A. Marijuana and hemp both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., but from different varieties. There are different varieties of Cannabis, just as Chihuahuas and St. Bernards are different breeds of dogs, Canis familiari. Marijuana is the flowering tops and leaves of psychoactive varieties of Cannabis that are grown for their high THC content. Hemp, also referred to as industrial hemp, are low-THC varieties of Cannabis that are grown for their seeds and fiber. Hemp is grown legally in just about every industrialized country except the USA.
A. Yes. In April 1998, Health Canada amended the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act by adding regulations to legalize growing hemp in Canada. In order to grow hemp, a license from Health Canada is required. Information on the hemp regulations can be found in the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/substancontrol/hemp-chanvre/index-eng.php.
A. Hemp oil contains the most essential fatty acids (EFAs) of any nut or seed oil, with the omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs occurring in the nutritionally optimal 1:3 ratio.
A. Essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body; they must be obtained from your diet. As the name implies, they are essential to your health and well being. Seventy percent of adults who eat a typical Western diet do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids, and at the same time, they get too much omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance can cause a wide range of health problems.
A. Shelled hempseed is more easily digested than ground flax seed, while whole flax seed passes through your body undigested. Hemp seed and hemp oil also contain higher-potency omega derivatives, GLA and SDA, which flax seed lacks.
A. Hemp seed protein has many advantages when compared to soy, the most commonly used form of supplemental plant protein. Soy protein contains high levels of enzyme inhibitors blocking the uptake of trypsin and other enzymes the body uses for protein digestion. Eating a diet high in enzyme inhibitors, such as those contained in soy, can result in chronic amino acid and protein deficiencies.
A. Health practitioners suggest 3-5 tablespoons of shelled hemp seeds per day for adults and 1-2 teaspoons for children.
A. Health practitioners suggest 1-2 tablespoons of hemp oil per day and 1-2 teaspoons for children.
A. It is best to keep hemp products refrigerated or in the freezer and to use them within 8-12 weeks of opening. You can also store unopened hemp seed products in a cool dry place such as a basement.
