With the recent changes in legislation, there are many people asking questions about how to get an Australian Cannabis Prescription. It’s been a long time coming, but Australians finally have the opportunity to access medical cannabis without having to turn to the black market.
The previous state of the cannabis industry in Australia meant people had to risk prosecution and deal with people that might not have the patients best interest in mind. With the new access scheme, patients can legally access cannabis products designated by a medical professional. This revolutionary breakthrough has been a godsend for both patients and the economy and is expected to continue providing great results.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite as easy in Australia as it is in America – at least not yet. There are still prerequisites that must be met in order to gain access.
This week we’re going to take a closer look at conditions that may enable you to get an Australian Cannabis Prescription. Read on to learn more!
In 2018, medicinal Cannabis products became a part of the TGA’s Special Access Scheme (SAS). This initiative allows people to access alternative medicine and therapy that isn’t yet TGA approved – such as cannabis. You will need a practitioner to file your application before the products become accessible. If successful, you will be able to purchase medicinal cannabis through your local clinic. Applications can all be lodged online and are
So, what does it take to qualify for an application?
Medical cannabis products can be prescribed for a wide range of conditions – though it’s not guaranteed that having one of them will result in approval. You can have a doctor submit an application to the TGA SAS if you have been suffering from the following conditions;
Since the legislative amendment in 2016, specialised clinics have started to appear all across the country. These cannabis clinics are run by doctors who have a deep understanding of how to treat certain conditions. They don’t only prescribe based on cannabinoids, but terpenes too, as the scents play a major role in treating particular ailments.
We’ve put together a list of 9 medical cannabis clinics that have had great success with applications for their patients. Please note that there are many more, and some of these are ‘franchised’ and providing their services in a range of states in Australia.
Here are 3 cannabis clinics you can visit, state by state.
Once you’ve been approved for a prescription, you may have a diverse range of products available to you. Ultimately, your cannabis doctor will be the person who decides what is right for you. Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed medicine from one of the following categories.
Are you familiar with any of these?
Cannabis Flower & Tetrahydrocannabinol
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Other Cannabis medicine
It’s great to finally see the Australian government taking cannabis products on board and approving them as a viable method for treatment. It’s been a very long road. However, it’s going to be worth it. The economic and social benefits of the cannabis industry are phenomenal. If you look at states like Colorado where cannabis tax has been put towards social initiatives, the upside is indisputable. And even though Australia isn’t quite there yet, we’re slowly moving in the right direction.
If you’re somebody who has been considering a cannabis prescription, simply get in touch with one of the clinics in your state to check your eligibility. It doesn’t hurt to try, and the majority of eligible patients have been approved with no additional questions asked.
Last but not least, we’d like to extend appreciation to the citizens who have been fighting the good fight to bring medical cannabis to the Australian healthcare system.
September 6th is Read A Book Day, so we’ve decided to make some recommendations for Hemp books.
What are you curious to learn about Hemp?
Are you looking at using Hemp Food for Health and Wellness? Keen to learn more about CBD for medical purposes? Maybe you’re wondering about the environmental benefits of growing Hemp. Or you might want to get a full run-down on all of the above & more.
Being such a broad topic, this single plant has inspired a substantial number of educational hemp books over the years – So many that it’s hard to pick a single favourite!
We’ve gone ahead and found some of the most groundbreaking hemp books covering its history, uses, and benefits so you can take your pick from the bunch.
So, without further ado, here are our 11 top hemp books written to educate curious minds on Industrial Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis!
Hemp For Victory is a hemp book titled as a homage to the American War campaign that asked farmers to grow Hemp as a critical resource for battle. The book dives into the history of Hemp and its various uses, as well as the reasons society should begin utilising this plant as much as possible – as soon as possible.
Author: Kenyon Gibson
The Hempcrete Book is a classic manual for professionals and hobbyists alike. It explains in detail how to utilise Hempcrete in new builds and restoration and dives into the perks, pitfalls, & common errors when it comes to building with Hempcrete.
Author: William Stanwix & Alex Sparrow
Paul Benhaim is a leading Australian Hemp Entrepreneur and early adopter. In his hemp book, he details everything to do with Hemp – From food to fibre. This hemp books great run-down on the diverse applications of Hemp in modern society.
