One of the
most under-reported applications of the hemp plant is its medicinal use. The
flowers of the plant produce seeds, as is their purpose, and both are protected
by resin glands called “trichomes.” Within the trichomes are cannabinoids, hundreds
of chemical compounds that naturally occur in Cannabis plants. Most of these
drugs do nothing to the user (when consuming Cannabis) but a few impart either
a psychoactive or corporal feeling. When hemp plants are consumed in any way,
no intoxication is felt due to their minute amounts of THC, one of the main
active drugs in a Cannabis plant. Hemp plants do not get anyone “high,” nor are
they used medicinally in exactly the same manner as Cannabis (vaporised, eaten
as space cake, drunk in tea and other preparations or smoked as a last resort).
Hemp
flowers are resinous; the sticky trichomes aid in wind pollination of the
species and protect the delicate vegetable matter from winged predators by
trapping them or poisoning/intoxicating the bugs. While the resin glands do not
intoxicate humans (due to less than 0.3% THC content in the flowers) the buds
may be processed into pharmaceutical grade drugs or the cannabinoids extracted
and then synthesized. Recently a cannabinoid called CBG (Cannabigerol) was
extracted from hemp flowers and will be synthesised into a drug that reduces
blood pressure. Tinctures, elixirs, poultices, salves and crèmes have been
produced from these flowering tops for thousands of years for a range of
internal and external ailments. Many skin conditions may be treated with either
hemp or Cannabis and plenty of products have been produced throughout the world
combining the powerful medicinal properties of both substances.
With
regards to hemp seeds, these may be cold-pressed in order to extract nutritious
oil that is then processed into dietary supplements, food products, cosmetics
and more. Hemp oil capsules may be taken daily to protect and nourish skin and
hair with the added medicinal benefits of non-psychoactive drugs (such as CBD
and CBN) helping to treat eczema, arthritis, mood stabilisation problems and
many others. Cosmetics such as face crèmes and hair conditioners impart a
healthy glow and help to prevent ageing by protecting the skin’s lipid layer
and acting as an organic emollient. These features treat a variety of skin
problems including acne, psoriasis and eczema.
