active athletes. Derived from hemp seeds, hemp protein promises an average of 15 grams of protein per serving – that is the highest vegan source of simple protein available!
Hemp protein is a great way to increase your daily protein intake, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting whey protein.
Blending your teas with hemp seeds allows you to enjoy your favorite teas while adding hemp seeds’ amazing nutrition to your drink. Brands like Hemp Kettle Tea offer a variety of choices for its customers, as they offer mixtures such as Jasmine, Cardamom, and Holy Basil teas.
5. Energy Bars
Do you need an energy bar that’ll keep you stomach satisfied until your next meal? Hemp energy bars are know to use the highest quality ingredients that allows you to snack healthy. Brands like Ever Bar only use organic ingredients like hemp seeds, hemp protein powder, cranberry, blueberries to keep you going for hours!
6. Coffee
Hemp coffee beans are made from ground coffee beans + lightly roasted hemp seeds. The blend of toasted hemp seeds with roasted coffee beans offers a nutty tasting coffee while adding “a vibrational frequency not found in other worldwide coffees with considerably less caffeine and countless vitamins and minerals.”
7. Burgers
Ever tried vegetarian burger patties and thought they were tasteless and bland?
Hemp seed based veggie burgers are now offering a better solution.
Good Seed Burger developed protein-packed veggie burgers based off hemp seeds as the main ingredient. It also contains superfoods like chia seeds, wild-crafted seaweeds and sprouted beans & grains. Enjoy the savory, nutty flavor, the warm earthy complexity and the hit of mild spice.
8. Healthy Flavored Water
Hemp’s version of Vitamin Water – Hemp2O. This herbal water is packed with vitamins B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C and Omega 3. It contains all of the essential amino-acids which help support muscle growth and is low in saturated fats. Using only organic ingredients, Hemp2O has antioxidant properties, fatty acids, and is completely gluten-free!
Just like there’s peanut butter, almond butter – try hemp seed butter! Made from finely ground and pressed form of hemp seeds, hemp seed butter offers amazing nutritional benefits.
10. Hemp Milk
Similar to almond milk, hemp milk is made from grinding hemp seeds with water. Having a strong nutty taste, this milk won’t be everyone’s favorite. But it does offer a healthy alternative for those looking for alternative milks other than dairy.
11. Hemp Vodka
Colorado Gold Distillery developed a the first US vodka that is fermented and distilled with hemp. With a 40% alcohol content, critics claim it to be a smooth and mellow drink. One reviewer says “A smooth, character rich vodka with appealing fruitiness.”
12. Hemp Beer
A California brewery offers a brown ale brewed with toasted hemp seeds – the Humboldt Hemp Ale. Not sure if it’ll be good? In the Great International Beer & Cider Competition, the Hemp Ale won Silver in the American Brown Ale category in 2014.
If you’re interested in trying it out, check out where you can find it near you: Find Store/Brewery
13. Hemp Hot Dogs
In the Kentucky State Fair in 2016, Victory Hemp Foods partnered with local vendors and authorities to develop and sell Hemp Dawgs. David Neville, a cattle farmer who worked on this project, says that there’s three main hemp ingredients to the hot dog:
Hemp protein acts as an adhesive of making all the parts stay together.
Ground up hemp seeds add texture to the bite.
Hemp oil melds flavor and adds smoothness.
Overall, this version of a hot dog offers health benefits like Omega 3 and Omega 6 heart-healthy fats.
14. Hemp Flour
Hemp Seed Flour is gluten free, nutritious, and an excellent source of energy. The Seed Flour contains 33% protein and is second only to soy in protein content. An added benefit is that Hemp Seed Flour protein is more easily digested. Hemp flour is perfect for those who have nut, dairy, gluten or wheat allergies.
15. Hemp Granola
Is there a healthier treat than granola? You can easily make this at home or buy some online. It’s probably the healthiest granola you’ll ever try!
Clothing & Accessories
Why use hemp clothing? Hemp fabric has proved to be superior to its counterparts in almost every way. Hemp fiber is more…
Porous and breathable – Hemp fibers allow your skin to breathe.
Durable – Hemp fiber is the most durable fiber of any plant.
Eco-friendly & Sustainable – Cotton is a water-intensive crop and uses 25% of the world’s pesticides. Hemp requires 50% less water to grow than cotton and requires no use of pesticides.
16. Shirts
Most hemp shirts available on the market are mixed with a little bit of organic cotton. It’s typically a 60% Hemp / 40% Cotton mix. They’re some of the most durable shirts you’ll ever try:
Imagine using hemp fiber for jeans. It’s durable, breathable, absorbent, and has amazing anti-microbial properties.
18. Hemp Shoes
Every year, on April 20th (4/20), leading national brands come out with limited hemp shoes. There’s actually various brands that now offer hemp shoes, ranging from boarder shoes to Converse.
Here’s an edition from Adidas:
19. Hemp Jacket / Coat
Hoodlamb offers a wide array of jackets and coats made from hemp. They’re obviously not made with 100% hemp fiber, but using hemp allows them to make a more durable product while also being more sustainable than other brands.
20. Backpacks
Have you ever had backpacks that just broke or tore after a couple years? Try hemp backpacks and they’ll last you 10+ years. Using one of the strongest fabrics, hemp backpacks offer you a durable, sustainable product you can carry around anywhere.
21. Yoga Pants
Mixing hemp fabric with some organic cotton offers elasticity. Hemp yoga pants can be used for your stretching, meditation, or even pajama wear!
22. Sunglasses
This is probably one of the coolest applications developed with hemp hurds. Developed by designers in Scotlad, Hemp Eyewear uses 100% completely sustainable ingredients to make their products. Not only are the glasses fashionable, they ship their products in a case made from hemp as well.
23. Hats
Whether its a wide brim hat or your sports cap, they can all be made from hemp. Botique brands like Tinlid Hats offers hemp hats, along with a variety of other types made from sustainable ingredients.
24. Hemp Beanie
Need to keep your head warm over the winter months? Know that you can rely on hemp beanies!
25. Wallets
The Hemp Denim wallet developed by Hemp Co-Op is one of the coolest looking hemp wallets on the market. Considering how strong hemp fiber is, we’re sure these will last you for a while.
26. Socks
Ever get sick of socks getting holes in them? Try your luck with hemp socks. Much more durable than cotton, we’re sure they’ll last you much longer.
27. Totes
There’s a big push to use totes and other reusable bags when you go grocery shopping. Why not use bags that are sustainable themselves? Hemp totes are made of 100% hemp, and hemp as a plant is one of the most sustainable plants in the world.
28. Sandals (Flip Flops)
With the top soles and straps made from hemp, these sandals are the most naturally durable flip flops you’ll find on the market.
29. Belts
Might not be the best option for professional attire, but hemp belts go great for casual wear. Pick one up for your jeans.
30. Scarf
Hemp scarfs are lightweight, yet warm and cozy. They’re not as thick as wool scarfs, but a good option for those living in milder weather.
31. Ties / Bow Ties
Yup, you can even make ties with hemp. Seriously, it can do anything.
32. Handkerchief/Pocket Squares
Nobody really uses handkerchiefs anymore, but they sure look fashionable as pocket squares for your suit. Check out these 100% organic hemp pocket squares: Haute Hemp Co
33. Bracelets
Making hemp bracelets used to be super popular for kids. The ropes (for the bracelets) were essentially indestructible and you could do so many things with them. When you mention hemp to somebody who doesn’t know much about it, you’ll find many of them first think of hemp bracelets that they made when they were young.
34. Robes
In Japan, the incoming emperor wears a hemp robe during the Shinto coronation ceremony. Not to prove a political point, but to symbolize the plant’s values of abundance, comfort, and health.
