Worth The Hype? The Truth & Benefits of CBD and Hemp

Written By Rodrigo Allende

CBD and hemp products are everywhere these days. It’s hard to know who to trust. We’re here to separate the fact from the fiction and answer all your questions.

As marijuana becomes legalized and more widely accepted, information about cannabis extracts like CBD oil and its ability to improve health and alleviate ailments, even possibly heart disease, has been a topic at the forefront of much research. Hemp and CBD products like ours provide an array of benefits. Hemp and CBD do not produce the psychoactive effects found in THC, despite deriving from the same plant.

This blog will explore the nutritional value and health benefits of hemp and CBD, answer commonly asked questions, and help get you started on your holistic health journey.

*As with any addition to your health routine, speak with your healthcare provider before combining CBD products with your current medications to see if this treatment is proper for you.

Hemp Products: Nutrition and Benefits

All Kannabu Hemp products are made from 100% U.S.A grown Hemp and contain omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, high levels of vegan protein, all nine essential amino acids, plus fiber, and an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, including: Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfur, Arginine, Magnesium, and Zinc. They are all Natural, vegan, and gluten-free.

Protein

  • According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the average person needs about 7 g of protein every day for every 20 pounds of body weight. Hemp seeds, Hemp Hearts, and Hemp Protein Powder are healthy ways to consume high amounts of protein without overeating.

  • Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. They are the molecules that all living things need to make protein, and you need 20 of them to help your body function properly. Your body produces 11 of the necessary amino acids, meaning you must consume the remaining 9 in your diet. Amino acids are concentrated in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and soybeans. As stated by the National Library of Medicine, Hemp is a complete source of protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids. Hemp is nutritionally similar to soybean, with added benefits like heart-healthy omegas and fiber.

  • According to the National Library of Medicine, high-protein diets are linked to many benefits, like promoting weight management, helping manage blood sugars, and increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium, ultimately supporting bone health.

Healthy Fats

  • Hemp seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, a type of fat the body cannot make on its own, including Omega-3 and Omega-6.

  • Of all the different types of fatty acids, only two have been declared essential to human health: linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fat, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat.

  • Omega-6 fats are necessary for normal growth and development. They help maintain the reproductive system and contribute to the synthesis of hair, skin, and bones.

  • Omega-3 fats are essential in cognition, behavioral function, mood, circulation, skin, and heart health.

  • It is important to note that the balance between these two essential fatty acids is delicate; too much of one and too little of the other can result in harmful health consequences, according to Oregon State University’s Micronutrient Information Center and other sources.

  • Hemp seed oil is often called "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil" because it contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition.

  • According to multiple sources, including the American Society of Nutrition, there is evidence that fatty acids can reduce triglyceride levels, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The high level of alpha-linolenic acid in hemp seed oil suggests the product is worth considering if you want to reduce the chances of heart disease.

  • According to the National Library of Medicine, Hemp may reduce inflammation and pain. Like aspirin, fatty acids inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme that sparks the inflammatory response and can ease inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain.

Vitamins & Minerals

  • Arginine - The amino acid arginine is present in hemp seed oil. Multiple studies, including this study published in The International Journal of Angiology, have shown that this ingredient contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system.

  • Contains Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfur, Arginine, Magnesium, and Zinc, each of which possesses individual health benefits.

Fiber

  • Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps regulate the body's use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. It is an essential part of your diet linked to digestive health.

  • Soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, forms a gel-like substance in your gut. It’s a valuable source of nutrients for beneficial digestive bacteria and may also help lower glucose levels and blood cholesterol. Foods with soluble fiber include oatmeal, chia seeds, nuts, beans, lentils, apples, and blueberries.

  • Insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, can help food move through your digestive system, adding bulk to your stool and helping food and waste pass through your gut, promoting regularity. Insoluble fiber has also been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes, according to PubMed and the National Library of Medicine. Foods with insoluble fibers include whole wheat products like quinoa, brown rice, legumes, leafy greens like kale, almonds, walnuts, seeds, and fruits with edible skins like pears and apples.

  • Whole hemp seeds (with the shell on) are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, containing 20% and 80%, respectively, according to PubMed.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Products: Nutrition and Benefits

Our Premium CBD tincture is made from 100% U.S.A.-grown hemp oil extract, MCT oil, terpenes, and natural flavors. It contains less than 0.3% THC, per the federal industrial hemp standard.

The Endocannabinoid System

To fully understand the benefits of CBD, we must talk about the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

  • As stated in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and other sources, ECS comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors in our bodies and brains that help to regulate processes that keep internal functions running smoothly.

  • Scientists at MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research have learned about cannabinoid receptors’ critical role in brain development. These cannabinoid receptors (named CB1R and CB2R) in the brain are essential mediators of mood, memory, and pain.

  • To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce endocannabinoids, which are similar to molecules in the cannabis plant.

  • This structural similarity allows the body to recognize and be affected by plant-based cannabinoids like CBD. Such plant-based cannabinoids are called phytocannabinoids.

While FDA certification for CBD is still underway, ongoing research shows that phytocannabinoids, like those found in our products, are effective in treating several conditions. Most recently, the FDA approved EPIDOLEX, the first and only FDA-approved prescription CBD to treat seizures.

