What is Hemp and CBD?

Welcome!

We are so pleased that you can join us on this journey to understand the origin of Hemp products; learn how CBD products can enhance your life; and see what Smart Hemp Club (SHC) can do to help you manage the issues of day to day life. We are team of three, working together to catalog information about the benefits of these naturally occurring products so we can share with you and the ones you love.

There’s a strong history of the benefits of Hemp products.

Hemp is derived from the cannabis sativa plant. It is used to produce a variety of food, fiber and medicinal products. While it is sometimes confused with the plants used for other THC based products like marijuana and hashish, the cannabis used to cultivate hemp has small amounts of THC compared to marijuana and hashish. Hemp originated in Central Asia  but there is debate about how long ago – some contend it was as early as 8000 BCE. Over time it was harvested in other warm, tropical climates across the world. In the 1700s some American farmers were legally required to grow hemp as a staple crop. It’s even been reported that Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew hemp on their plantations. The nature of Hemp allows it to be used for ropes, canvas, clothing and paper. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw or used to make milk and edible oils. In 2018 the “Farm Bill” legalized hemp in the U.S., opening the door for increasing efforts to produce CBD oil and hemp extract.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil is a product derived from the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the many chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in cannabis. However, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” sensation, CBD does not have intoxicating effects.

CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp plants, which are a variety of cannabis plants specifically cultivated for their low THC content. After extraction, the CBD is diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil, to create CBD oil.

CBD has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various functions such as mood, pain sensation, sleep and immune response. While research is ongoing, CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and neuroprotective properties.

Who Uses CBD Products?

People use CBD products for various purposes, including managing chronic pain, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, alleviating cancer-related symptoms, improving sleep quality, and addressing epilepsy and seizure disorders. We embarked on this journey to offer CBD products as we have seen the benefits for ourselves, family and friends. Each of us knows someone who has reduced their joint pain, improved their sleep patterns and reduced their anxiety. However, it’s important to note the CBD is not approved as a medicine by regulatory bodies in many countries, including the United States, and its effectiveness for specific conditions may vary.

You are always encouraged to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD oil, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, as it can interact with certain drugs. Additionally, quality and dosage can very between products, so it’s advisable to purchase CBD oil from reputable sources.