35. Overalls
If you’re into overalls, yes, you can find hemp made overalls.
Hemp oil based beauty products offer superior ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids compared to other oils (Omega 3 is great for smoothing and firming our skin.)
Hemp oil is packed with vitamins – Vitamin B, C, E to state just a few
Key amino acids in hemp oil prevent wrinkles and allow the skin to retain more moisture. They also help conditions like dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis by moistening your skin.
Here’s a full list of hemp body care products you can try:
36. Body Lotion
One of our favorite and most trusted brands. Free of any harmful chemicals, the Fay Farm’s healing body lotion feels gentle on the skin and soaks in quickly. It feels like mousse! Specifically, hemp lotions are great for conditions such as:
Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and other auto-immune skin disorders.
Burns, bug bites, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and dry, damaged skin.
37. Balms / Lip Balms
Hemp balms offer an even stronger solution that lotions. Get Hemp Butter’s hemp balms easily penetrates the top layer of skin for the absorption of nutrients.
38. Shampoo & Conditioner
Have you ever looked at the ingredients list of your shampoo bottle? You probably couldn’t recognize more than half of the ingredients on that list! Hemp boutique brands, like The Wonder Seed, are using only natural formula to offer your hair only honest materials.
39. Body Wash
Hemp is used in soaps because of its unsurpassed essential fatty acid (EFA) content, which also makes the soaps smoother and less drying. Dr. Bronner’s is the leading soap brand that uses hemp. They’ve been around for over 100 years and are a popular choice as they use all organic and sustainable ingredients.
Guess what’s in their soap? Less than 10 ingredients. Awesome.
40. Facial Cream & Cleanser
If your skin is sensitive and prone to acne, hemp oil might be your savior. Some people just buy hemp seed oil and apply it on their face daily. But it might not be that pleasant applying nutty hemp seed oil directly on your skin. If that’s the case, check out some top hemp body care brands for your face:
Sunscreen that uses only natural ingredients. Check out Raw Elements – Non-GMO and uses hemp oil.
42. Hemp Serum
Hemp serums can be great to help with more serious conditions, such as psoriasis on the scalp, eczema on the face, or sebborheic dematitis on the face. The serum is specially effective as the oil quickly soaks into your skin and scalp, allowing you to experience complete absorption relieving itchy and flaky scalp. The nature of hemp oil also prevents the oil from getting your skin or hair greasy.
Health
The first documented use of hemp as “medicine” appears about 2300 B.C.E. in China, when an emperor prescriped hemp for the treatment of constipation, gout, and menstrual problems. Since then, records of using hemp (and overall cannabis) as medicine has appeared across variety of different civilizations, including India, Egypt, Persia, Europe, and even during the early days of the United States.
Here’s just a few examples of different hemp products that you could use today:
43. Hemp Extract (CBD)
Hemp extracts are naturally found compounds in the leaves of hemp. CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the better known compounds, but there’s more than 80 different compounds that can be found in hemp.
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam from Israel is the leading scientist who pioneered the research behind these extracts. You can learn more about him through his documentary: The Scientist.
According to a patent held by the US Health and Human Services:
“Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.
With the passage of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act in 2014, CBD is now legal to be sold in all 50 states in the US.
Even more rare than hemp extracts, hemp essential oil is made by steam distilling the upper leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. This captures the pure essence of the plant. Pale yellow to light green in color with a a highly concentrated therapeutic aroma. It takes over fifty pounds to make 1 ounce of hemp essential oil.
It is also one of the most expensive oils in the world – and contains no THC or CBD. Hemp essential oil is well known for its essential oil aroma and therapeutic abilities on the central nervous system. There are so many different ways to use hemp essential oil to help relieve anxiety and sleep issues. The oil may be used in diffusers – added to hot steamy bathwater, mixed with carrier oils for massages. Kushed, a boutique brand based out of California, uses hemp essential oil by blending it with other pure essential oils to create natural remedies for those caught up in the busy modern day lives.
45. Soothing Aromatherapy Candles
Kushed, a boutique brand based in California, has developed aromatherapy hemp candles made from hemp essential oil. They’re perfect to use in the evenings to relax your body.
46. Massage Oil
We’ve already discussed how great hemp oil is as a body wash or even as lotion. That’s because hemp oil has properties that help make your skin smoother and less dry. Now using that type of oil as a massage oil can definitely make your massages even better. Try it out.
47. Hemp Heat Muscle Rub
Early research and testimonials have shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) can help with joint pains and arthritis. So making a heat muscle rub that has CBD in it only makes sense! These heat muscle rubs just might be the joint pain reliever you were looking for.
48. Vape Juice
Fan of smoking? If you already own your own vape pen, go ahead and try out vaping hemp extracts. Some say vaping might be the most effective way to experience the benefits of CBD.
Pets
49. Dog Toys
If your dog chew up and destroy his toy in a matter of days, hemp toys might just be what you were looking for. Hemp ropes are one of the most durable material out there. We’d be surprised if your dog can breat it.
50. Dog Collar & Leash
Owning a puppy (especially a big puppy) can be a pain. She’ll chew on the leash and pull like crazy. It’s not uncommon for your leash to start getting torn. Hemp leashes and collars can solve that problem. Hemp ropes are so durable that the US government actively tried to buy as much as they can during World War II.
51. Animal Bedding
Using hemp hurds for animal bedding can have many benefits. Hemp is extremely absorbent as it can hold 4X its own weight, and lasts much longer than pine or straw bedding. Hemp bedding is very low dust, which is great for horses with respiratory issues. It also reduces odor better than straw or wood shavings. This is great for chicken owners, who often incur ammonia from the chicken scat.
Hemp bedding is very economical for the farmers, as it lasts longer and reduces the products loss to waste. This, in turn, saves the consumer money. Lastly, hemp bedding is completely biodegradable. It naturally decomposes into the earth.
52. CBD Oil For Dogs (Pet Tinctures)
Early research has shown that CBD could help with conditions such as anxiety, addiction, depression, chronic pain, arthritis, seizures, and more for humans. Due to the similar anatomy of mammals, we can infer CBD could also help our dogs. Early research and anecdotal testimonials show that CBD has helped pets in many different ways, including anxiety, appetite, arthritis, cancer, and variety of phobias.
In 1941, Henry Ford built a car out of hemp. It was not only built out of hemp plastic, but it also ran on hemp fuel. Hemp plastic was tested to be much stronger than steel. They tried denting the hemp car with a hammer, but the car didn’t even budge. Learn how we’re using hemp in cars today:
53. Sports Cars
An entrepreneur in Florida built a sports car out of hemp. Called the Renew Sports Cars, this hemp car comes out to be 4.7X greener than even an electric car. Similar to Henry Ford’s car, this car’s exterior is all made from hemp plastic and it runs on hemp biofuel.
54. Biofuel
The greatest thing about hemp biofuel is that it can be used in cars that currently used regular oil. Unlike electric cars, nobody needs to buy new cars. We can use our existing infrastructure!
According to Thomas B. Reed, a chemical engineer at Colorado School of Mines, an acre of hemp can produce power equivalent to a thousand gallons of gasoline. Imagine the sustainability benefits that would bring. No wonder oil companies hate hemp.
55. Thermoset Compression Molding
Thermoset compression molding is currently producing car panels and other parts for several global auto manufacturers. A Mercedes car panel is made using this technology. The process involves taking a sheet of the hemp fiber matting, injecting it with thermoset resin, placing into a mold, heating it to high temps for a set amount of time, then popping the panel out of the mold for cleanup and final drilling/cutting. Currently, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are few of the auto companies that are using this in their vehicles.
Home & Office
56. Pens
Green Spring Technologies makes these customized pens made from hemp molds. You can engrave anything on it!