Author: Chris Conrad
This revolutionary hemp book written by Jack Herer details the petrochemical and paper industry’s plot to wage war on this beneficial plant. As a significant chunk of Jack Herer’s legacy, it’s safe to say it won’t be out of fashion or outdated any time soon. With more than 600,000 copies sold in the last 20 years, this is an absolute must-read for all Hemp enthusiasts.
Author: Jack Herer
Todd Dallato’s Hemp Cookbook is a collection of delicious recipes – each incorporating our favourite plant. This hemp book will teach you how to leverage the unique nutritional properties of Hemp in your kitchen with one simple, easy to follow read!
Author: Todd Dallato
The Great Book Of Hemp is an all-in-one hemp book that covers the diverse history of Hemp and the various ways it has been used throughout time. Learn how Hemp can step up to and solve a range of the world’s most pressing environmental problems while simultaneously aiding the economy & ecosystem.
Author: Rown Robinson
The Hemp Manifesto is a hemp book that dives into 101 ways that Hemp can save our world. From food to fuel, paper, and plastic – Hemp can do it all. You’ll also learn about some of the most impressive and shocking facts about Hemp!
Author: Rowan Robinson
Ivan Artuchovich’s ‘Hempathy’ is an illustrated introduction that smooths the newcomer’s transition into the world of Hemp. For anybody new to the idea of Hemp and medicinal cannabis, this hemp book offers a simplified and streamlined level of understanding. A must-have on the sustainability shelf!
Author: Ivan Art
This comprehensive book on Hemp is one of the most well-researched hemp books on the politics, uses, and history of Hemp on earth. Who would have guessed that the ‘evil’ cannabis plant could offer so many solutions?
Author: Chris Conrad
‘Hemp’ is an engaging book that explores the controversial history of humanity’s oldest agricultural ally. Alongside the long struggle to have it recognised as a helpful plant, this hemp book also speculates on the direction it’s headed in the future.
Author: Mark Bourrie
Hemp For Health covers every known medicinal and nutritional benefit that the cannabis plant can offer. From A-to-Z, this hemp book investigates both legal and illegal health advantages of our favourite plant and how anybody can utilise them.
Author: Chris Conrad
We want to extend a special ‘thank you’ to all of the authors, researchers, and activists who have dedicated their time and expertise towards educating people about cannabis! Without these contributions, much of this information could have been lost in history. Prohibition did its best to wipe the world of its memory of cannabis, but the effort was in vain. Due to the written word of these remarkable figures, there is more hope than ever.
What are your favourite hemp books?
Hemp Clothing has been getting a lot of attention from the fashion industry in recent days. With the world focused on sustainability, conscious consumption, and eco-friendly alternatives, it’s no surprise that people are taking an interest in Hemp.
Contrary to the beliefs of some, Hemp fabric is highly versatile in use. It’s not just daggy, rough, hippy clothing. And as people have started taking Hemp Clothing on board as an option, we’ve seen some very talented designers begin to work with it.
Leah Kelly By Design has been Making Hemp Clothing for around 20 years now and has made countless pieces for men & women, from weddings to formals.
This week we had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her Hemp fabric journey!
The first drawcard for using Hemp was its natural feel and look. I had already conducted a lot of research into the uses of Hemp. I was always impressed by the versatility this plant had to offer & yet astounded by the lack of support the industry was receiving on every level, not just the textile side. Living completely off-grid myself, I am into a sustainable way of life. I could seriously see how the Industrial Hemp Industry of Australia could be a very viable resource for our country
I was taught to hand embroider by my grandmother as a child. I love to hand bead using only crystals or shells etc. Each gown is an heirloom that can be passed down through generations. I was tired of using cheap nasty fabrics which fell apart after applying such detail. Hemp, being the most durable of all materials, was my obvious choice.
I also believe, we as consumers, have gone beyond the idea of owning minimal clothing, hence the disposable society that has created a world with tons of worn clothes in mass landfills all over the world. Hemp clothing breathes in hot or cool climates and withstands the test of time, unlike other fibres grown and used widely & then discarded as it decays only months after purchase.
I started using upcycled fabric from the op shop as I didn’t have the funds to purchase new materials.
If you’re curious about why more designers are choosing Hemp, you can learn about the advantages of Hemp over cotton here.
Occasionally I would find hemp in op shops but not often. I think most people who purchased any hemp clothing back in the day hung onto them !!
