Hemp edibles are becoming increasingly popular due to their various health benefits, and they’re tasty too! You can now find them in virtually any store near you and many different forms, such as treats, infusions, or baked goods.
HISTORY OF HEMP EDIBLES
However, hemp-based edibles and beverages have been consumed for centuries, even as far back as before 1000 B.C. They were traditionally used as a form of medicine in countries such as ancient India and China, and then, in the 19th century, were introduced into Western medicine to treat patients with various conditions, such as digestive problems, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Hemp edibles are now regaining their territory in the medical field as more patients opt for natural ways to treat their health problems. As of today, there are already a total of 46 countries around the world that have approved the legal use of medical hemp.
EATING HEMP IS HEALTHIER THAN SMOKING IT
If you are new to the field of medical hemp, you may be wondering how hemp can positively affect your health. For starters, hemp has a wide range of compounds and its effects can vary greatly depending on the method of ingestion.
For example, when we smoke hemp, we are absorbing it through our bloodstream, getting a more immediate effect but also for a shorter period. When we ingest hemp edibles, we process them in the liver through our gastrointestinal system. This results in more time for the hemp to work, but also has longer and stronger effects than when smoked.
So, we could say that given the differences between the two methods of administration, there are then different health conditions in our system.
However, when it comes to consuming hemp edibles, not only do you avoid the disadvantages of smoking hemp, but there are also many health benefits associated with its consumption.
Consuming hemp by smoking or vaporizing it, although these two also share a couple of differences, has been shown to have some negative effects on our bodies, since smoking is not good for anyone, no matter what they are smoking.
Let’s look at some of the health benefits of consuming hemp edibles listed below to find out if this is exactly what you need.
HELPS WITH INSOMNIA, ANXIETY, AND MENTAL ILLNESSES
Starting with the technical aspects, there are two main components found in hemp: one called tetrahydrocannabinol – known as THC – and cannabidiol – CBD.
The first one, THC is the main responsible for the psychoactive effects of hemp, provoking feelings of relaxation and euphoria, and achieving the effect of smoking. At the same time, CBD can have anxiety-relieving effects on the muscles and mind.
Therefore, if you choose hemp as a sleep aid, you should opt for THC-dominant strains. At this point, you should keep in mind an important aspect of the different hemp strains: whether they are Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid.
SLEEP AND ANXIETY PROBLEMS
Indica is a strain known for its calming and relaxing properties, so this is the type of strain you should look for to treat your sleep and anxiety problems. Sativa strains tend to make people feel excited, happy, and energetic, so be sure to avoid them if you are trying to get some sleep. Finally, hybrid strains contain a combination of different levels of Indica and Sativa, achieving a more balanced effect between relaxation and energy.
In addition to the type of strain of choice, the method of administration can have a great influence on the effects obtained. When it comes to edibles, as mentioned above, they provide a much stronger effect than when smoking hemp and also last longer.
Therefore, taking hemp infusions or edibles before bedtime could help patients improve their sleep schedule. For patients facing anxiety problems, a small dose of hemp could be the key to helping them feel more relaxed.
MENTAL ILLNESS
Another interesting aspect of hemp edibles is their effectiveness in treating mental illnesses such as depression or eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. When hemp acts on patients dealing with such conditions, it helps them to let go of the controlling voice that the mental illness present in their heads does not usually quiet, allowing them to relax and get rid of stress according to Don’tGetSerious.
