Hemp and CBD have grown in popularity over the years because of their versatility and the benefits it provides your body and mind. It’s often associated with marijuana, which is known for its intoxicating effects, but does hemp get you high too?
The short answer is: no it won’t! But what is hemp exactly, and how does it affect your body when you consume it? Fortunately, we’re here to explain what it is, where it comes from, and all the different ways you can enjoy it!
Table of Contents
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a cannabis Sativa plant known for its versatility and wide range of uses. The fibers from these plants have been traditionally used for thousands of years to make clothing or paper and even building materials. You can also consume the seeds and flowers for many wellness benefits!
The hemp plant is typically divided into four main categories, each with different uses and benefits:
- Fibers
- Shives/hurds (stalks)
- Leaves and flowers
- Seeds
Even though hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, they are very different from each other. Here are the major differences between these two primary varieties of cannabis:
- Cultivation methods
- Hemp has high CBD and low THC levels, while THC is the opposite
- Marijuana is illegal federally, while hemp is fully legal in the U.S.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products derived from hemp must not contain over 0.3% THC, or else it is classified as marijuana. Marijuana and THC are considered mind-altering drugs that can cause a high sensation, impairing motor function and decision making. As long as it follows that rule, CBD and hemp products are legal throughout the United States for sale, production, and manufacturing.
What is Hemp Used For?
Hemp is known for its many practical uses in the textile and building industries. This unique plant is extremely durable and can be made into rope, clothing, jewelry, and concrete blocks that can last an extremely long time. It’s one of the first plants to be spun into usable fibers!
While many common uses are related to household items and construction, hemp seeds are actually considered a “superfood,” thanks to their many health benefits. Hemp seeds are high in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids that can help boost your well-being.
Another popular method to use hemp is by smoking or consuming it for therapeutic purposes. By smoking flower, you can enjoy the many benefits of CBD. Some of the main reasons people smoke flower are relieving discomfort, improving sleep, regulating appetite, managing digestion, and feeling more relaxed.
How CBD Works
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our ECS has receptors in all major systems throughout our body, including the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. CBD interacts with these receptors in a way that provides benefits throughout our body and mind.
- Reduces physical discomfort: CBD is commonly used to reduce discomfort, whether skin irritations or joint swelling. You can take CBD after a long day at work or a particularly tough workout to help with recovery and rest!
- Soothes negative feelings: CBD can help clear your head and remove any negative feelings that you might feel. Many people often take it when they are feeling stressed or nervous. Taking CBD will remove the negativity and leave you feeling comforted and relaxed.
- Promotes better sleep: People often use CBD before bedtime to get deeper and better sleep throughout the night. The calming and therapeutic qualities will help you wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Related: Does CBD Make You Sleepy [See What Experts Say]
- Encourages appetite: CBD can ease discomfort and stomach sickness that may be affecting your appetite. By feeling more at peace and comfortable, CBD might help you feel better and have a bigger appetite.
Related: Does CBD Make You Hungry? No It Doesn't, Here's Why
Does Hemp Get You High?
Hemp and CBD are both non-psychoactive, non-intoxicating, and you shouldn’t get high or feel euphoric after consumption! Directly consuming hemp does not activate any cannabinoids and should not have any side effects.
Even though these plants contain minuscule levels (less than 0.3%) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not enough to get you high. Instead, there are high concentrations of CBD, which does not produce any psychoactive effects and promotes strong physical and mental well-being.
Smoking CBD flower is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD and won’t leave you feeling high or intoxicated! Although hemp can look and smell a lot like marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive and shouldn’t get you high.
That’s the main reason a lot of people are turning to smoke CBD. It offers a lot of the same social, physical, and mental benefits of marijuana without intoxication. Smoking is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of CBD since it goes directly into the mucous membranes within the lungs.
Is Hemp Safe for Human Consumption?
Yes, hemp is very safe to consume! Hemp is one of the best sources of plant-based protein! The seeds, in particular, are known as superfoods, due to all the nutrients it contains. The seeds are high in amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your health.
You can often eat the seeds raw, or add them to recipes, like oatmeal cookies and pudding, to boost your diet. Some people will also blend the seeds in beverages, like milk or water!
You can also eat the leaves! Many people often add the leaves to their salads, press them for juice, or blend it into smoothies for a quick health boost. Other foods that can also contain hemp are granola bars, teas, beers, burgers, and many more!
Some of the major benefits this incredible plant provides are:
- Boost heart health: Omega-3 fatty acids improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease. It can also lower blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart failure when added to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
- Reduce inflammation: Hemp seeds are also rich in gamma-linolenic acids (GLA), which have anti-inflammatory effects. GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that can help neutralize inflammatory proteins known as cytokines. Limiting the amount of cytokines in the body can help manage various diseases and conditions.
- Improve skin conditions: Hemp oil has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing qualities that can help manage skin conditions and irritations. The omega fatty acids can help protect and repair the skin to keep you looking healthy and glowing.
Related: Can You Smoke Hemp? [Yes, Here's What You Need to Know]
What’s the Difference Between Hemp & CBD?
Many people use the terms hemp and CBD interchangeably, but the two are actually very different! CBD is one of over a hundred different cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Hemp also contains many flavonoids and terpenes, which create each strain’s unique flavors and scents. Cultivators extract CBD from the plant to create fantastic products like oils or gummies.
One of the biggest differences between the two is that hemp doesn’t provide any soothing or therapeutic feelings as CBD. Although high in nutritional value, hemp doesn’t react with your body’s cannabinoid receptors and ECS to help relieve discomfort or improve your sleep.
You can also use hemp and CBD together for increased synergistic effects! Because products like hemp seed oil are incredibly nutritional and healthy, many companies will incorporate it into their CBD oil to provide additional benefits. However, it’s crucial to verify that the oil actually contains CBD because many companies will use terms like “hemp-derived oil” or “hemp oil” to mislead the consumer on purpose.
Related: Hemp Oil Vs CBD Oil: Is One Better Than the Other?
Final Thoughts – Does Hemp Get You High?
Hemp is a fantastic plant that has many beneficial qualities for your health and wellness. In addition to providing a high nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and proteins, you can also smoke the flower to reap the benefits of CBD.
Because hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, it is nowhere near enough to get you high. You can safely consume both without worrying about extreme side effects while taking control of your life. The two work amazingly well together to create a healthy, effective method that inspires overall well-being and balance throughout your body and mind!
