Hemp Education
A Complete Look at Hemp Oil's Potential Side Effects
What Is Hemp, Exactly?
Hemp stands for cannabidiol, a substance that is one of the components derived from hemp and marijuana plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the chemical that causes the ‘high’ feeling, Hemp doesn’t make users feel high but instead activates various receptors within the body.
A Bit About the History of Hemp
Cannabis and marijuana have often been associated with ‘getting high’ and have had a bad reputation for some time. However, hemp plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Around the 1980s, scientists began taking an interest in the potential benefits of hemp and marijuana, which is when Hemp and THC were first isolated. The research also led to the mapping of a system of receptors called the endocannabinoid system.Ongoing Research
Hemp has been the topic of research for several years, and researchers are continuing to explore the potential benefits of Hemp and other cannabis components today. While some uses for Hemp have been backed by several studies, others are based on anecdotal evidence. We will be covering all potential benefits and potential side effects of Hemp, some of which are still being researched at this time.What Are the Potential Benefits of Hemp?
Hemp can be used to relieve various ailments and symptoms, including nausea, poor appetite, anxiety, and insomnia. Hemp products may also potentially:- Reduce acne
- Improve migraine symptoms
- Alleviate chronic pain and nerve pain.
- Alleviate seizures in certain types of epilepsy
- Help treat glaucoma
- Reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s
- Help control high blood pressure
Is Hemp Regulated?
No, and that is perhaps why it is important to pay attention to the potential side effects. While Hemp has increasingly been legalized across the U.S., it is not regulated by the FDA. This means that manufacturers often make their own formulation with variable percentages. Fortunately, most good manufacturers will list the dosage information, including the recommended dosage, on the bottle. This is also why you should ensure that you are purchasing your Hemp oil from a reliable manufacturer.What Are the Common Side Effects of Hemp?
Hemp has several common potential side effects that can result from either a sensitivity to Hemp or from taking the incorrect dosage. The most common side effects include:- Drowsiness and Sedation: Because Hemp helps you relax, it can also make you feel sleepy. Feeling too relaxed and sleepy, however, is not always ideal. If you are worried about experiencing drowsiness following Hemp use, we recommend avoiding driving and other attention-intensive tasks when taking Hemp and for several hours afterward. Of course, the feeling of sleepiness can also be a benefit for those who use Hemp as a sleep aid.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Hemp may cause diarrhea and liver problems, especially when taken with certain medications. If you are taking other medications or have underlying medical conditions, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor before taking Hemp.
- Dry Eyes and Cottonmouth: Hemp is associated with dry eyes and dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth. While these two side effects are more strongly associated with THC, they may also occur with Hemp.
- Drug Interactions: While Hemp is a natural substance, it can interact with your other medications and, in some cases, cause serious side effects, which is why speaking to your doctor is essential before you incorporate Hemp into your daily routine.
- Nausea: While Hemp can be used to promote appetite, nausea is also a potential side effect. Nausea seems to be more common in people who take Hemp supplements or people who ingest too much Hemp.
Less Common Side Effects and Precautions Associated with Hemp
Below are some less common side effects and other things to keep in mind when taking Hemp.- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hemp has not been proven safe when taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, Hemp is classified as “possibly unsafe” for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Children: Hemp is considered possibly safe for children, especially when used as Hemp oil. One of the early applications for Hemp as a potential treatment was for children with a specific kind of epilepsy. When used as a treatment for children, Hemp should be prescribed by a healthcare professional, and the child’s condition should be monitored per the doctor’s orders. There is no evidence that commercial Hemp presents an effective treatment.
- Liver Disease: Because the liver plays a key role in metabolism, people with liver disease may not be able to take regular doses of Hemp. Instead, they should opt for a lower dosage and consult their healthcare provider before using Hemp.
- Individuals With Parkinson’s: Parkinson's patients who took Hemp oil reported that high doses of Hemp exacerbate their tremors and make movement more difficult.
Tips for Safely Taking Hemp Oil
Here are a few tips to ensure that you are safely taking Hemp:Follow the Manufacturer Dosage Guidelines
While the concentration of Hemp in the oil can vary depending on the brand, most manufacturers will offer a recommended dosage so that their clients do not take a higher-than-recommended dose of Hemp.Start Small, Start Safe
If you are new to Hemp, we recommend taking the minimum dosage, or even half of the minimum dosage if you think you are sensitive. If you have been prescribed Hemp by a healthcare provider, we recommend following that healthcare provider’s instructions. We also recommend that you give yourself some time in case you happen to experience one of the common side effects, such as drowsiness. Plan to take Hemp when you have the opportunity to rest and even sleep if the need arises.Speak to Your Doctor
Speak to your doctor about your plan to try Hemp oil and make sure that the Hemp will not interact with your existing medications. Again, people with liver disease need to take extra precautions with Hemp.Takeaways
True or False: Does Hemp Get You High?