I have been working with Hemp clothing now for almost 20 years, & it certainly has been an exciting journey considering the lack of knowledge surrounding potential clientele here in Australia. I designed and made a formal blouse for American Actress/Conservationist Daryl Hannah whilst in Australia for the Australasian Permaculture conference, which she wore to attend the Gala Dinner night for her presentation speech.
I also designed and made a gown for UK socialite Eliza Pearson (heiress to Penguin Book). I showcased 6 of my organic dresses twice for Eco Fashion Week Australia 2018 (Port Douglas QLD) & Fremantle (WA). More recently, I was invited to showcase at Paris Fashion Week. However, due to our recent times of change, my showcase of another six gowns has just arrived at Oxford Fashion Studio, London, to showcase on the runway of London Fashion Week 2021 in September.
All my gowns are made from natural fibres—the latest, using pineapple fibre and banana bark.
However, the majority are hemp or blends of hemp. The 3-dimensional outcome of embroidering with the thread is fantastic.
I love all blends. However, most of my gowns are handmade using the Hemp/Silk blend. One of my favourite pieces I have just sent to London is a blend of Hemp & Wild Nettle, which is just amazing on a couture level for fitted coats. I also have a line of lingerie which my favourite was always the blend of Hemp & Bamboo.
I have just completed a corset made from Hemp/Silk, which I have boned and edged using 100% banana bark. I would love to experiment with the blend of Hemp/Banana Bark, and I believe it could be a similar textile to Hemp/Wild Nettle & a possible production line here in Australia.
High-end gowns certainly require a lot more due care in construction than your average sewing technique. I indeed find Hemp one of the most pleasurable textiles to work with because it is a stable fabric, both to hand embroider and sew with
I have lost count as to how many couture Hemp Gowns I have made over the last 20 odd years, a lot! From weddings to formals, both male and Female. But I believe my favourite piece of Hemp clothing is in London now for the catwalk. That’s my Hemp/Wild Nettle corset coat lined with HempSilk, buttoned up with Smokey Quartz.
What more can we say other than WOW – What a career so far! Leah truly is a huge inspiration, primary contributor, and downright innovator in the Hemp clothing and fashion space. She’s almost been handmaking her pieces as far back as we’ve owned this business. Twenty years is no joke! We’ve got no doubt she’s clocked her 10,000 hours for expertise in this time. When it comes to high-end Hemp clothing, she very well may be one of the most experienced designers in the world – and it shows.
You might not be able to smoke it, but we could bet that wearing one of her pieces would induce a more extraordinary euphoria than even the most potent strain you could think of. Just the way we like it!
Learn more about how Hemp clothing is made here.
We’d love to extend a big thanks to Leah for taking the time out of her busy schedule to have a chat with us about her career and experiences working with our favourite material and making Hemp clothing. If you want to learn more about Leah and her amazing work you can follow these links; Instagram, Facebook, Website
Until next week, everyone!
When it comes to medicinal cannabis, there is more to the history of hemp than many may assume. Contrary to popular belief, it is not as new to humanity as you may think.
There is a long history of Hemp and its many uses can be traced back further than 20,000 years, but reactions to its use have varied. Some are quick to shun it, while others are working to bring its benefits to light. CBD has become a widely used product in the last few years because more people have taken its therapeutic potential aboard. It is one of the active substances in the hemp plant and was the first-ever cannabinoid to be isolated.
The rich history of hemp begins with the plant being initially identified in Central Asia but is dated as far back as the Gravettian civilisation over 20,000 years ago. At this point, humans recognised the usefulness of the plant as a textile fibre. However, its use in medicine began with the Chinese at least 2000 years ago. The Chinese Emperor Shennong was known to drink cannabis-infused tea, and we all know how the Chinese are particular about their tea!
In the 1830s, an Irish scientist named William B O’Shaugnessy released a study (writing another chapter in the history of hemp) looking into the plant’s therapeutic properties. This is likely the first time a researcher was looking at compounds that went on to be known as cannabinoids about 100 years later.
Robert S. Cahn, a British Chemist who studied the plant in 1940, identified the structure of Cannabinol. However, it was not until 1942 when Roger Adams, an American, discovered isolated CBD for the first time.
When we first discovered Cannabinoids, much was unclear. As scientists discovered new cannabinoids, it led to the ultimate question: “which component was causing what effect?”
