What is Hemp?

Through developing our CBD products we’ve come to appreciate the mother plant Cannabis Sativa in all its forms and many varieties. One of these strains is Hemp, a cousin of the Cannabis indica variety, it is grown mainly for industrial use. Its many uses include rope, fabric, paper, biodegradable plastics, biofuel, food, clothing, and oils.

Hemp Through History 

• People around the world have enjoyed the benefits of Hemp for thousands of years. Archaeologists discovered a remnant of hemp cloth in ancient Mesopotamia (currently Iran and Iraq) dating back to 8,000 BC.
• In the reign of King Henry VIII in 1533, it was made compulsory by Royal decree to grow hemp. For every 60 acres of farmland, you had to have ¼ acre of flax or hemp, or else they would be in breach of the law. 
• The word Canvas comes from the Latin word Cannapaceus, meaning ‘made from hemp’. Most Renaissance artists such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh painted on Hemp Canvases. 

Is it legal?

Even though cannabis and hemp both come from the Cannabis Sativa plant and technically both contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are distinct in their appearance, phytochemical composition, and uses.

Hemp has low concentrations of THC generally containing less than 0.3% THC per dry weight. However, parts of the Hemp plant do contain higher levels of Cannabidiol (CBD), which is now known to produce no intoxicating effects but an abundance of healing benefits. Even though this wonderful plant has been put into the same controlled substance heading as the Cannabis Sativa strain, and as such it’s regulated for certain uses only. 

The legality of industrial hemp varies widely among countries, but many countries are now reviewing this as the uses and opportunities Hemp affords are now too valuable and wide-ranging to limit. 

In the Uk, you need a special license to grow Hemp, obtained from the Home Office. To obtain this you also need a Disclosure and Barring Service(DBS) check and it costs several hundred pounds. You’d also have to comply with crop placement restrictions about where you can grow your crop. Due to these restrictions, most UK oil producers import their Hemp from European growers. 

What is the difference between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?

Although they are from the same plant the different oils are processed very differently to obtain the different oils. 

CBD is a compound extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the Hemp plant. This compound restores the body’s natural balance through the endocannabinoid system. It activates two of its core receptors, CB1 and CB2, which regulate mood, cognitive function, body temperature, and muscle repair.

Hemp Oil is produced by cold pressing the Hemp seeds into an omega-rich culinary oil. It has a perfect ratio of 3:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 oils. Producing a perfect combination of Omega-rich oils, Vitamin E, and amino acids, many believe this aids brain function, boosts circulation, and helps the immune system. Hemp Oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful when applied topically for infections and inflamed skin issues.  

This is why we have chosen Hemp as an active ingredient in our Happy Hemp Bombs and will be introducing it to other products in our ranges. Its amazing benefits are too good to miss out on and combined with our essential oils and fizzy Epsom salt blend was chosen to help uplift your mood, we want you to discover why Hemp is making us happy. 

Check out our Fizzing Hemp Hearts box now and try the amazing benefits of Hemp for yourself.