Despite the widespread popularity of hemp, there are still many myths about the plant. For instance, many people believe that it’s a type of marijuana. Others think that all CBD products come from hemp. This article is meant to debunk these and other myths so that you can easily understand what is and isn’t hemp.
1. Hemp Will Get You High
One of the most common myths surrounding hemp is that it can get you high. The psychoactive substance in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, which can sometimes reach up to 20% THC. On the other hand, hemp can contain only .3% THC. Although some people use hemp flower in the same manner as marijuana, its purpose is to consume the various compounds found in it instead of getting high.
2. Cultivators Use Hemp Fields to Hide Marijuana
One common argument against hemp is that it can be used by illicit producers to hide their marijuana plants. This is because both marijuana and hemp are indistinguishable. These illegal growers can avoid detection by growing their plants in vast fields of hemp.
Contrary to popular belief, cross-pollination between marijuana and hemp is not a practical issue. This occurs when the concentration of THC in marijuana decreases, which can potentially ruin the crop. Also, a trained inspector can easily identify the difference between hemp and marijuana plants.
3. Marijuana and Hemp Come From the Same Plant
This confusion is caused by the fact that both marijuana and hemp come from the same plant species, known as Cannabis sativa. When marijuana plants have psychoactive or significant amounts of THC, they are referred to as marijuana. On the other hand, if the plants have non-psychoactive traces of THC, they are labeled as hemp.
4. CBD Products Are Produced From Hemp Plants
While most CBD products sold commercially contain hemp, it is still important to avoid assuming that you are getting a product that contains CBD if it says so on the label. Both marijuana and hemp contain cannabidiol, which is a type of substance that can be used in the general marketplace. Only products derived from hemp are allowed to be sold in pharmacies and other stores.
5. Anyone Can Grow Hemp
The USDA officially legalized and regulated the production of hemp in 2018. This means that anyone can now grow hemp, but they must follow specific regulations. Through the law, states were allowed to enact pilot programs and regulations that will allow them to oversee the large-scale production of hemp. These plans must be approved by the USDA. Once a state’s plan has been approved, all of its participants are subject to the same restrictions and terms.
6. Hemp Products Offer No Medicinal Value
Due to the increasing number of people using cannabidiol products, many doctors have stated that the claims about its health benefits are not supported by any scientific evidence. Despite the lack of evidence supporting the use of cannabidiol for specific conditions, numerous clinical studies have shown that it can help treat various conditions.
7. CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil Are the Same Things
When you look for CBD products online, you will often see many results regarding “hemp seed oil.” In certain marketplaces, CBD sales are prohibited. This is why they will market it as hemp seed oil. A casual buyer might assume that the product they are purchasing is CBD, but it is hemp seed oil.
Cannabidiol can be extracted from the leaves and flowers of hemp. However, the oil produced from hemp seeds is not CBD. It is a type of therapeutic oil that has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Despite the widespread use of hemp, it is still not yet clear how this versatile crop will be utilized in the United States. Due to the lack of definitive information about its use, many people are still confused about the plant.