Since its re-legalization in many parts of the country, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding hemp oil. Beyond that, there seems to be a large amount of misinformation in the last year about the plant’s constituents -- Hemp (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
On the surface, the most apparent difference between the two cannabinoids is that one is psychoactive and the other isn’t. While THC is popularly known for causing a “high” feeling, Hemp is considered non-psychoactive. Under the surface, while research is suggesting that THC has some medicinal properties, the potential value of Hemp is that it may have medical value though no definitive research has produced empirical evidence to that effect. Both cannabinoids can be found in a myriad of forms such as oils for vaping or taken orally, capsules, topicals and edibles. With CBD, perhaps the most preferable way to administer it is through an oral Hemp oil while adults who enjoy THC tend to vape or smoke it.
So, we ask, if Hemp oil doesn’t produce mind-altering effects, how does it actually work?
Instead of being ingested or applied topically, most Hemp oils are typically consumed sublingually which absorbs it into the capillaries under the tongue delivering it directly to the bloodstream for a nearly immediate effect. Experts warn consumers that what they might be purchasing online may not be what they think it is. In fact, it is estimated that 3 out of 10 Hemp oil products purchased online have been mislabeled and may contain different ingredients than advertised. If false advertising isn’t enough to deter consumers from purchasing Hemp oil, then perhaps a lack of scientific evidence about the long-term effects of Hemp deters some people.
Scientific research backing the medicinal value of Hemp is expanding, however. The efficacy and safety of consuming the cannabinoid is well accepted as the World Health Organization and the World Anti-Doping Agency has both removed Hemp from the banned substance list and the FDA has approved a Hemp based pharmaceutical drug called Epidiolex. Dr. Kevin Hill is the Director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre. He is a professional in the medical practices of Hemp and believes there needs to be more tests on CBD.
It’s an extremely promising compound and there are a lot of studies that show its potential,” says Dr. Kevin Hill, addiction psychiatrist and Director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “But while pre-clinical or animal studies show Hemp may have anti-anxiety properties and may be antipsychotic, for the majority of uses, there is not a lot of evidence.
As I wrote above, there are only a couple of health conditions, rare forms of epilepsy, where Hemp has passed as a form of treatment by the FDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration legally authorized health professionals to prescribe their patients with a highly concentrated Hemp oil-based drug, Epidiolex, as a form of medical treatment. But with a limited amount of scientific research on cannabis and its mechanisms, only time will tell what the future holds for the plant’s constituents in the health sector.
If you are looking to give Hemp oil a try, it is important that you make sure to do your own research to find a reputable company that’s honest and transparent. Whether it be Hemp oil, Hemp edibles or Hemp topicals, do your due diligence by looking for Hemp lab reports and looking at Hemp reviews.
Read more at People.com.