According to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, they have potentially beneficial effects on various pathological conditions, including inflammation, cancer, addiction, and epilepsy. CBD also has the potential to assist with symptoms such as:

  • High Blood Pressure - A randomized cross-over study on healthy patients, published in the American Society for Clinical Investigation, found that a single dose of CBD could help to lower blood pressure.

  • Anxiety and Depression - According to CNS and Neurological Disorders Drug Targets and other sources, CBD has excellent psychiatric potential, including uses as an antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like compound.

  • [Supplemental treatment] PTSD - According to Frontiers in Neuroscience, “The effects of CBD on the different stages of aversive memory processing make this compound a candidate for [supplementary] PTSD therapy.”

  • And Others. CBD’s potential to reduce these symptoms provides the basis for further investigation of this phytocannabinoid as a treatment option for opioid use disorder, diabetes, and other ailments, according to The American Journal of Psychiatry.

Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend consulting with a medical professional.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is CBD?

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is an active ingredient found in cannabis plants. Unlike its well-known cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not psychoactive.

What is hemp?

Cannabis Sativa L., commonly known as hemp, is an herbaceous, anemophilous plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family.

Is hemp the same thing as Marijuana?

No! While hemp and marijuana are from the same species of plant, Cannabis Sativa, they are genetically distinct. The defining difference between hemp and marijuana is their psychoactive component: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp has 0.3% or less THC, meaning hemp-derived products don't contain enough THC to create the “high” traditionally associated with marijuana.

Will CBD or hemp products get you high?

No! Although CBD legally may have trace amounts of THC up to 0.3%, it is not enough to produce a psychoactive response. Hemp and CBD products will NOT cause hallucinations or get you “high.”

Are hemp and CBD oils the same?

No! Hemp oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The main difference between hemp and CBD oils is the CBD content. Hemp plants contain a significant amount of CBD, while hemp seeds do not.

Hemp oil is made from the tiny seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant and contains little-to-no CBD and THC. It is produced by cold-pressing the hemp seeds into an omega-rich culinary oil.

CBD oil is made from the leaves, stalks, buds, and flowers of the Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) plant and contains high-levels of CBD and less than 0.3% THC.

Are hemp and CBD legal?

Under the Farm Bill, the FDA notes that hemp plants are legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC. The legality of CBD varies on a state-by-state basis.

What are the side effects of CBD?

According to multiple sources, including the National Library of Medicine, users report feeling mellow, more comfortable, and less stressed. CBD can be used to treat symptoms (see nutrition and health benefits above.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said in its research that “CBD was tolerated in all patients, with no signs of toxicity or serious side effects,” even when taken in massive doses.

Are hemp and CBD products safe to use daily?

Yes! Not only are they safe, but for the best effects, you should take CBD daily. You can't overdose on CBD, and it's lipophilic (fat-soluble), which means it compounds in your body over time, adding to potential health benefits.

As with any addition to your wellness routine, CBD could potentially affect how other drugs you take work and cause side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider before introducing new substances with existing medications.

Can you mix CBD and hemp? Yes! It's perfectly safe to take hemp and CBD oil together. However, as with any addition to your health routine, speak with your healthcare provider before combining new products with your current medications.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

The short answer is yes. CBD products may contain trace amounts (up to 0.3%) of THC. Although this almost negligible amount would never be enough to cause any psychoactive side effects, it is still likely to appear on a drug test.

How do I use CBD and hemp?

CBD and hemp can be found in various products, from beauty to food. Here are some methods to incorporate hemp and CBD into daily self-care routine:

Add It to Recipes.

  • Elevate meals and beverages with Kannabu’s holistic products! Our all-new Öljy Reserve Hemp Oil can be added to marinades, dips, or sauces, used as a finishing drizzle over salads, or swirled into smoothies for an easy, on-the-go meal. Follow @Kannabu_Hemp on social media for recipes.

Just Rub It In.

  • Hemp seed and CBD oil work topically, too! Like olive oil, hemp and CBD oil make excellent skin moisturizers. They are rich in fatty acids, which help hydrate and soothe inflamed skin. Not only are these oils suitable for regular maintenance, but they can also relieve pain, making them ideal for people who have arthritis or other ailments. Add some drops to your skincare routine!

Sublingually (Under your tongue!)

  • No time? No problem! Using our simple CBD tincture or Hemp Oil Extract, simply drop the oil under your tongue, allowing it to stay there for up to a minute before swallowing. This will deliver the benefits directly to your system without any extra steps.

Kick-start your wellness journey with all-natural, vegan products that fit your lifestyle. Contact us with additional questions online or visit Kannabu.com to make your first order today.

Kannabu, Latinx-Owned and operated hemp company, is challenging the status quo in wellness by optimizing health through easy-to-use hemp-infused superfood options. Based in the United States and Latin America, Kannabu offers consumers products of the highest quality and nutritional value.

For over a decade, brothers and co-founders of Kannabu conducted rigorous research on the cannabis industry, mental health, autism, and the long-term effects of prescription drugs.

About the author - Tessa Dines is an award-winning, NYC-based copywriter with BKN Creative. She transforms difficult-to-understand scientific, legal, and industry-specific information into digestible content for curious audiences of any age. Tessa has a green thumb, three cats, and nearly a decade of writing under her belt. 

Disclaimer: Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend consulting with a medical professional. As with any addition to your health routine, speak with your healthcare provider before combining CBD products with your current medications to see if this treatment is proper for you.

Rodrigo Allende
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