False! Hemp does not get you high. If you are considering getting into Hemp products, you may have some questions, such as: Can Hemp get you high? What does Hemp oil feel like? These are all valid questions since Hemp products are extracted from cannabis plants. Read on to find out more about Hemp and how it interacts with your body.
Effects of Hemp on Your Body?
Our bodies naturally produce neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids. These neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system, including the brain. When Hemp (external endocannabinoids) enters the body, its interaction and stimulation of the endocannabinoid system promote homeostasis in the body, helping reduce the inflammatory response and the sensation of pain.
Will Hemp Get You High?
Hemp is non-intoxicating, meaning it will never get you high, even if you tried your hardest. Full-spectrum Hemp oils like Pure Relief's Mint Oil are formulated to purposely incorporate the complete cannabinoid profile to give you full access to the benefits.
However, full-spectrum Hemp products must be manufactured in strict compliance with federal regulations, which require that they have less than 0.3% THC. This means you never have to worry about severe, unwanted intoxicating effects. So, does Hemp give you a high? No, think of it as a runner’s high; it’s more of a whole-body experience.
Full-spectrum Hemp allows you to experience what is called the “entourage effect.” This is the theory that suggests that small traces of THC and Hemp work better when taken together than when taken alone.
Of course, there are also less potent products generally termed “broad-spectrum.” These Hemp products contain a range of other cannabinoids (remember there are hundreds), but no THC. These provide most of the benefits of the entourage effect minus the risk of testing positive for any trace of THC.
Hemp and Drug Testing
You may wonder, if full-spectrum Hemp products contain traces of THC, will consuming some make you fail a drug test? The answer is, it’s very unlikely.
As explained by VeryWellHealth, Hemp oil is derived from hemp cannabis, rather than marijuana, which has very limited THC. In the cases of testing positive on drug tests, the Hemp product is more likely to have been bought from a dispensary or local store, than a trustworthy online seller. Most of the time, what happens is that these dispensaries mislead users by lying about the contents of the products. You may think that you're getting a broad spectrum oil with no THC when, in fact, the product might contain higher levels of THC than you may have realized.
If you work in a place that conducts random drug tests, you can set your mind at ease with taking a Hemp product from a manufacturer who commits to transparency. Know what's in your Hemp product!
What Is the Difference Between Hemp and THC?
Hemp doesn’t target the same cannabinoid receptors as THC. There are different types of cannabinoids, each having different interactions with our endocannabinoid system.
So, if Hemp doesn’t get you high, what exactly does Hemp feel like? Rather than giving you a euphoric sensation, the main effect attributed to Hemp products is a sense of calm and relaxation. Instead of a specific emotion like the happy feeling associated with getting high, there is usually the decrease of unpleasant emotions and states, including anxiety, discomfort, and insomnia.
Those who have switched to vape pens might be wondering if Hemp vape oil will get them high. If this is your excuse for getting into Hemp products, think again. Like any other Hemp product, vaping Hemp will not have the effect you might be chasing.
Hemp Products and Getting High: A Summary
The remarkable versatility of Hemp products makes them quite useful for numerous conditions. If you're eager to know how Hemp makes you feel, the only answer is to try it.
So, can Hemp oil get you high? No, the effects of Hemp on the brain and central nervous system function are mild. Hemp products are verified as safe, non-habit forming, and relaxing rather than any feeling of being under the influence. If you are concerned about drug screenings, you can set your mind at peace by using a THC-free formula.
For the purest and legal Hemp products, look for trustworthy brands that are fully transparent about their extraction processes. Leading Hemp brands like Pure Relief go the extra mile for their customers by having their formulas tested by third-party laboratories to ensure they are 100% compliant with all industry standards and regulations.
Hemp Isolate vs. Full Spectrum Hemp: Understanding the Difference
If you are new to Hemp, there are many things you need to consider before making your first purchase. One of the most important choices that you will need to make when choosing a Hemp product is whether to go with full-spectrum Hemp or isolate Hemp. Even though both types of Hemp extract offer significant benefits, understanding the difference between these two types of Hemp is crucial to experience the best results.
What Is Hemp Extract?
Hemp, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the dozens of organic compounds found in hemp. In recent years, Hemp has been proven to have an array of medicinal benefits such as relieving pain, alleviating anxiety, and promoting sleep. In fact, Hemp is so effective and has become so popular among medical professionals and their patients that it is now being extracted and manufactured into products like oils, edibles, and creams.
Is Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in the United States last December. The bill established different norms and regulations that benefit the hemp industry including removing hemp from the federal list of controlled substances and taking away the DEA’s power to treat hemp as an illicit drug.
Industrial hemp is now classified as an agricultural commodity and is regulated by the Department of Agriculture and individual state agencies. The bill has encouraged many to look into hemp-derived Hemp as a medicinal supplement and/or financial investment since experts project the Hemp industry will surpass the $20 billion mark in the next four years.
Hemp Full Spectrum vs Isolate: What’s the Difference?
