Be it your protein powder label or a bakery item somewhere- you've probably seen hemp seed being used. Their wide range of applications means that this substance is present in everything from animal feed to fuel.
Hemp seed oil is another important derivative of this product. It is known to be highly beneficial, being rich in omegas and natural fatty acids. However, since these are essentially cannabis extracts, you may be hesitant about their use.
What are Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant. Since these plants do not result in seeds, they can produce more resin. Upon flowering, the flower needs to be pollinated to produce hemp seeds. However, in hemp culture, particularly in one geared towards CBD oil production, unfertilized female plants are preferred.
Unless you conduct a scientific test, there's no way to tell hemp seed and marijuana seed apart. This is because there is no scientific difference between the two, and they are both considered Cannabis sativa seeds according to science. The distinctions are laid down by law, which is only enforceable when the plants mature.
The THC levels in the plants become apparent only when the hemp is old enough. A hemp seed plant will contain less than 0.3% THC, while a marijuana seed plant will contain less than 0.3% THC.
What are Hemp Seeds Used For?
Hemp seed is a versatile product with a large number of applications. Hemp seed oil is made by cold pressing the seeds. These oils are known for their high omega content, rich in variants 3 and 6. These qualities make hemp seed oil a major ingredient in wellness products like hair oils, protein powders, creams, and general health capsules.
Cold pressed hemp seed oil can also be used for cooking as it is known to have 40% more natural saturated fats than olive oil. Other than these, hemp seed has applications in numerous other fields, including fuels, bakery items, and animal fodder.
Do Hemp Seeds Contain CBD?
In its seed form, hemp contains only natural oils, proteins, fatty acids, and fiber. Hemp seed can't contain CBD because this substance is produced only in mature cannabis plants. For CBD to get produced, this seed needs to germinate and grow into maturity.
Depending on the conditions, it takes the hemp plant four to six months to mature fully. Once it has attained this age, the CBGA acids transform into the phytocannabinoids known as THC and CBD.
Without passing through these essential stages, CBD cannot get produced, and therefore, there is no way hemp seeds can contain this cannabinoid.
However, it is possible to find scientifically altered seeds. Experts work on these batches to ensure only favorable yields, be by growing all feminized hemp or by rearing variants with high CBD or THC content. When people remark about “high CBD hemp seed” oil, they most probably refer to these genetically modified variants.
So, Where Can You Find CBD in Hemp Plant?
To ensure no loss of the precious CBD, you need to look at managing the crops carefully. This is because instead of the seeds, CBD is present in the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. During harvest, cultivators carefully pluck these using manual tools like tobacco knives or large harvester machines.
Of the two, hemp flowers contain more CBD than the leaves, and unpollinated flowers from female plants have a higher yield. After harvest, these leaves and flowers are trimmed, dried, and cured before being used. They are sent to the extraction facilities to make CBD oils and related products.
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