One of the other objectives that had scientists confused was figuring out the exact number of cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. Each one seemed different.
Another question that presented itself was, “which cannabinoid can be useful medicinally, and what can they treat?”
In 1963, Dr Mechoulam from Israel led the first team to successfully identify the stereochemistry of CBD. A year later, he did the same for THC, ruling out CBD as a psychoactive compound. Soon after this, he was successful in treating 8 epilepsy patients with CBD.
Yet another question was regarding the best way to administer cannabinoids. The idea of smoking cannabis to deliver cannabinoids to the body was not warmly received by society. After research and testing, the use of oils, balms, and edibles showed as a viable alternative. These alternate means of delivering cannabinoids to the body only pose a minor threat to wellness.
Fast forward to 2021. CBD extracts have become very popular and have shown remarkable clinical significance in relieving chronic pain, seizures, & anxiety. There is now a range of cannabis-infused products like cakes, cookies, gummies (for humans and animals), tinctures, creams, capsules, and more.
Thank you all of the scientist who have contributed to the history of hemp.
Change is one concept that is difficult to incorporate into any society. CBD has been going through gradual changes in legal classification all across the world in the recent history of hemp. Hemp was originally a vital crop embraced by society. About a hundred years later, it has become a shunned plant.
The 20th century witnessed a great shunning of Hemp. The plant was associated with many societal vices. Change in perspective moved the government to place a ban on growing, possession, and distribution. However, from the 21st century, people began to advocate for decriminalisation. In 1996, California legalised medical cannabis, and this paved the way for acceptance by others. From 1998-2021 several USA states have legalised cannabis either for medical, recreational, or both purposes. About 47 countries globally have passed the bill to legalise the use and sale of cannabis products as of 2020.
Several individuals have dedicated their lives to ensuring that CBD gets recognised as a helpful product. They have been fighting a tireless battle because they know first hand that CBD is about so much more than ‘getting high’. Thus deserving their recognition in the history of hemp
Charlotte Figi was an American girl who inspired the push for CBD in treating seizures. She was born with Dravet syndrome. With CBD, Charlotte’s seizures reduced from 300 every week to 2-3 per month. She tragically passed on April 7 2021, which has now been marked as ‘Figi Day’ in Colorado. We will never forget her impact on the advancement of the movement to legalise CBD.
Bernie Sanders is another prominent figure who has always spoken up in favour of the legalisation of CBD products. He is a known activist in the United States of America. Bernie proposed the legalisation of cannabis in 2015. Unfortunately, he did not get enough support for the bill.
We also want to mention one of the Australian warriors, Lucy Haslam and her late son Dan. Medicinal cannabis wasn’t able to save his life, but it certainly made the final stretch of his magnificent life a lot more comfortable. Since his tragic passing, Lucy Haslam has continued to fight the good fight to fulfil her last promise to Dan: Win easy access for people facing similar struggles he did. If you’d like to read more about their story, you can read our interview with her here.
We thank you all for your contributions to the history of hemp.
Wrap-Up/Final Words
As most of the world begins turning a leaf in the history of hempbto legalise the use of cannabis products, we’ve seen the start of a golden age in natural medicines. CBD has made a serious impact on a wide range of communities affected by illnesses, ailments, and disabilities that modern medicine can’t treat on its own.
This begs to question: Why has it been outlawed for so long?
Fortunately, governments around the world have started to change the restrictions on CBD… But not just that!
The laws on cannabis, in general, are finally in a state of fluctuation.
We believe that a real change is imminent. What do you think?
What’s going to be the next chapter in the history of hemp?
Let us know in the comments!
Want to learn more about CBD for health & wellness?
When it comes to Health and Wellness, we can’t think of a more appropriate addition to your routine than Hemp. There are just so many different ways it can be used! And even though they’re not all legal here in Australia, we certainly believe they all should be.
As of 2017, Hemp Seed and Hemp Seed Oil are the latest Hemp products made available to retail-level consumers in Australia. Unfortunately, they’re the only products on today’s list that can be legally obtained in our country. However, we hope this changes soon!
This week we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular ways to use Hemp to improve your health & wellness!
Let’s get to it.
The benefits of using Hemp Seed & Hemp Seed Oil as a dietary supplement are often overlooked – which is why we like to talk about it so much.