When searching for Hemp products online, you will often come across the terms full-spectrum and isolate. These define the content of hemp products. Learning about these two main types of hemp products will help you make a smarter choice when purchasing Hemp online.
What Is Hemp Isolate?
Hemp isolate is a crystalline powder containing 99% pure cannabidiol from hemp. All other components of the hemp plant are removed to achieve pure Hemp extracts. Pure Hemp isolate is obtained through a purification process where all plant material minus Hemp is filtered out of the extracts. After filtration, the extracted substance goes through a more rigorous process called winterization.
Winterization removes all remaining elements that might have stuck around after filtration. This leaves a fine, white powder consisting of only Hemp.
How to Use Hemp Isolate?
The white powder known as Hemp isolate is entirely odorless and tasteless. Because of its lack of taste and odor, users around the world have learned to use Hemp isolate in a variety of ways.
By far the easiest and most effective way to take Hemp isolate is through sublingual consumption. Simply, place a dose of Hemp isolate under your tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the Hemp to be absorbed by the capillaries under your tongue which deliver Hemp directly to your bloodstream.
Since Hemp isolate is 100% tasteless, it also makes for the perfect additive to your foods and drinks. Try it in smoothies, acai bowls, or your morning coffee. You can also use isolate powder in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and brownies. A daily dose of Hemp isolate in your foods is the best way to benefit from the properties of Hemp in a delicious and familiar way.
What is Full Spectrum Hemp?
As opposed to Hemp isolate, full-spectrum Hemp contains a combination of all other cannabinoids found in hemp. However, only minimal amounts of these cannabinoids are included in a full spectrum solution– Hemp is still the main ingredient. Some compounds in full-spectrum Hemp include CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Even though THC is often included in full-spectrum solutions, it comes in very low concentrations (less than 0.3%), resulting in no psychoactive effects.
What Is Broad Spectrum Hemp?
Another common term you may come across in your Hemp journey is broad-spectrum Hemp, a term often erroneously used in place of full-spectrum Hemp. So, what is the difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum Hemp products?
As the name implies, broad-spectrum Hemp contains more compounds than just Hemp. However, unlike full spectrum Hemp, its formulas do not contain all compounds found in hemp.
What Are the Benefits of Full Spectrum Hemp?
As mentioned before, both isolate and full-spectrum Hemp offers numerous benefits. It was previously believed that products made with pure Hemp were more potent than full spectrum Hemp. However, recent studies suggest full and broad-spectrum formulas may provide stronger relief over time because of the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect
This phenomenon refers to the way different cannabinoids work together to deliver more potent benefits than one specific cannabinoid alone. Traces of cannabis compounds like CBN, CBG, and terpenes enhance the effects of Hemp due to these compounds also having significant medicinal properties. Broad and full-spectrum formulas even contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which can also help improve how Hemp works without causing any psychoactive effects.
How to Use Full Spectrum Hemp
Like pure Hemp isolate, full-spectrum Hemp is also extremely versatile. Dozens of brands online offer full-spectrum products like full-spectrum Hemp oil, Hemp gummies, capsules, and even beverages. Most importantly, brands selling broad and full-spectrum Hemp products today have close to zero percent THC in their formulas, meaning they are completely safe and legal.
How Is Hemp Extracted?
Compounds from hemp, such as Hemp, can be extracted using different methods; however, the best by far is CO2 extraction.
CO2 extraction refers to a method that uses pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) to create a highly concentrated form of Hemp that is suitable for human consumption. This process pulls the desired phytochemicals like Hemp out of the plant material isolating the substance and forming an extract that is free of harmful chemicals, fertilizers, and other undesired substances.
How Does the CO2 Extraction Method Work?
Under certain conditions, carbon dioxide acts like a solvent that is capable of creating a variety of end products. By manipulating temperature and pressure, manufacturers use this method to force CO2 into a state that is somewhere between liquid and gas. This state is known as a “supercritical” state.
In its supercritical state, CO2 works as a highly effective extraction solvent that has been used for years by food companies. For example, supercritical CO2 extraction is used to remove caffeine from coffee and extract essential oils from plants.
When it comes to Hemp extraction, supercritical CO2 is passed through a high-tech chamber where it pulls all of the desired chemicals (in this case Hemp) out of the plant material. After the Hemp is extracted with supercritical CO2, the temperature is changed back to room temperature, so all the CO2 evaporates leaving behind a substance that contains no solvents or unwanted chemicals.
Pure Hemp Provides Pure Relief
Supercritical CO2 extraction is the industry’s best practice for pure Hemp extraction. However, this method requires top-of-the-line high-tech equipment making it an expensive alternative to other less effective extraction methods used by many Hemp companies.
If you are considering Hemp for your daily routine, it is essential to buy from a Hemp company like Pure Relief that gets the extracts through supercritical CO2 extraction. All Pure Relief products are made using Hemp obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction. Additionally, our products are formulated by a pharmacist with years of experience in the industry ensuring each Hemp item in our collection is safe for your consumption.