57. Hemp Sheets
Hemp fiber is typically more porous and breathable than cotton. So hemp sheets might be the perfect material for summer sheets. They might not be as smooth as cotton, but they’ll surely last you longer than cotton sheets.
58. Hemp Towel
What’s so great about hemp fiber is that the fiber softens with age while being mildew resistant. This makes hemp an excellent source for materials such as a towel.
59. Paper
Why is hemp paper better than tree paper? Here’s just a few reasons
1 acre of Hemp can produce as much paper as 4-10 acres of trees over a 20 year cycle.
Hemp stalks grow in 4 months, whereas trees take 20-80 years.
Trees are made up of only 30% cellulose, requiring the use of toxic chemicals to remove the other 70%. Hemp, on the other hand, can have have up to 85% cellulose content.
Hemp paper is more durable than trees. Unlike regular paper, hemp paper does not yellow, crack, or deteriorate over time.
Wider use of hemp paper can help sustainability efforts to reduce deforestation.
60. Hemp Curtains
If you can make towels and sheets with hemp, why not curtains?
61. Laundry Detergent
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure-Castille Soap has been proven to be as effective in cleaning your clothes as other conventional brands. The added benefit of Dr. Bronner’s is that it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
62. Hemp Crafts
You can get hemp cords, spools, twines, and braided ropes. Your basics for craft day.
63. Hemp Chair
From our research, we don’t think there’s actually a brand that sells hemp chairs today, but a natural fiber hemp chair was developed for a design show in 2012. It can be done!
64. Tablecloths
Mildew resistant, durable, and high quality material – hemp fiber is perfect for your next table cloth.
65. Hemp Blankets
Looking for a breathable summer blanket? Hemp fiber could be the perfect material you were looking for! Hemp blankets can help alleviate the intensity of night sweating (aka “hot flashes”) and also help with skin disorders like rashes/eczema.
Farming & Gardening
66. Hemp Growing Mats
Typical growing mats are made from plastics or treated materials. This can be a bit concerning when you consider the hungry, tender roots soak up whatever they are grown in.
Try hemp mats from Grass Roots Grow Mats that are petroleum, plastic, and chemical free! Grow your roots in a healthy environment for a healthier you.
67. Soil Cleanup
Conventional crops (soy, corn, wheat, etc) deplete the nutrition of our soil, causing it to dry out and erode. Hemp can be a natural solution for our farmers, as its deep roots help stabilize the soil structure. Since hemp plants grow 6-16 ft tall in 110 days, hemp also naturally shades out weeds. This eliminates the need of costly and toxic herbicides.
In any contaminated soil, hemp also actively absorbs heavy-metal contaminants from soil, gradually purifying the earth.
Industrial & Others
68. Ropes
During World War II, the government needed more raw material to make strong, durable ropes. Their oversea supply had been cut off during their engagement with Japan. This is when the government created a campaign called “Hemp For Victory”, encouraging US farmers to start growing hemp to help with the war. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) even created a promotional video to highlight the benefits of hemp fiber! Check it out below:
69. Plastics
Hemp plastic could do anything that conventional plastic can do. The biggest problem using hemp plastic commercially is that it’s cost prohibitive. Since farming is still largely regulated, hemp is still in short supply.
Yet, it’s important to know that hemp plastic is much more durable and sustainable. As we’ve discussed earlier, hemp plastic could be used to make cars (more durable than steel), sunglasses, pens, and more!
You could even use hemp filaments in a 3D printer to print out whatever you design.
70. Building Homes – Hempcrete
Building homes with hemp is one of the most promising applications of hemp. There’s several benefits that hempcrete offers. First, it acts an amazing thermodynamic insulator, so it helps to reduce the energy costs by 50–70% annually for families (especially those in extremely cold or hot climates).
Hempcrete is also great for those who are sensitive to allergies. Regular insulators and paint can be the prime source of allergies for many people, as these conventional materials can be toxic. Made with all natural material, can eliminate many different health problems.
Hempcrete also continuously absorbs CO2 as it ages, so it reduces your carbon footprint. As it absorbs CO2, the material actually becomes stronger. Essentially, a building made with hempcrete will become stronger over time.
When it comes to construction, hempcrete homes have zero construction waste. When you consider that 55% of the world’s energy consumption is construction-waste related, there are huge implications on reducing our carbon footprint.
Other applications of hemp for homes are soundproof hemp walls and bash-proof hemp roofing.
71. Oil Spill Cleanup
Hemp’s core has been found to be carrier of microorganisms for bioremediation. Bioremediation describes the microorganisms living in the hemp breaking down the oil by actually feeding off of it, metabolizing it, and releasing it back into the water or soil without the toxins.
Did you know the first American flag made by Betsy Ross was made from industrial hemp? Hemp fiber can make durable, rustic flags. Patagonia actually developed a short documentary featuring a military veteran working with hemp to make a US flag:
73. Hemp Batteries
Hemp fibers have been found to be more conductive than graphene, making it a superior source for supercapacitors and batteries. Dr. David Mitlin found that hemp “works just as well [as graphene]. And it costs a fraction of the price [at] $500 to $1,000 a tonne.” Read More
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hemp was once praised to have thousands of different potential applications. Considering that, we are still at the infancy of realizing what all hemp can do. With the passing of the Industrial Hemp Act in 2014, our farmers have started to grow hemp again in the US after 77 years of prohibition. As the supply and awareness of hemp continue to grow, innovation will only accelerate. With the world focused on sustainability and curbing our carbon footprint, hemp can be at the forefront of many eco-friendly practices.
We look forward to seeing the difference hemp can make in our world.
DEA drops bombshell announcement to prohibit CBD The hemp industry woke up this week with some startling news. In an unexpected announcement, the DEA dropped the news that they will…
DEA drops bombshell announcement to prohibit CBD
The hemp industry woke up this week with some startling news. In an unexpected announcement, the DEA dropped the news that they will categorize Cannabidiol (CBD), and all other cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, as a Schedule I drug. In the exact words published on the Federal Register,
“The Drug Enforcement Administration is creating a new Administration Controlled Substances Code Number for ‘Marihuana Extract.’”
Federal Registrar segment on new DEA rule. 12/14/16.
The DEA just created a whole separate category (and term) to include CBD and all other non-psychoactive cannabinoids as a Schedule I drug. (For context, other drugs categorized as Schedule I: heroin, ecstasy, LSD)
Simply put, the DEA will categorize any “extract containing one or more cannabinoids that has been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis, other than the separated resin (whether crude or purified) obtained from the plant,” as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
What is CBD? And Why do customers look for it?
A big concern of this announcement is that it will further confuse the general public, especially those that are unfamiliar with cannabinoids. For people who are new to the term ‘cannabidiol’, it’s easy to group them all under marijuana. This new ruling is just going to make it that much more confusing for everyone. Carlos Frias, the founder of Texas Wellness Center, certainly thinks so. “Short term,” he says, “this new rule is going scare off a lot of consumers and retailers.”
Cannabidiol, along with 80+ other cannabinoids, are naturally found compounds in cannabis. Historically, many different civilizations have used cannabis and its compounds for their healing properties. In the modern era, cannabinoids have gained more attention after the discovery of how they affect our endocannabinoid system. Still in its early stages of research, various lab results and anecdotal testimonials have poured out to show the benefits of the extract. According to a representative of one CBD brand, “The people that are looking for CBD have serious medical conditions…They are looking for something to provide relief without negative effects, and are ready to try something different.” Unlike cannabis products that can be found in dispensaries in cannabis legalized states such as Colorado, hemp CBD extracts does not provide a “high”. As Frias puts it, “Not everyone wants to get high. A lot of consumers want the benefits with out any psychoactive effects.”
