H e m p - Disinfo, Misinfo of Ancient Versatile Plant

Marijuana; Mary Jane or MJ; pot; herb; grass; weed; smoke; ganja, ghanja, gunga, gunja, or gunney; giggle weed; chillums; kif; reefer; vipe; or hemp are but a few of the names for an ancient plant that originally grew wild across Asia. Throughout history this amazing plant has been cultivated for food, fuel, medicine, and fiber, as well as for its hallucinogenic properties.

There are three varieties of Cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis sativa is a tall, straight stemmed plant, the variety that can be cultivated to contain the highest amount of THC. Cannabis indica is medium sized, higher in CBD and lower in THC. It is said to produce more of a "body high", while Cannabis sativa produces more of a "head high". Cannabis ruderalis is a very short plant that is low in THC. It is often cross bred with one of the other varieties to produce a shorter, hardier plant.

The controversy over legalization of hemp has fueled a great deal of misinformation—on both sides. Well-meaning sources claim industrial hemp is not marijuana—that it is a different plant altogether. This is simply not true. Industrial hemp is Cannabis sativa; however, industrial hemp has been cultivated with extremely low THC levels, so low neither the leaves nor the flowers produce a mind altering high.

Hemp was once a mandated crop in colonial America, but today it is illegal to grow hemp in the United States (with few exceptions by license), regardless of its THC content. The many hemp products we sell in the United States are produced either outside of the country or by sterilized seeds, oil, and fiber grown outside of the country.

Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a rich source of phytonutrients and a nutritious source of easily digested protein, providing 20 amino acids, including all nine essential amino acids and essential fatty acids with balanced omega 3s and omega 6s. Seeds are eaten whole, ground into a paste, ground into nut butter (like peanut butter), used in protein shakes, made into hemp milk, and squeezed for oil.

Hemp Oil for Food
Hemp oil is also highly nutritious. Its nutty flavor makes it a good ingredient for salad dressings, mayonnaise, and dips. It is not recommended as frying oil, due to loss of nutrients at high heat. Fresh hemp oil needs to be refrigerated and used within six months.

Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is made by blending hemp seeds with water, straining the pulp, and adding a sweetener, if desired. The result is a delicious beverage chock-full of healthy nutrients including potassium; phosphorus; riboflavin; vitamins A, E, B12, and D; folic acid, magnesium, iron, and zinc; omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in correct proportion, essential amino acids, and protein. One 9-ounce glass provides 46% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium. Once again, nature provides an incredible food

Read on . . . Hemp by Allene Edwards




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