Are Hemp Products the same as Marjiuana?

Author: Megan McKenzie - Green Valley Naturals  

Let’s firstly answer the question that everyone wants to know...


Is Hemp Marijuana?..


Putting it simply, No, Hemp is not marijuana 

Both are part of the Cannabis family, but are in different subspecies. Marijuana is selectively bred to contain high amounts of psychoactive THC. Hemp seeds, on the other hand, are very low in THC (less than 4 parts per million –(in most cases undetectable). 

Another phytocannabinoid, known as cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining interest in the health industry. It does not have any intoxicating properties and is found in low quantities in hemp seeds (less than 0.4%). CBD oil is derived from the flowers, stalks and leaves of the hemp plant, rather than the seeds.

Hemp for pets and horses comes in two forms: oil and meal. Hemp oil is not to be confused with CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds and contains little to no CBD or THC.

Hemp seeds are a source of good-quality protein that rival the soybean’s amino acid profile and omega-3 fatty acid content. Hemp seeds used to create hemp oil, have slightly less than three times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acid. While this fatty acid profile of hemp seeds doesn’t match the higher omega-3 content of flaxseeds, the hemp provides an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

GLA is somewhat unique among omega-6 fatty acids in that, unlike most omega-6 fats, research shows it supports anti-inflammatory processes in other animals. It’s not found in flaxseed or other oils commonly fed to horses, whereas in hemp oil GLA makes up about 3% of the fat composition. Fat from hemp oil is about 76% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) as compared to flax oil, which is about 66% PUFA. Horses and small animals find hemp oil very palatable. (TheHorse.com)

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Published by Green Valley Naturals website.
Written and reproduced with permission Megan McKenzie (Beaconsfield, VIC)
Copyright 2021 - Green Valley Naturals