What this means to CBD businesses & the hemp industry
Businesses, individuals, and livelihoods seem to be destined to suffer from the whims of the DEA and our federal government.
Originally, with the passage of the Agricultural Act back in 2014 (often called Farm Bill), the hemp industry seemed set for a new phase of unprecedented growth. Since 2011, the hemp industry has grown by 40% to hit an annual sales volume of over $600 million in 2014. This growth seems to have continued throughout 2015 and 2016.
In 2015, the CBD market was estimated to have hit $65 million in sales, while the personal care (beauty) brands sold over $147 million. I’ve pointed out the volume of the beauty brands, as several of them do use CBD in their products. Even if they don’t specifically use CBD, hemp oils contain 80+ other types of cannabinoids.
As the numbers suggest, there are hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs involved in the hemp industry today. Many of these individuals have committed their livelihoods and careers in the hemp industry based off the original definitions of hemp and CBD. They believed in the benefits that hemp brings to our society. They joined a mission to bring healthier, higher quality, and more environmentally friendly solutions to the consumer market.
Sadly, all of these businesses, individuals, and livelihoods seem to be destined to suffer from the whims of the DEA and our federal government. If this new rule is upheld, the US CBD industry will most likely collapse. “Interstate commerce for CBD products will diminish significantly…And it will put US CBD companies at a severe disadvantage in terms of growth and development as compared to international players,” says a representative who wished to remain anonymous.
To be clear, hemp and CBD were and still are completely legal in the US
Let’s make one thing clear: Hemp and CBD have been completely legal to sell under the laws and description of the Farm Bill.
What the Farm Bill Says
Section 7606 of the 2014 Agricultural Act defines “industrial hemp as distinct from marijuana and authorizes institutions of higher education or state departments of agriculture in states that legalized hemp cultivation to conduct research and pilot programs across the country”
Also, this bill specifies that “notwithstanding (or in spite of) the Controlled Substances Act, the entire industrial hemp plant is made lawful.
Beginning of Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
To put in other words, the Farm Bill of 2014 specifically states that the industrial hemp plant is legal in spite of the Controlled Substances Act. But even the section regarding “marihuana” in the Controlled Substances Act clearly states that it excludes “oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such mature stalks.”
The DEA enters unauthorized territory
It’s confounding how or why the DEA is directly going against its own government
As an executive branch of our government, the Drug Enforcement Agency actually has no authority to expand (or change) the definitions of the law. This announcement also goes directly against laws that have been established to legalize and protect the hemp industry. The two most glaring discrepancies come from the Appropriations Act (2015 & 2016) and the Agricultural Act of 2014.
What the Appropriation Act Says
The Appropriations Act is a bill set by our government that gives money to specific federal government departments, agencies, and programs. According to this bill, none of the funds may be used:
In violation of section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (mentioned above)
To prohibit “the transportation, processing, sale, or use of industrial hemp” that is grown or cultivated in accordance with section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
Under the Agricultural Act, Industrial Hemp is further defined as “Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”
If one considers the definition of industrial hemp under the Agricultural Act and the terms of the Appropriations Act, it’s confounding how (or why) the DEA is directly going against its own government.
There was a precedent similar to this
A short look back at history shows that the DEA has tried something similar to this in the past and failed. Back in 2001, the DEA announced a rule declaring that all “hemp seed and oil food products that contain any amount of trace residual THC” would be considered seizable contraband. This rule was effectively criminalizing all hemp seed products in the US.
Yet, in 2004, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in favor of the hemp industry. They stated that naturally occurring cannabinoids in industrial hemp foods, including oil, were never scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. In short, the DEA has no authority to regulate hemp foods.
At the time, the court made a compelling analogy, comparing hemp seeds (and hemp derivatives) with poppy seeds. It concluded that “[a]s in the case of poppy seeds commonly consumed on bagels and expressly exempted from the Controlled Substances Act, that come from a non-drug variety of, but the same species as, the opium poppy…non-psychoactive hemp seed products do not contain any controlled substance as defined by the Controlled Substances Act.”
So what does this mean for customers?
It is still too early to tell how this announcement will affect the industry. Hemp law groups and lobbyists are coming together to fight this absurd new rule. It could mean business-as-usual or another period of prohibition for many applications of hemp.
Whatever happens, this type of press and legality issue will only hurt customers who have and could actually benefit from this plant and its naturally occurring cannabinoids. It also sets a dangerous precedent showing that the DEA, a regulatory agency, is more concerned with restricting access to natural alternatives in favor of pharmaceuticals companies than working in conjunction with the scientific community to understand a plant that could provide so much benefits outside of just the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD and other cannabinoids, despite being in early stages of research, have been known for its medical potential for a variety of conditions. Although there are still debates about its actual benefits, many anecdotal evidence have come out that shows that CBD has helped a wide range of people and even pets.
In a time where we have made steady progress towards full cannabis legalization, this truly is a big blow. It came out of left field and it seems like it might take some time before anything gets settled. We encourage you to take an active role in helping to spread the news about this injustice to as many people as possible. The hypocrisy of our government has to stop and we need your help.
DISCOVER THE TRUTH BEHIND CANNABIS
Eighty years ago, the government turned on cannabis and started portraying it as a dangerous, evil plant.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James Life is more stressful than ever. According to one research, our stress…
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James
Life is more stressful than ever. According to one research, our stress levels have increased by almost 30% in the last three decades.
WHY SO MUCH STRESS?
We all have different sources of stress, yet it seems like the advent of new technologies (i.e. smartphones, social media), ever increasing global competition, and this “success at all cost” oriented culture are just a few root causes. We live in a world where we’re connected with everyone 24/7. Quite literally, we are sending tweets, snaps, texts, emails in every waking moment. This hyper-connectivity brings about a level of communal stress and pressure that’s unprecedented.
Our addiction to social media and work has made us evermore prone to stress and anxiety. We constantly compare our lives and achievements with those of friends and family. After reading through everyones’ updates on their engagements, promotions, vacations, and weddings, it’s easy to wonder…”Why is my life so shitty?”
To keep up with this never-ending race, we try to send the best snapchats, write the perfect caption for Instragram posts, or figure out a way to perfectly express our thoughts in 140 characters. Once you post a picture, you find yourself constantly refreshing your screen, waiting for those “likes” that’ll validate your awesome post and popularity.
WHAT DOES DAILY ANXIETY & STRESS MEAN?
Hyper-connectivity and increased social pressure are making us suffer increased daily anxiety and stress. We are becoming increasingly impatient, always worried about the next thing on our to-do list, and comparing ourselves to our colleagues who seem to be moving up in life and have everything figured out. Being ambitious is great. Having a big life goal is commendable. But when is everything just too much?
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?
The short term and long term consequences of chronic stress can be severe. In the short term, you’ll notice that you’re more antsy, agitated, and worried. You’ll lose sleep, feel demotivated, and always worried about things you can’t control. This’ll affect your relationships, your health, and overall well-being. Long term, this could lead to poor health, depression, anxiety disorder, and much more.
So what are some ways you can reduce your daily anxiety? How can you make yourself forget about your worries and focus on what matters? Here’s the top recommendations based off research, proven evidence, and testimonials. To make it easier for you to navigate, we have grouped them into 7 different categories. Tip: Don’t try to follow all of these tips, since that’ll be impossible and you’ll quickly find yourself more frustrated. We recommend trying one or two at a time from different categories and figuring our what works best for you.
Establishing a set routine for your diet can help reduce anxiety. Eating simple foods can help with your daily routine in that it avoids any upset stomachs, which only makes your daily stress worse. Eating a simple dish of oatmeal or eggs in the morning and packing your lunch could be easy ways to make your day (and body) more stress-free.