Hemp Seed is a nutrient-packed byproduct of a pollinated Hemp crop. They are loaded with omega oils, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies require to function. Taking advantage of the health benefits of Hemp Seed is as easy as incorporating it into any meal you’d regularly consume!
Hemp Seed Oil is an oil extracted from the seed through one of two methods – heat extraction or cold-pressing.
Cold-pressing Hemp Seed Oil is the best way to ensure no loss in the nutritional content of the oil. On the other hand, Heat extraction destroys most of the nutrients, so make sure that your Hemp Seed Oil is extracted through the cold-press method!
There are so many ways to use Hemp Seed & Hemp Seed Oil as nutritional supplements. Here are some ideas you can implement today:
Ideas to incorporate Hemp Seed in meals
Ideas to incorporate Hemp Seed Oil in Food
Using Hemp To Boost Skin Health
The nutritional content of Hemp Seed Oil can also be highly beneficial in your skincare routine. Despite the dense concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, Hemp Seed Oil has a comedogenic rating of zero. This means it won’t clog pores when you apply it to your skin. Hemp Seed Oil is one of the few oils with this comedogenic rating
Hemp Seed Oil is great to use during the colder months, learn more here.
Hemp Leaves in Tea
In certain countries, using Hemp leaf in tea isn’t a new thing – it’s tradition. Unfortunately, this is one of the ways to use Hemp that is illegal in Australia. Yes, even if the plant contained 0.3% THC. Based on the industrial Hemp laws in Australia, the leaves and flowers of the plant are completely illegal to use. These valuable parts of the crop must be destroyed otherwise the grower can lose their licence.
The strange thing is that even Thailand is permitted to use Hemp leaf in tea. For those unaware, Thailand was known for having some of the strictest laws on the cannabis plant in the world.
We strongly believe it’s high time that the Australian government reviews their stance on the use of cannabis byproducts.
Learn more from this ABC Landline video.
CBD influences CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body indirectly. This means that it does not directly bind with them. This process is said to decrease inflammatory responses in the body. Well-known signs of inflammation are pain, redness, swelling, heat, and loss of function.
However, pain is the most prominent feature that requires treatment. A reduction in inflammation leads to reduced pain; hence, the use of CBD in managing moderate to severe pain in humans.
When it comes to mental health, CBD can help with reducing the effects of genetic or trauma-based issues. Individuals with varying degrees of anxiety, such as social anxiety or generalized anxiety, will benefit from CBD. CBD interacts directly with serotonin receptors in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety. Panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorders could also benefit from the antagonistic effects of CBD on the endocannabinoid system.
On top of all of this, it is known to help with post-traumatic stress disorder. Countless survivors of traumatic events ranging from anything between road traffic accidents to war. CBD can help free individuals from having to relive these frightening experiences in day-to-day life.
Learn more about CBD in our original blog here.
Hemp offers a wide range of products that can be used as supplements for both physical and mental health. As we’ve mentioned throughout this blog post, many of the ways to incorporate Hemp in your diet are still heavily restricted in Australia. The strangest part of this is that none of the products listed here today could get you high.
However, we are permitted to use Hemp Seed and Hemp Seed Oil in Australia. If you’re keen to give these a go, head over to the Hemp Food section of our website and have a look at what’s available! If you’re not sure what’s best for you, send us a message and we can offer some suggestions.
If you want to learn more, Healthline has a great article that you can read here.
Have you thought of working with Hemp Fabric in your fashion designs?
As lovers of all-things Hemp, one of our favourite things to see is fashion designers adopting Hemp as their fabric of choice. Once hemp is broken down and processed into yarn, it can be spun into a 100% Hemp textile or a Hemp blend. Some of the more common blends include Hemp and Cotton/Organic Cotton, Hemp and Linen, and even Hemp and Silk!
You can make any garment out of Hemp. We even stock Hemp denim, which is remarkably soft and offers a great amount of stretch.
This week, we had the incredible opportunity to interview Jess, the owner and sole designer for her homemade fashion brand Wildly Weaved. While we get into this, we’ll cover some widespread ‘facts’ about Hemp Fabric so we can ask Jess her first-hand thoughts on them!
I started using Hemp fabric in late 2020 when I was on the hunt for a more eco-conscious alternative to create clothing. I read a few different blog posts on the benefits it has, not only as an end product but how It can actually help heal and sustain our earth! I had to give Hemp a go!
