.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANNABIS, HEMP AND MARIJUANA
First of all, before I share with you details about the healing cannabis oil let me try to clear up various names related to cannabis as there is a lot of confusion about the difference between hemp, cannabis and marijuana.
Although marijuana and hemp are related, as both carry the name “Cannabis”, they are actually two different plants and have different properties.
HEMP
The scientific name for hemp is Cannabis ruderalis and it is non-psychoactive as it contains only traces of THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, refers to two other species of the cannabis plant: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. So, as you can see now, we have three different cannabis plants: Cannabis ruderalis, Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. First one is hemp and the following two are marijuanas.
While both marijuana plants contain high levels of THC, hemp contains very little of the psychoactive chemical. This difference is what most rely on to distinguish hemp from marijuana. Hemp shouldn’t be confused with the close relative cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, which are also Cannabis plants, but are commonly used as a medicine as well as a stimulating or relaxing recreational drugs. These variants are typically low-growing and have much higher content of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as cannabidiol CBD.
As far as the legality of Cannabis is concerned it varies from country to country, and from state to state in America. For example, countries like Canada have set the maximum THC content of hemp at 0.3%, and any cannabis plant with higher THC concentrations is considered marijuana.
Hemp seeds are known as extremely nutrient dense. It can be also an excellent source of a biodiesel fuel and paper. In fact, it is estimated that every planted hemp stalk has the potential of saving 12 trees.
Cannabis ruderalis (hemp) is native to Russia, and can often be found growing roadside in Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe.
HEMP OIL
Hemp oil contains about 70% polyunsaturated fatty acids, over 50% in the form of Omega-6 linoleic acid. Unfortunately, polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acids are highly unstable and unsuitable for heating or cooking as thy will produce a lot of dangerous free radicals. But even if they are not yet heated thy will still lead to excessive weight gain, systemic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, a weakened immune system, cancer, fatigue or contribute to underactive thyroid. It is believed, only about 5% of our total intake of fats should be Omega-6. And the safest way to get them is by consuming soaked in distilled water seeds and nuts.
On the other hand, hemp oil contains also a super omega-3 stearidonic acid and very beneficial type of omega-6 called gamma-linolenic acid (present in mother’s milk and high in evening primrose oil or star flower oil and deficient in our diet). Both these precious compounds strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve brain function and increase energy. Hemp oil can be used for reducing symptoms of various chronic diseases as well as for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Since hemp oil is too high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid I wouldn’t use it on a regular basis but alternatively with other oils that are probably healthier, especially raw organic coconut oil and cold pressed fresh flax oil or olive oil.
Avoid using already oxidized (bitter) hemp oil. Always store hemp oil in a dark and airtight glass container in the refrigerator to prevent oxidation.
Hemp oil is not recommended for pregnant women.
HEMP SEED
As far as hemp seeds are concerned, they contain all the essential amino acids which make perfect protein. Flaxseed also contain all the essential amino acids, but unlike flax seed, 65% of the protein found in hemp seed is a globulin (protein) called edistin which our bodies needs to build the immunoglobulin necessary to fight infections. According to some sources, regular consumption of hemp seeds can help individuals suffering from immune deficiency diseases.
If you decide to consume hemp oil or seeds, make sure you get them from health shops or other good and well controlled sources as hemp may absorb heavy metals from the soil. In addition hemp seeds and oil should be low in THC (the psychoactive factor). Some time ago, a research done in America revealed that eating hemp products including seeds and oil may cause positive urine tests for THC if hemp products came from seeds with higher THC levels.
MARIJUANA
Marijuana refers to two species of the cannabis plant: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Both sativa and indica are psychoactive varieties of the cannabis plant as they contain THC. Marijuana produces anywhere between 5-20% THC.
As plants Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica do not look the same and also their mind-altering effects are somewhat different.
CANNABIS SATIVA
A Cannabis sativa plant is tall with thin leaves and wiry stocks. Sativa is native to the warm climates and it loves the heat and the outdoor sunny environment. Cannabis sativa plant can be up to 20 feet tall when it grows outdoors in optimum worm sunny conditions.
A sativa can be very stimulating or uplifting, but unfortunately, due to THC, apart from increasing energy it also has harmful hallucinogenic and addictive effect.
CANNABIS INDICA
Cannabis indica plant is bushy, much shorter and its leaves are broader. With dense foliage, Cannabis indica can withstand harsh and colder conditions. It also developed the ability to produce thick cannabinoid-dense resin to protect itself. Indicas are often very potent, with naturally high levels of THC.
If a sativa’s effect can be compared to the influence a strong cup of coffee, an indica is like a sleeping pill as it produces sedative effect. Indica may also stimulate appetite and make its users relaxed. Indicas also create a distinct strong odour. Unfortunately, like sativa, indica also imposes harmful hallucinogenic and addictive effect due to high concentrations of THC.
Because of indica’s sedative effect (beneficial for cancer patients) and also due to higher levels of beneficial active ingredients it is indica which is used to extract a very potent oil that is regarded as the best and most effective remedy often able to cure cancer. However, the extracted oil does not seem to impose the hallucinogenic and other negative effects of THC.
Unlike sativa indica is not difficult to grow indoor and produce a crop quickly. Its can grow about 3 to 5 feet tall and have flowering time of about two months.
HYBRIDS
There are also hybrids (cross-breeds) of sativa and indica. Nowadays, hybrids are even bred with other hybrids as it creates much stronger marijuana varieties able to contain even about 50% psychoactive THC.
BEST CANNABIS CHOICE FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES
Cannabis Indica seems to be the most beneficial for medical use as it has a slightly lower THC than sativa and have a more balanced THC to CBD ratio (more CBD and less THC). Lower THC means less negative psycho-active influence while the higher beneficial CBD content makes indica more effective and more popular for treating different health problems. Interestingly, research has shown that CBD acts to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC.
Since Cannabis ruderalis (hemp) is very Low in THC and CBD it is mostly used for industrial purposes, although some maintain hemp seeds and oil can still have some curative properties.
Read also: Amazing cannabis oil recipe cures cancer >
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