Tip: Avoid processed food! Processed food not only ruins your appetite, but it also makes you crave more junk food – ultimately leading to more frequent upset stomachs.
Take Hemp CBD Oil
Various peer-reviewed studies and multiple anecdotal evidence show that the cannabinoids found in cannabis can help in treating conditions such as anxiety and depression. Among the different cannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) is quickly becoming the most popular compound, as it is the second most abundant chemical found in the plant. Plus, it has no psychoactive properties, so anyone can take it without having to worry about getting “high”. Learn More
Carry Around A Snack
Most of lose our patience much quicker when we get hungry. We get more easily frustrated and even angry when something (or somebody) is holding things up when you’re hungry. Avoid all this by simply carrying a snack in your bag. Pack an energy bar, or even a small chocolate, that could tide your hunger until your next meal.
Tip: Try having a bag of hemp seeds near your desk or work area. They’re a great source of protein, vitamins, and your essential fatty acids. A handful of hemp seeds could keep your hunger at bay for hours! Read Hemp Seed Reviews
Drink Tea (Or any hot beverage)
One of the easiest ways to calm down your mood and anxiety is by drinking a hot beverage. However, drinking too much caffeine could actually backfire on you, so make sure to mix it up with some green or black tea. Give lavender tea a try, as it is known to help with calmness and anxiety.
If you don’t like tea, you could even just drink hot water.
Dehydration could easily become a source of agitation and anxiety. A lot of times, you won’t even know you’re dehydrated until it’s too late. If you drink coffee or take caffeine pills, caffeine makes things much worse when you’re dehydrated. You’ll get lightheaded, dizzy, and even nauseous by not drinking enough water. Chug a glass a water every morning when you wake up, and you’ll notice a positive difference throughout your day.
Eat Superfoods (like hemp seeds)
Not sure what to eat for snacks? Give superfoods a try. Hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds are all great options to have at the side of your desk. If you don’t want to munch on chips, just grab a handful of hemp seeds and eat them. You’ll be surprising how quickly filling they are. Plus, they offer you all sorts of vitamins and minerals, which will help with your general health.
Studies have shown that there is a link between anxiety and Omega 3 fats. Low levels of Omega 3s have shown to lead to higher probability of anxiety and depression. Other empirical facts show that we see much lower rates of depression and anxiety in countries where fish consumption is high.
Drinking a lot of caffeine can cause anxiety. Losing a good night sleep due to too much caffeine can cause matters to get a lot worse. Cut off your coffee after lunch and try to get a good night sleep. Life will become much better.
Fitness & Exercise
Physical activity can be the easiest (and quickest) way to alleviate your anxiety. There’s probably no better feeling than the moment after you get done working out or after you come back from a run. Do this regularly and it can be your go-to source to alleviate daily stress.
Do Some Yoga
You don’t necessarily have to pay those expensive rates to do yoga. Just search for top yoga videos online and get your body (and mind) in the zone and see what a difference a yoga session can make.
Stretch
Doing some stretching in the mornings can make a world of difference. Make a 2-3 minute stretching a part of your morning routine and you’ll notice how much fresher your body feels throughout the rest of the day.
Go On A Run
There’s probably nothing better than to plug in some earphones, block out the rest of the world, and go on a run. It really helps you forget about your immediate worries and feel great after you sweat everything out. You also start thinking about anything and everything, which can help you get your mind off things that are stressing you out.
Tip: Start with something easy. How about a 10 min jog around the block?
Work Out
Lifting heavy things can help put things in perspective. Your work problems seem less disastrous after doing a heavy set of pushing and pulling. Turn off your smartphone and give it all you got for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
Tip: Don’t have a gym membership? No problem! There’s plenty of body workouts you can do at home.
Take a walk during your breaks
Don’t just go get coffee with your coworker during a break. Go for a walk on your own. The physical action of walking + the silence can help you think things through and come up with new insights that you probably wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
Tip: You could even try listening to some podcasts
Activities/Hobbies
Set a goal with your extracurricular activities
Life can get toxic if everything is just about work. Make yourself focus on something other than work. Get yourself involved in some type of extracurricular activity and really get into it. Make some goals that are hard yet attainable. (i.e. sign up for a marathon)
Plan a Hang Out Night
Silence and meditation is great. But you also need to find some time to let things go and have fun. Make sure to plan a night out with your friends a couple times a month.
Tip: Board games are a great way to get your friends together without the stress of having to go out and spend money
Find Healthy Distractions
Find distractions other than your smartphone (and social media). If you find yourself always getting on Facebook and scrolling through the random newsfeed, it’s time for you to think of something else. Keep a book by you at all times. Or read through a Medium post instead of getting on Instagram. You’ll find that it’s a much better experience than seeing the obnoxious memes and “I’m awesome” posts you see on social media.
Learn a Hobby
Whenever he felt stuck with his work, Albert Einstein took out his violin and played his favorite pieces. This habit actually helped him make breakthroughs in his work as it allowed him to forget about the problem for a bit, and then revisit it another time.
Constantly worrying about a problem is not going to help you solve it any better or faster. Try taking your mind off of it for a while by engaging in a healthy habit.
Tip: Here are some great ideas for a hobby: drawing, reading, playing an instrument, playing mind-stimulating games.
Plan a night in (don’t go out!)
Going out and partying every weekend can get old quickly. Going out on Friday, Saturday nights to forget about your woes during the weekdays can quickly make matters worse. You’ll feel even more tired during the week, so your anxiety level will only increase. Trying to overcome that through alcohol and partying is only a temporary bandaid.
Clean up your area (or your house)
Having a messy surrounding can only aggravate your mental state. Whenever you take a break, try to take a minute to clean up your surrounding. The processing of cleaning and tidying can actually be quite therapeutic. Plus, you’ll feel much better when you come back to your desk or home.
Personal Routines
Get Good Sleep
The difference of your mood can be quite drastic depending on how you sleep. Make sure to set a routine on when you go to bed. Try to make your bedroom as sleep-friendly as possible. Close your blinds, get rid of any noise, and invest in a quality mattress.
Tip: Having a hard time falling asleep? Close your eyes and slowly count to 100.
Find Quiet Time (Meditate)
It doesn’t matter if you work at home, in an office, or at a retail store. Try to find at least 10-15 minutes of quiet time during the day. Go into the bathroom stall if that’s the only place where it’s quiet. Just close your eyes and try to think of nothing for as long as possible.
Play (and have fun!)
As we grow up, we tend to forget how to “play”. Like to really play like how children run around in the playground. It’s really a shame. This might be quite hard, but try to find a way to really go have fun and let loose.
Tip: Join some intramural soccer / softball leagues!
Plan Your Day The Night Before
If you don’t know what you’re doing that day until you wake up, things might easily overwhelm you. Always try to plan out the day the night before to see what the “big” things you need to get done the next day.
Try Breathing Slower
Do you feel like it’s harder to breathe when you feel overwhelmed? Try taking regular breaks to go outside and get fresh air. Intaking oxygen can really help clear up your mind. A study has shown that localized CO2 can become concentrated and mildly increase anxiety because the CO2 ratio change can signal to the body that it is suffocating.
Get Rid of Clutter
Keeping your surroundings clean can go a long way in making you feel motivated while also lowering your anxiety. According to researchers, a messy surrounding can actually prevent the natural decline in cortisol that occurs over the course of the day. Keep your desk clean and you’ll keep your mind clean ????
Wake up 15 minutes earlier
How many of us gets up from bed to realize we’re barely going to make it to work on time? The morning scramble of brushing your teeth and getting dressed ASAP ensues. In the short span of 20-30 minutes of waking up and getting to work, you have already increased your anxiety and stress level to a whole new level. Think of the opposite scenario if you force yourself to wake up 15 minutes earlier? You can fix yourself a nice breakfast and maybe even do some stretching before starting your day.