When I started the label, I was mostly using linen and offcuts of other natural fibres like cotton.
Not at all! Making the transition over to hemp was rather easy. It’s such a beautiful fibre to work with. With so many different blends, it’s easy to find the perfect fabric for whatever I want to create at the time. It’s also such a great fibre for playing around with Natural dyes.
Nope, I kept the original sewing machine and overlocker I have been using for years.
I like to hand wash my hemp garments in warm water with a natural detergent. The fabric is durable enough to put in the washing machine, but I always prefer a lower temperature and air dry where I can to get the longest life out of my hemp clothing.
This is a tough one! Every type of fabric you provide has its own unique quality and feel. I’ve fallen in love with the fabrics Mr Hemp Co provides. If I had to choose, I would say 100% hemp summer cloth. I love the structure it brings to a piece and It really does feel so soft and comfortable after a few washes!
I have found it easier to work with. It’s such a versatile fibre and with the variety of fabrics Margaret River Hemp Co provides, it is so easy to find a fabric to suit every creative project.
Wash your fabric before creating a garment to really get the feel of how the fabric will fall.
Don’t be afraid to play around a bit, try out a few different fabrics, you might be surprised at which one you like working with.
So, are you a fashion designer looking to try something a little bit more eco-friendly? Maybe you’ve had enough of lower quality, short-lived fabrics? Or potentially, you’ve just heard some standout reports about your friends using Hemp fabric for their garment creations.
This is your queue to give it a go!
2021 is potentially the easiest time since the early 1900s to get your hands on Hemp fabric to use for clothing. So what are you waiting for?
Come and browse our wide selection of Hemp and Hemp blend fabrics today!
If you’re interested in checking out Wildly Weaved’s handmade Hemp clothing, head over and have a browse of her etsy store!
Perhaps Hemp plastic is both the hero we deserve & need; Plastic Pollution seems to be the scourge of the 21st century, and we only have ourselves to blame. Single-use plastic pollution may be one of the most pressing issues of the decade. And the damage being done is far more than just aesthetic!
The majority of plastic products tend to be used once, and then thrown away to float around the planet for… well, longer than any of us will be here. As the elements slowly break down the plastic, toxic chemicals and microplastics permanently leech into the environment. You can read more about the damage plastic is causing here
Whilst it seems very difficult to completely eliminate our dependence on conventional plastic, there may be other options that could help save the environment. The only setback with these options is that they require humans to change their consumption habits too.
Natural plastic alternatives have slowly started to show up in the mainstream market. When looking for natural plastics, you may run into the likes of sugarcane, corn, and of course our favorite – Hemp. Whilst natural plastics aren’t the be-all-and-end-all of plastic pollution, it can at least start to ease the burden on the environment.
This week we’re taking a look at whether Hemp plastic can play a role in solving plastic pollution and what the potential hurdles may be. Read on to learn more!
Farming Hemp is a very eco-friendly practise. Hemp is grown, harvested, and processed into biomass. Farming Hemp is carbon-negative in the best case, and carbon-neutral in the worst. This means that growing Hemp takes more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere than it puts out. It stores Co2 in its stalk and also puts Co2 back into the soil, which enriches the land it’s grown on.
When it comes to the production of Hemp plastics, it’s much more eco-friendly than regular ones. Fossil fuels are not required to extract cellulose. Instead, modern techniques require acid and alkali substances to slowly separate the cellulose from the lignin. The cellulose is then used in the manufacturing of natural Hemp plastic.
Another benefit for the planet is that Hemp plastics are biodegradable. More research is still required on how natural-microplastics impact the environment, but at the very least there aren’t so many harmful chemicals. When natural plastics start becoming normal, the best practise will be disposal in landfill.
On a side-note the quicker a plastic breaks down, the more aesthetically pleasing the planet will be.
Before addressing whether Hemp can help with plastic pollution, we have to look at the problems that plastic pollution causes and how it happens.
Plastic pollution is caused by our insatiable appetite for plastics – more than anything, single-use plastics. These are the greatest problems because the everyday person uses single-use plastics regularly, then gets rid of them.
As the name suggests, single-use plastics are used once and then disposed of. Conscious consumers put them in the recycling bin, but many who don’t know better often discard them into the open environment. This is where a significant amount of damage occurs. The countries that have the biggest problem with single-use plastics tend to be developing countries where recycling programs and public disposal services are lacking.
