These days, you’ve probably heard all about different people’s experiences of the benefits of hemp products and all the many ways people have said it has improved their lives. Many people, including doctors and science professionals, rave about their benefits. But despite its surge in popularity over the last few years, a lot of people still have many questions about products derived from hemp, and their benefits and side effects. What is hemp? Here are seven answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hemp products, or hemp FAQs:

Hemp FAQs: What Are Hemp Products?

Let’s start with the most basic question of all: what is hemp? And what are hemp products? Hemp is simply another name for the cannabis plant; while this plant has many names, they’re tied to its uses. Hemp differs from other uses of the cannabis plant only in its breeding, cultivation, and uses. Hemp products are simply anything derived from the hemp plant; however, since the plant has literally thousands of uses, that can mean any number of different things. Hemp seeds are a popular food source; hemp seed oil can be used for food and to treat inflammation. Hemp can be used to make burgers, butter, and granola. It can be made into tea and even brewed into beer. Hemp is used to make fiber that can then be made into vegan-friendly clothing that is much more eco-friendly and sustainable than other plants, such as cotton. Perhaps most importantly, people report that the oil derived from hemp can have a wide variety of medical benefits, some of which we’ll discuss here.

Does Hemp Have Marijuana In It?

One of the most common questions that the makers of hemp products get is, “do your products contain marijuana?” Well, this is actually sort of a strange question, because technically, “hemp,” and “marijuana” are the same plant. Actually, they are both cultivars of the cannabis sativa plant, and they simply are bred for different things. Usually what people mean when they ask if hemp “contains marijuana,” is does it contain THC – the active compound in marijuana – and can it get you “high” or “stoned?” The answer is a little complex because hemp can be bred to have extremely low amounts of THC, or it can be bred to have a little bit more THC. It really depends on the purpose of the product. The majority of hemp products contain little to no THC, as they are designed for therapeutic purposes and not intended for recreational reasons or to get anyone “high.” Not only that, the THC content also depends on the part of the plant used. Most hemp products are made from the stalks and seeds of the hemp plant; it’s the tops of the marijuana plant that contain THC. Therefore, most hemp products will contain no THC at all. That’s important to understand the answer to hemp FAQs.

Will Hemp Products Make Me Fail A Drug Test?

As mentioned above, the compounds in hemp don’t contain THC. Most drug tests, such as those used in pre-employment screenings, test for metabolites created by THC in the body. As most hemp products contain little to no THC, and will not get you “high” or “stoned,” you should not have to worry about failing a drug test after using hemp products.

Are Hemp Products Legal In The United States?

Questions about the legal status of hemp products have somewhat complicated answers. Hemp itself is perfectly legal in all 50 states; however, products derived from marijuana have different legal statuses depending on the state you are in. In Oregon, for example, the legal status can be a bit confusing, due to the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. If you have a medical marijuana card, you can legally grow and possess cannabis plants in Oregon. If you do not, it is still legal to purchase if you are 21 years of age or over. Many other states have similar laws, but you will have to do research on your own individual area.

How Are The Beneficial Compounds Extracted From Hemp?

People who are interested in hemp products are usually curious about hemp oil and other compounds that are used for medicinal purposes. But, especially for health-conscious people, they are curious how the beneficial compounds are extracted and if it is done in a safe manner. People worry if dangerous chemicals are used in the process, but they really don’t have to be concerned. There are several methods of extraction, all of which are considered safe. For example, simple and harmless carbon dioxide can be used at high pressure and low temperature to isolate the hemp oil compounds. Ethanol and olive oil can also be used to extract CBD and other beneficial compounds from the hemp product.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Hemp Products?

It’s hard to answer this question in a simple FAQ because entire books have been written on the benefits of hemp products. Hemp contains a huge array of beneficial cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds that can, according to some, work wonders for your body. Among many others, some of the reported benefits of the hemp products are: relief from chronic pain (such as arthritis), treatment for anxiety and depression, help with nausea and other stomach conditions, and help with nervous system disorders and even skin conditions. Hemp products are available as topical creams, oils that can be vaporized and inhaled, and ingestible products such as chocolate.

Who Can Benefit From Hemp Products?

While the last question was complex, this one is simple: everyone has the potential to benefit from hemp products. And when we say everyone, we do mean everyone: everyone from young children to the elderly can, with their doctor’s permission, use these products to treat various conditions and chronic problems. Patients don’t even have to be human, either; pets, such as dogs and cats, can also benefit from the various types of hemp products that are out there. Now you are an expert on any Hemp FAQs. Plus, if you have anxiety, depression, or a chronic pain condition such as arthritis or ulcerative colitis, chances are there is a hemp product that can help you.