Create a Budget
Financial stress can be your main source of stress. With recent graduates coming out of school with an average of $37K in debt, it’s no wonder people are stressed. The new generation is literally starting with a disadvantage. One way you can manage the stress that comes from money is by having a monthly budget. Knowing where your money is going can make a world of different in terms of stress.
Tips: Use apps like YNAB and make sure you check in on it at the beginning or end of every month.
Vent! Let your feelings out. Talk to someone
Meditation, reading, and going on walks are all great for reflection and to think. But sometimes, when things are bothering you, you just have to talk it out with someone. Don’t hesitate to confide with your close friends or family. Just don’t overdo this one where you start gossiping (that could make things actually more stressful)
Have a set morning routine
Having some “solo” time established in the morning can help you get your day started off right. Establish a routine that works best for you. Wake up, take a walk, eat some breakfast, read the morning news. This is YOUR time – do what will make you happy and get you ready for the day.
Read for 15-20 min in the morning
Reading can really help take your mind off things or help you get motivated. If you engage in self-help books or biographies in the morning, it could be a great way for you to prepare for your big to-dos later in the day.
Tips: Use apps like GoodReads to discover books that you’ll love
Read 20-30 minutes before going to bed
Can’t go to bed? Too many things worrying you? Read! If you have a lot bothering you, pick up a novel that could absorb your mind. If you just need something to help you get to bed, you could also engage in some more tactical books that could help tire your brain.
Write in a journal every morning about your anxiety
Why not write down your worries? It’s good to reflect and maybe even to share your feelings with your closed ones. But sometimes, there’s nothing better than just writing it all down.
Tip: Use apps like Evernote to write down your thoughts from anywhere
Listen to soothing music when you get in bed
Want to get all that noise and worries out of your head? Try plugging in some headphones and block it all out with some soothing music. Pick some soothing music that will put you in a calm mood (avoid rap music!)
Establish a regular bowel routine
This might sound silly, but it makes sense that establishing a regular bowel routine would help your anxiety. If you have an upset stomach, or are constipated, or are never sure when your next bowel movement might come, you’re gonna be conscious of it and it’s going to stress you out. You probably don’t need any more stress with everything that’s already going on in life.
Eat simple, routine food and establish a set time when you use the bathroom!
Technology / Work
Get Off Social Media
Check around you. How many of your friends and family members are always on their phones? Aimlessly scrolling through one app after another. Constantly going through your newsfeed can only add to your stress as you see superficial posts of your friends bragging about their accomplishments and their perfect lives.
Tip: Just delete social media apps from your phone. It’s that easy!
Turn off notifications
You want to focus and enjoy whatever you’re doing at the moment. Don’t let your phone disturb you. Turn off notifications from social media or emails. Is there anything worse than ruining your family dinner by getting an crappy email from your boss?
Stop watching television (especially reality TV)
Reality TV was born to glorify and dramatize the superficial lives of other people. Don’t feed into it.
Only check your email during certain hours of the day
Emails can be a big source of distraction (and anxiety). Don’t let it keep bothering you throughout the day. Disable its notification and only check it during certain times of the day. You’ll find life and work to be much more peaceful.
Attitude
Get Yourself to smile
A new study by University of Kansas psychologists that will soon be published in the journal Psychological Science indicates that smiling can actually reduce stress and help us feel better. Try to smile more often. Are you finding it hard to smile? Turn on some sitcoms or a stand up comedy show in the evenings to relax and laugh.
Visualize Something Positive
Just by visualizing a positive outcome will increase the likelihood of its happening. Visualize the success of your afternoon presentation or your next sales meeting. Notice how it makes a difference.
Surround Yourself With Optimistic People
Negative people will automatically affect your attitude and make you see the world in a negative lens. They’ll drain your energy and actually discouraging you from taking action a lot of times. They’ll say “it won’t work” or “you’re wasting your time”. If anybody says that, just avoid them.
Put Things In Perspective
Is your boss stressing you out? Did you miss a deadline? Whatever is causing your anxiety, try to put things in perspective. There’s a lot worse that could happen. At least you weren’t born in Syria or North Korea. Seriously.
Don’t gossip
Gossiping is the equivalent of having a negative attitude. It’s all fine to vent out your frustration once in a while. But don’t let that lead to gossiping. Gossiping with coworkers or friends can only lead to more headaches in the future. Let your friends know you don’t want to gossip. Change the topic of the conversation and they’ll get the idea.
Set daily “big” goals (rather than a lot of menial tasks)
You don’t have to try to conquer the world every day by completing tens of different tasks. Set a few BIG goals that you can realistically accomplish. Setting too many goals for the day can cause extra stress when you can’t get to all of them. There’s no worse feeling than having to push things off to tomorrow.
Rejuvenation
At times, your body might just be mentally and physically exhausted, making it hard for you to be motivated or optimistic. Find ways to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Get a massage
This could turn into an expensive habit, but gift yourself a massage every once in a while. Feel and embrace the total relaxation of your muscles!
Get a haircut
Having confidence in yourself is a great way to reduce daily stress. When you look good, you feel good. Go get yourself a haircut, style your hair, and feel good about yourself!
Take a hot bath with epsom salts
Had a crappy day at work? Come home and prepare yourself a hot bath! There’s nothing better than just forgetting everything and laying in the bath.
Or… find a way to take a bath in nature like this guy!
With more than a half a dozen states having now fully legalized cannabis (both hemp & marijuana) and with 19 more medically legalized states, the momentum for full cannabis legalization…
With more than a half a dozen states having now fully legalized cannabis (both hemp & marijuana) and with 19 more medically legalized states, the momentum for full cannabis legalization is accelerating in the United States. Among the many benefits that cannabis legalization would bring, one that is not mentioned as often is the prospect of using cannabis to treat our pets. Many dog owners and veterinarians have already come out vouching for the healing properties of CBD oil, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
The use cases and benefits of CBD oil for humans have started to become widely known through various peer-reviewed studies. Among others, CBD oil has been recommended to help with conditions such as anxiety, addiction, depression, chronic pain, arthritis, seizures, and more!
As we get to know more about the effects of CBD for mankind, we find ourselves naturally asking: Could CBD help our canine companions? Scientifically, dogs (and most mammals) have a similar anatomy to humans. Studies in the last decade have shown that the endocannabinoid system can be found in most mammals. Considering that CBD works directly with this nervous system, we can confidently conclude that CBD will have some sort of influence on our dogs. But how?
CAN CBD HELP OUR DOGS?
Early research and anecdotal testimonials show that CBD has helped pets in many different ways. Here’s a preliminary list of various conditions that CBD has been found to help treat (and/or cure):
Allergies
Anxiety
Appetite
Arthritis
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Deteriorating Quality of Life
Digestive Issues
Fatty Tumors
Glaucoma
Homeostasis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammation
Joint & Mobility Issues
Phobias (Fireworks, Thunderstorm)
Seizures
Skin Problems
In more general terms, feedback from pet owners show that CBD can be used to soothe your dogs. Some particular examples are during situations such as separation anxiety, thunderstorm fears, social anxiety, and long-distance traveling.
One of the biggest use cases that veterinarians are coming to find are with joint pains that dogs tend to suffer as they get older. Hemp CBD has been found “useful in treating acute ailments like sprains and strains, torn ligaments, bone breaks, and even during post-operative care to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness.”
More than anything, the most promising aspect of using CBD is the fact that it could help your dog get off synthetic drugs, which typically has many short and long-term side effects. Even if it can’t fully replace the conventional drugs, hemp oil could possibly help you lower the doses that the dog has to take.