When plastic is discarded into the environment, it ends up in one of the various ecosystems on our planet; the land or ocean. When they are exposed to the natural elements, they break down over decades – even hundreds of years. Plastics break down into microplastics, and microplastics break down into nanoplastics. Nobody knows how long it takes these compounds to completely re-assimilate into the ecosystem; or if they actually do.
So what about hemp plastic?
Although the more eco-friendly option, Hemp plastic is thought to still produce microplastics – albeit, without the toxic chemicals leaching from the bottle. The bottom line is that there is no avoiding microplastics, but we can manage our relationship with plastics in general to begin harm reduction. Plastic pollution isn’t a problem that can be solved simply by using substitutes.
However, if we team up with natural plastics whilst reducing how much single-use plastic we use at the same time, we might make a real impact.
To put it into perspective, conventional single-use plastics are responsible for between 4-8% of Europe’s fossil-fuel consumption. This contributes to climate change significantly, and that’s just at the beginning-of-life stages. At the end-of-life, plastics break down and turn into microplastics while leaching toxic chemicals into the environment.
Whilst microplastics are still a side-effect of bioplastics at the end of life, the damage caused by production is nowhere near as bad as oil-based alternatives. Hemp, Kanif, Sugarcane, and other fibrous plants are being looked at as viable options. The only problem right now? Scaling the operations to a commercial level.
The best thing we can do for our environment is start being smarter with plastic use. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Many people ask why Hemp Seed Oil and Fish Oil are such a big deal in nutrition.
Omega-fatty acids are some of the most important components of the human diet, so it’s no surprise that we’ve turned to supplements that can fit our needs.
Omega fatty acids are considered essential nutrients because the body needs them to maintain proper functionality – we simply can’t operate without them. Because our body does not produce them on its own, we need an external source to provide – in this case, our diet.
Eating seafood is an easy way to fulfil the body’s need for omega fatty acids, although it’s not quite for everyone. But now there’s a new way to meet your RDI of essential fatty acids – Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp Seed Oil is also high in Omega-3 fatty acids and is made by extracting it from a specific source, much like fish oil. It can then be put into capsules and distributed to consumers.
However, Hemp Seed Oil is the new kid on the block. Rumour has it, Hemp might just be the alpha and omega when it comes to essential fatty acids.
People are always looking for the next best supplement to maintain their best health. Fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, but Hemp Seed Oil is also jam-packed with them. This week we’re taking a look at whether Hemp Seed Oil could be the next fish oil.
For decades now, scientists have maintained the idea that consuming omega fatty acids can help support the health of your heart, brain, and overall development.
The heart is the engine of the body. It is always pumping blood for circulation. Due to its continuous action, it requires nutrients like omega fatty acids to run. In turn, it’s believed that Omega fatty acids can reduce incidences of sudden heart attack and cardiac shutdown.
Essential Fatty Acids are speculated to also help keep certain auto-immune diseases at bay. For example, rheumatoid arthritis comes with unpleasant symptoms like morning stiffness, joint pain, and swelling in patients. You can manage these symptoms with a natural product-omega fatty acid. Thanks to omega fatty acids, individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis can have a better life and function maximally.
Additionally, research shows that pregnant women should consume a variety of omega fatty acid foods. The simple reason is that fatty acids are crucial in the proper development of the fetus.
The main reason that Fish oil is good for human health is that it contains an abundance of omega 3-fatty acids. Pure fish oil has been in high demand since scientists figured out a way to isolate and contain fish oil directly from marine life.
There are two types of omega 3-fatty acids in fish oil – EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Other nutrients include Vitamins A, D, and selenium.
Fish oil helps to reduce the risk of many conditions, like lowering the levels of triglyceride in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit individuals with renal disease. On top of that, it can promote skin cell regeneration and protect from UV rays.
The ‘Wet rendering’ process is the most common method for extracting fish oil. It involves heating the fish to release the oil. After sitting it in boiling water, you have to remove the water and press the fish. The product undergoes separation, centrifugation, and concentration to yield a nutritious oil.
