Hemp: Everything You Need to Know

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is grown for use in many different products. Hemp is made into foods, health products, fabric, rope, natural remedies, and more. Different parts of the hemp plant are used to make different products.

Hemp is sometimes confused with marijuana. However, hemp contains only trace amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main chemical in the marijuana plant that makes people get “high.” Hemp does not contain much THC, and it is typically grown for use in textiles, clothing, food products, and more. However, hemp notably does contain cannabidiol (CBD), which some people use for pain or seizures.

Hemp seeds are edible and highly nutritious. They have a high concentration of fiber. The seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are nutrients that are important for heart and skin health.

This article discusses some of hemp's health benefits, its uses, and its potential side effects. It also answers some common questions about hemp and how to use and store it.

Nutrition

Hemp is consumable in many different forms, including the following:

• Leaves
• Sprouts
• Flowers
• Seeds
• Oil
• Protein
• Flour

Leaves, sprouts, and flowers can be eaten raw in salads or blended into juices.

Hemp seed oil has a nutty taste and can be used for cooking instead of olive oil. Using low heat if you're cooking with hemp oil is recommended to retain the fatty acids. Hemp oil is also used in skin care products to protect against sun exposure.

Hemp protein is a good choice for vegetarians or vegans because it contains essential fatty acids and all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Hemp protein is especially rich in arginine, an amino acid that may benefit the heart.

The seeds are the most commonly eaten edible part of the hemp plant. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon of hemp seed contains the following nutrients:

• Protein: 3 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): 3.8 grams
• Phosphorus: 165 milligrams
• Potassium: 120 milligrams
• Magnesium: 70 milligrams
• Calcium: 7 milligrams
• Zinc: 1 milligrams
• Iron: almost 1 milligrams
  

Hemp seeds are good sources of vitamins, too. Fifty milligrams of the seeds contain more than the recommended daily amount of vitamins A, D, and E.

Uses of Hemp

Hemp seed is legal in the United States, and people use hemp as a remedy for many purposes. However, there isn't enough clinical research data to back up claims that hemp is a safe or effective treatment for any condition.

Limited evidence suggests hemp may benefit the heart, skin, and digestive tract.

Heart Protection

So far, hemp's proposed effects on the heart are primarily theoretical.

Animal studies have suggested that hemp seed oil may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. This hasn't been proved in human studies, though.

Hemp seeds also contain arginine, an amino acid that may offer benefits for blood pressure to help protect the heart. However, more research on this is necessary.

One clinical trial showed that hemp seed plus physical activity improved the lipid profile of young sedentary (non-active) males, which might benefit the heart. Another study in healthy adults who were overweight showed that hemp oil increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol.

Skin Disorders

Hemp oil is often used as a hair conditioner or skin moisturizer.

Some studies found that hemp seed oil may improve dry, itchy skin and symptoms of eczema, a common skin condition. It may reduce the need for prescription medication when used for eczema symptoms. However, more research is needed.

Constipation

Because of its high fiber content, hemp has traditionally been used as an antidote to constipation. There's little evidence of this benefit, however.

A review of clinical trials concluded that hemp is effective in treating functional constipation but noted that more data is necessary because all of the included studies were conducted in Asian populations.

Dosage

The correct dosage of hemp depends on what product you use and why you're using it. The following doses have been used in clinical trials:

• 25 grams of hemp protein daily for blood pressure
• 2–3 grams of hemp oil daily for cholesterol
• 30 milliliters of hemp oil daily for eczema
• 40 grams of hemp protein for blood sugar
  

Precautions

Keep the following precautions in mind when using hemp:

• Severe allergic reaction: Hemp has been associated with severe allergy symptoms like itching and swelling. Avoid using hemp products if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of its ingredients if you're unsure.
• Pregnancy: Hemp is not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data. In animals, CBD (an ingredient of hemp) has caused damage and death in fetuses that were exposed to it.
• Breastfeeding: Hemp use is not recommended during breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
• Children: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against using hemp products for children due to the presence of CBD in them. It also contains only trace amounts of THC, which can prove especially detrimental to developing brains. Some research suggests that hemp protein is safe for children. However, for optimal results, please discuss using hemp or any other supplement with your child's pediatrician before starting it.
• Other modifications: Any supplemental protein, including hemp protein, may pose risks for people with kidney disease. And people with liver disease should use CBD products like hemp with caution.
  

Interactions

Hemp can interact with medications such as the following:

• Other cannabis-derived products. Because hemp contains CBD, it may increase the risk of side effects of marijuana, non-prescription CBD products, or the prescription Epidiolex.
• Seizure medications. CBD can interact with epilepsy medicines like Onfi (clobazam), Banzel (rufinamide), Topamax (topiramate), and Zonegran (zonisamide). Taking hemp with these medications could increase the risk of side effects or reduce seizure control.
• Blood thinners. CBD can interact with Jantoven (warfarin). If you're taking warfarin, you may need extra monitoring if you supplement with hemp.
• Pain medications. CBD increases the level of morphine, which can cause side effects like excess sedation and slow breathing rate.
• Anxiety medications. CBD increases the effect of benzodiazepines like Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam).
• Antidepressants. CBD can increase the levels of tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine).

Carefully reading a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included is essential. Please review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Side Effects

Like any supplement, hemp may cause side effects. These side effects can be mild or severe and include the following:

• Throat irritation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bradycardia, or slow heart rate
• Hypertension, or high blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Liver abnormalities

Summary

Hemp seeds are a good source of protein and fiber. They may also offer other health benefits, though there isn't enough clinical research to say for sure. Because hemp may interact with some drugs and cause specific side effects, it's a good idea to consult your doctor before adding hemp seed to your diet.