HOW CBD WORKS FOR OUR DOGS- THE CANINE’S ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
Research on how cannabinoids (including CBD) affect the human body has shown that they mainly interact with our endocannabinoid system, a nervous system that exists throughout our body.
This endocannabinoid system, also called ECS, has now been found to exist in all vertebrates, including mammals. Animals such as dogs were specifically found to share almost 70% biological homology with humans. Thus, it can be cautiously concluded that CBD interacts in a similar way in canines as it does in humans. Similar to how CBD interacts with receptors in our ECS, cannabinoids bind to receptors within the dog’s body. One study in particular found that the CBD “binds to these receptors for a longer duration [in dogs], and evokes long-lasting therapeutic response without causing toxic effects.”
The most widely known method of administering CBD oil to your pets is through tinctures. Using the tincture, you can put a few drops of CBD into dog’s mouth directly. However, since that could get messy quite quickly, you could just drop the oil into the dog’s food or treats.
Since hemp CBD is now legally sold in all 50 states, you can find many brands selling CBD products meant for pets online. It’s important to note that Hemp CBD is different from Cannabis CBD. Hemp CBD contains no THC and is therefore completely non-psychoactive. Cannabis CBD typically has a mix of CBD and THC, which makes it psychoactive. Cannabis CBD can only be found in licensed dispensaries in states that have legalized marijuana. (Giving your dog THC could potentially have negative side effects, including marijuana poisoning.)
When it comes to dosage, figuring out the right amount to give your dog can be the hardest thing. Dosing recommendations are hard to come by for humans as well. The general advice is that it will take trial and error before you find the appropriate dose that works for you (or your dog). Start at a small dosage and gradually increase depending on the effects (or reactions) you see from your pet.
One thing to remember is that once you give your dog a dose, it may take a couple hours before you notice any effects from your dog. If you believe your dog is not feeling any effects after a few hours, increase the dosage slightly later in the day or wait until the next day to try a slightly higher dose.
WHAT PET OWNERS ARE SAYING (TESTIMONIALS)
“Miles has been going to the beach, he’s been running, he’s being himself.”
Although CBD oil has yet to be approved by many veterinarians or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), many dog owners have taken the initiative to try this alternative method for their dogs. Here’s a few snippets of what they have to say:
“My dog has cancer and is almost 14. The only option was chemo but we decided that we don’t want him to go through that. Instead we are giving him CBD oil drops. He’s hopping away everyday and I’m glad we gave him ‘extra’ life”
“My dog has had severe storm anxiety all his life. We have difficulty keeping his weight up because he vomits so much when he is anxious. The oil helps him sleep and helps him to be able to eat without vomiting.”
One article reports, “Though initially hesitant about giving her pet an unapproved drug, Denise figured where’s the harm? Miles has terminal cancer and would die soon. ‘I wasn’t that worried. I was actually pretty excited, because it has been used with human cancer patients for pain and nausea,’ Denise said. Since then, in the last couple of weeks, ‘Miles has been going to the beach, he’s been running, he’s being himself.'”
A survey conducted by American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) show that 61.8% to 95% of the surveyed pet owners have endorsed the health benefits of CBD infused products, rating it from ‘moderate to excellent’.
VETS STILL AGAINST CBD & CANNABIS. WHY?
There is still a predominant view among veterinarians that marijuana [cannabis] is only a toxic plant
Even with all the positive spotlight that CBD is getting to treat our pets, many vets and experts are still cautious of endorsing and using this plant and its extracts. From the reports and surveys conducted, their resistance seems to stem from two main factors:
1. Legitimate negative side effects caused by owners who use THC infused extracts (marijuana)
2. Lack of awareness in non-psychoactive cannabinoids
The first point is a legitimate concern for vets. Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in states such as Colorado, some veterinarians have indeed seen an increase in cases where dogs suffer from marijuana poisoning. If pets consume a large amount of psychoactive cannabis (THC), this can cause a dog to suffer seizures, go into a coma, or die. What makes it worse is that there is no specific antidote for THC poisoning. This requires the dogs to take multiple other drugs, which further complicates the situation.
The bigger issue here though is the social stigma that still exists around cannabis. There is still a “predominant view among veterinarians that marijuana [cannabis] is only a toxic plant”. Many vets are not even aware that different strains of cannabis exist, especially those that are non-psychoactive like CBD.
On the other hand, one could also wonder if there’s a different, external factor that might be contributing to the resistance in the veterinarian profession. The market for pet medication is a multi-billion dollar industry. The Federal Trade Commission reports that retail sales of pet medication was $7.6 billion in 2013 and is expected to hit $10.2 billion by 2018.
When there’s so much money on the line, one has to wonder if there’s something other than pure lack of awareness that’s pushing the resistance to cannabis.
DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS
The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.
Why should you wear hemp clothing over cotton? US Hemp, a hemp shirt startup, is making a compelling case with their most recent Kickstarter campaign. Contrary to many other hemp…
Why should you wear hemp clothing over cotton? US Hemp, a hemp shirt startup, is making a compelling case with their most recent Kickstarter campaign. Contrary to many other hemp shirt companies that use a blend of hemp and cotton, US Hemp developed a 100% hemp shirt that offers higher performance and is more comfortable than a cotton shirt. Oh, and it’s also much better for our environment.
WHY HEMP? BENEFITS OF HEMP FABRIC
Hemp apparel has many benefits over cotton. Hemp as a fabric is not only higher quality and more durable than cotton, but also is much more beneficial for our environment. Here’s some facts about hemp:
Hemp roots repair damaged soil during its growth.
Cultivating and manufacturing hemp clothing requires half the water used on cotton clothing.
Hemp fields absorb 4x more CO2 than trees, and grows back 120x faster. For example, trees cut down for wood typically require up to 30 years to regrow. Hemp plants can be grown and cultivated in 3-4 months.
WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE WEAR HEMP?
If hemp is so superior, why aren’t more people wearing hemp shirts? There’s some good reasons. Hemp farming has been prohibited in the US for almost 80 years. Since we’ve had to import hemp, the price tag on hemp products was not cheap. There was no way a hemp shirt that cost $30 could compete against a $5 H&M cotton shirt.
US HEMP IS BRINGING BACK AMERICAN MADE HEMP SHIRTS
Up until now, most, if not all, hemp shirts were made from imported hemp fabric. Most of the raw material came from countries such as China, India, or Nepal. However, US Hemp is looking to change that through their recently launched Kickstarter campaign.
Ministry of Hemp sat down with Brinkley Warren, US Hemp’s head of Business Development to better understand what they hope to accomplish through this crowdfunding campaign.
Tell us a bit about US Hemp?
Each shirt you buy actually removes 4 lbs of CO2 from the air we breath
Brinkley Warren: We are the world’s first luxury 100% hemp fashion label. With the slogan “Softer, stronger, and infinitely more ecological than cotton”, we are aiming to make the highest quality hemp shirts that are American made.
How’d you get started? What made you passionate about hemp?
BW: To us, this project is all about making a positive and significant impact in environmental sustainability. It’s about the freedom to wear the change you wish to see in the world. Hemp is one of nature’s best plants for human uses.
I got passionate about this project after I learned that cotton uses 60% of the total pesticides in the US. I came to realize that hemp is a better material to make clothing from than almost any other material and requires zero pesticides. Yet, most American consumers still wear cotton without even knowing the negative impact it has in our environment.
When we got started, I never honestly thought that we would be able to produce a 100% hemp fabric that is more comfortable than cotton. Hemp fabric, traditionally, is known to be more coarse (rough) than cotton. However, for the last 6 years my co-founder Darien had been experimenting and then finally one day he showed me a new fabric and I couldn’t believe it.
In the past, all 100% hemp fabrics are made to be uncomfortable and wrinkled — but with our new fabric, we change that entire paradigm. Unlike cotton which hurts the environment, our shirts actually revitalize the environment — each shirt you buy actually removes 4lbs of CO2 from the air we breath.
Why did you decide to launch a Kickstarter campaign?
BW: For us, Kickstarter was the best way to get our brand out there and connect with early customers. We’re hoping to use this opportunity to get the word out and start this hemp fashion movement.
What’s the long term goal/vision of US Hemp?
BW: Hemp is better than cotton in every way. Not only is it better environmentally, but it’s also better in terms of performance. Our product development has now made it more comfortable than cotton as well. Ultimately, we want to replace all American cotton products with hemp products.
Do you use domestically grown hemp?
BW: US Hemp is using domestically grown hemp from Kentucky, Colorado, and soon — California. Our whole vision is seed to shirt, and to support American jobs and American manufacturing in the process. Our products are proudly Made In America.
Why should someone wear hemp over cotton?
BW: Here’s a list of benefits of why hemp fabric is better than cotton fabric:
4x as durable as cotton
3x the UV protection
Better moisture wicking
Naturally anti-microbial
Naturally odor-resistant
Superior insulation index. Hemp shirts keep you cooler when it’s warm, AND warmer when it’s cool compared to cotton
Every single US HEMP shirt removes 4lbs of harmful CO2 gas from the air we breath
Uses 50% less water than cotton
Uses 250% less land
Zero pesticides. Big cotton accounts for 60% of TOTAL PESTICIDE USE in the United States
What makes US Hemp special?
BW: We have developed the world’s first 100% hemp fabric that feels more comfortable than cotton. The rest of the hemp clothing that’s available on the market today falls into two categories:
Most shirts are a 50-50 blend between hemp and cotton
If it’s pure hemp (100%), it typically feels like you’re wearing a canvas bag. (It’s very rough on your skin)
We are the first ones who took on the challenge to make a 100% hemp fabric that is a viable replacement for cotton fabrics.
I believe our brand is also special because we are all-in for America. We believe that looking stylish, feeling great, performing great, and living an eco-conscious life don’t have to be choices. You shouldn’t have to make sacrifices for one or the other. Our brand delivers on all of these thing. We’re one of the most sustainable luxury fashion labels in the USA and we’re just starting.
How can our readers get involved?
BW: Buy a shirt from us. They will literally the best shirt you’ll ever own. We also would like to ask everyone to contribute and share our Kickstarter to help us get the word out! Thanks so much!
Brinkley, thanks so much for your time today. We wish you the best of luck on your Kickstarter campaign and I can’t wait to try out your hemp shirts! We encourage all our readers to check out their Kickstarter campaign and support their cause of rebuilding the US hemp industry.
“CBD might mean the positive smoking memories are gradually erased.” – Dr. Morgan RESEARCH SHOWS CANNABIS COULD HELP CURE YOUR BAD HABITS Once considered a dangerous drug and the The…
“CBD might mean the positive smoking memories are gradually erased.” – Dr. Morgan
RESEARCH SHOWS CANNABIS COULD HELP CURE YOUR BAD HABITS
Once considered a dangerous drug and the The Assasin of Youth, Cannabis is now being softly promoted to help you quit your drug addiction. Early research shows that Cannabidiol(CBD), found in cannabis, can help curb a wide range of addiction. Ranging from alcohol addiction, smoking, to even substance abuse, CBD (or a mix of high CBD and low THC) shows promising results to help reduce one’s substance dependence. Here are some highlights from published clinical trials:
Clinical trials proved that those treated with CBD significantly reduced the number of cigarette they smoked by ~40% during treatment (Source)
A study used CBD for the treatment of alcohol-induced neurodegeneration. Neurogeneration is considered to be the main cause of chronic and relapsing nature of alcoholism. (Source)
CBD lowers stimulus cue-induced heroin seeking behavior, helping to prevent heroin craving and relapse (Source)
CBD actually counterbalances the “high” effects of THC, helping to curb side effects caused by smoking marijuana (Source)
HOW DOES CBD WORK IN OUR BODIES?
Recent research publications reveal that CBD has a lot of promising physiological benefits. There are publications that show it can help with conditions such as addiction, anxiety, depression, multiple sclerosis, cancer, stroke, obesity/metabolic syndrome, neuropathic pain, Huntington’s disease, myocardial infarction, movement disorders, hypertension, glaucoma, seizure disorders, Parkinson’s and osteoporosis, and MORE!
Sounds a bit too good to be true?
The reason why CBD has shown to be so helpful in all of these illnesses is because of how CBD affects our bodies. When you take CBD, you’re supplementing an internal system known as the endocannabinoid system. Discovered by Dr. Rahael Mechoulam from Hebrew University in 1992, this system is found across our brain, organs, glands, connective tissue and immune cells. It also has regulatory roles in many physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. In this system, cannabinoids can help regulate every physiological system such as our nervous system, digestive system, reproductive system, immune system, endocrine system, and muscular system. By taking CBD, you are stimulating the receptors of your nervous system.
Learn more about CBD by visiting our CBD Resource page. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you understand what CBD is, how it works, and all of its known benefits.
SO HOW DOES IT ACTUALLY HELP WITH ADDICTION?
When it comes to substance abuse, the reason CBD is known to be so beneficial is because of its role in our neurosystem. To better understand this, let’s take two examples: 1. Alcoholism & 2. Smoking Addiction
1. CBD helps protect your brain against damages caused by alcohol
When someone starts drinking alcohol excessively, the liquor damages our body in two main areas: our liver and our brain. Between these two, the reason one starts to rely on alcohol and relapses into a habit of drinking is because of the latter. Excessive alcohol causes neurodegeneration, which means that it starts to slowly kill off the neurons in our brain. This impairment causes behavioral and cognitive changes that increases the tendency for us to chronically relapse into substance abuse.
One of CBD’s main benefits is known to be as a neuroprotectant. This means it protects (and even repairs) the brain from the damages caused by substances such as alcohol. In the study to test this hypothesis, “the CBD gel resulted in a 48.8% reduction in neurodegeneration” in the patient. In layman terms, CBD helped protect the patient’s brain from further damage.
2. CBD helps reduce withdrawal symptoms from smoking
The most apparent behaviors of withdrawal symptoms from smoking are anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. These are mainly caused by the fact that nicotine and THC enhances the brain reward mechanisms, while also desensitizing the neuron receptors at the same time. When you stop smoking, your brain is asking for reinforcements through the signals of withdrawal.
CBD helps to reduce these negative symptoms by interfering with brain mechanisms responsible for the reinforcements. In parallel, CBD also stimulates the receptors of your nervous system, which prevents (or repairs) the neurons from being desensitized.
If you’re looking to quit smoking, what type of product is your best bet? How about for alcohol addiction? Or any other substance abuse?
Our in-house research of combing through published papers and conducting our own survey show that there’s no one perfect product (or even dosage). You might not feel a thing taking CBD capsules, while taking CBD tinctures sublingually (under your tongue) might make a world of difference. What works for one person won’t work the same way for others.
So the best advice is to try a variety before making a decision. Don’t buy the most expensive option or even the highest concentration. The best strategy is to start off at a smaller dosage and building up your intake gradually. If you’re confused about the different type of products that are out there, check out our post on Top 6 Ways to Take CBD.
One solid advice is to utilize CBD as a substitute to any drug dependence you might have had before. If you smoke, using a vape pen to smoke CBD will probably be more effective for you than taking CBD pills. Another method is to find ways that are most comfortable for you. If you think eating sweets can also help curb your cravings, then consider trying CBD edibles (candies or taffies).
Whatever you do try, know that the first couple of weeks will be trial and error. We hope you’ll find the product that works for you.
DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS
The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.