However, when producing fish oil, the balance of the natural ecosystem is disturbed. Overfishing can cause a break in the food chain. Smaller fish are most commonly farmed for fish oil, which means less food for bigger fishes like sharks and guillemots which feed on smaller fishes. The long-term outcome of overfishing is a less diverse, simpler marine ecosystem.
Is that something we really want to be added to our legacy?
As the name suggests, Hemp Seed Oil is oil obtained from Hemp Seeds. Processed Hemp seed oil is colourless and clear, whereas unrefined Hemp Seed Oil is green in colour with a distinct nutty flavour. There is a wide application for Hemp Seed Oil such as making shampoo, soap, paint, ink, and so much more.
Although Hemp Seed Oil is just gaining popularity, it has become highly sought after. Those on plant-based diets often opt for Hemp Seed Oil because it is packed with over 30% protein and loads of other nutrients. In addition, they contain all the essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot make. Hemp Seed Oil is also very rich in omega fatty acids. Furthermore, it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Making Hemp Seed Oil begins with selecting the strain of hemp plant that contains very little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Harvesting and cleaning the hemp seed is the next step. After cleansing the seeds, they are pressed to produce the oil.
The Nutritional content of Hemp Seed makes it a very useful supplement for maintaining health. Hemp Seed Oil is rich in polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, protein, magnesium, fibre, thiamine, zinc, and calories.
Check out the linked blog if you want to learn more about the Health Benefits of Hemp seed Oil
We have established that hemp seed oil and fish oil contain many omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acid is highly beneficial, but the body cannot produce it. The extraction of fish oil involves high temperatures and solvents that may alter the “naturality” of the oil, and it also harms the ecosystem. The process of manufacturing Hemp seed oil preserves the purity of the oil while retaining its benefits, and it doesn’t harm the environment. In addition, Hemp Seed Oil has a longer shelf life than fish oil.
Hemp is a plant that you can grow on a small scale or large scale. Farming for Hemp seed does not have any hazardous effect on the environment. However, harvesting fish for their oil is a straight path to a reduction in aquatic life. Aquatic animals are already heavily depleted of food, and taking the forager fish out of the ecosystem is going to make this all the worse.
Fish oils have about seven times more omega 3 than omega 6. In short, fish oil depends solely on the omega fatty acids for their importance. However, hemp seed oil has omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids paired with several other essential nutrients. The amount of omega 3 in Hemp Seed Oil is a little less, but it actually contains the optimal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 for human consumption. This makes it an ideal choice for consumption!
Both oils are great sources of supplements, especially omega fatty acids. However, it is left to you to determine which you want. Fish oil is ideal for those who only need Omega-3 in particular. On the other hand, Hemp Seed Oil has omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 in the perfect ratios, alongside a wide range of other essential minerals and nutrients.
We opt for Hemp Seed Oil because it contains the perfect amount of essential fatty acids and also offers a diverse selection of important nutrients. On top of that, Hemp Seed Oil is a plant-based alternative that doesn’t involve the farming of animals. It can be grown in a few months, and ready to consume within days.
Instead of Fish Oil, consider trying our Hemp Seed Oil capsules. We stock two types; one with Pure Hemp Seed Oil, and another with Hemp Seed Oil and Turmeric.
What do you prefer – Fish Oil or Hemp Seed Oil?
We all love eating with Hemp! It’s highly diverse in use, nutritious, and can be quickly added to any meal! Whether you’re pouring some Hemp Seeds into a smoothie bowl, adding them on top of your dinner, making a Hemp Protein shake, or even baking with Hemp Flour, we’ve got hemp recipes for you.
The nutritional content of Hemp Seed makes it a superfood in our eyes. It’s loaded with healthy Omega Oils (3, 6, & even 9), magnesium, potassium, iron, fibre, and protein. In fact, protein makes up about 25-30% of the content of Hemp Seed! This is why it makes such a great protein powder when processed correctly. If you’d like to read more about the nutritional content of Hemp Seed, head over to the blog dedicated to this topic!
We had some of our favourite vegan food personalities try our Hemp food products and make some marvellous creations with them!
…So without further ado, here are 7 tasty, nutritious Hemp food recipes that you can easily try at home.
7 Recipes
Ingredients: (serves 2)
Method:
Assembly
Ingredients:
Method:
Ingredients:
Method:
Toppings:
Recipe:
Method:
Ingredients:
Toppings:
Method:
Ingredients:
Method:
Ingredients:
Method:
