Carl Sagan, have suggested that the harvesting of hemp “led generally to the invention of agriculture, and thereby to civilization.” While it’s hard to tell if that’s true, there’s no denying hemp’s impact on the passage of history. Once a simple crop, hemp has since exploded into an international industry that produces dozens, if not hundreds, of different products. Drippers CBD is proud to continue this fine tradition with our line of zero percent THC hemp drops.

Back to its Roots

Humans have been finding innovative uses for hemp for millennia. More than 10,000 years ago, groups of humans started using hemp to make durable fabrics. These textiles, remarkably, have stood the test of time, as estimates suggest that they were first woven around 8,000 BCE. Then, as now, people recognized the multifaceted uses of hemp and put it use in dozens of products and goods. In Russia, hemp was used to make sturdy rope. In China and the Middle East, paper was made from pressed hemp. Its practical nature made hemp a valuable commodity in the ancient world, and it quickly spread into Europe. In Germany and England, farmers and landowners planted hemp. Most famously, King Henry VIII—infamous for beheading his wives—invested heavily in hemp, encouraging landed gentry to raise more of the plant in order to create rope and other materials. This investment would pay off, as England put these materials to good use by becoming a naval superpower during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Hemp in the New World

Hemp’s history didn’t end in Europe. Indeed, it found its way across the Atlantic ocean to the New World. Colonists brought hemp seeds with them to plant in the lush American soil. While cotton was king in the new American colonies, hemp was prized for its many uses and profitability. Farmers made hemp into a major export crop, sending tons of the plant back to England to be made into clothing, boat sails, books, and more. The use of hemp was so widespread in the colonies that the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. But long after the guns of the Revolution fell silent, Americans still used hemp in creative and new ways to make products and goods like oils, fuels, and more.

CBD

Here at Drippers CBD, we don’t take much seriously, but we do take our CBD and vape products seriously. While CBD drops and hemp oils have become extremely popular in recent years, we’ve found there to a be a lack in useful, practical information about these products. With CBD finding its way into more products, including our great vape e-liquids, we felt it important to outline some of the key things you need to know about CBD.

So What is CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It’s a chemical compound that is found in the cannabis family of plants. While it can be found in most cannabis plants, most companies extract their CBD from hemp because of the high concentration of the compound found within it. Additionally, hemp is prized for its lack of another notable cannabis compound, THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol.

But Wait, What’s the Difference in CBD and THC?

Many people conflate CBD and THC to be the same thing. This is likely because they both come from cannabis plants, and the term “cannabis” is closely linked to marijuana. The result is that many assume that CBD leaves you feeling “stoned” or “high” the same way that marijuana does. However, THC is a psychoactive compound, and high quantities of that compound can be found in marijuana. THC can also be found in hemp, but usually, it is in such small amounts that the much larger quantity of CBD actually serves to counteract any of the psychoactive effects of the THC. Indeed, to be grown in the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill stipulated that hemp must have less than 0.3 percent THC in it to be legally grown. So, CBD cannot get you high like THC does, making the former compound great for those looking to make it a part of their healthy lifestyles.

CBD is, in Fact, Legal

Thanks to both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, industrial hemp is now legal to produce and use in the United States. CBD is also legal to purchase and consume in the U.S. However, the legality of some kinds of CBD is different based on where you live. If your CBD product has been sourced from marijuana, rather than hemp, it may not be legal for you to use and purchase. It’s in your best interest to familiarize yourself with your state’s local laws that cover marijuana. You should also always make sure that your CBD products are derived from high-quality hemp plants.

Your Body is Ready for CBD

Perhaps one of the most surprising facts about CBD is that your body is already set up to absorb and use it. Within all of us is an endocannabinoid system which is part of our larger network of neurotransmitters. The endocannabinoid makes it easier for our nerves to speak to each other and communicate across our entire body. Your body makes use of a certain amount of CBD anyway, and using a CBD-based product like our vape drops offers your body more of this valuable compound. For some, using a hemp oil derived product can result in an uplifted mood or sense of wellness. Some studies have even suggested that those with chronic lethargy are simply suffering from a CBD deficiency.

CBD isn’t Without Side Effects

Used to manage pain, address dry and itchy skin, and help with emotional concerns as well, the benefits of CBD are many. But it also has its share of side effects. In some cases, users of CBD have experienced feelings of nausea, irritability, and even difficulty sleeping. These side effects are fairly innocuous when compared to prescription drugs, and generally can be avoided by taking the recommended daily dosage. It’s also a good idea to consult with your doctor before introducing CBD into your healthcare and vaping regimen.

We’ve all had that moment. You just finished an incredible meal at a restaurant, quickly it becomes your new favorite place in town. Excited to share your discovery with others, you take your friend to lunch there. While your meal is just as good as last time, your friend doesn’t feel the same way. CBD, like food, music, and more, has a different impact on different people. As a result, some swear by the amazing properties of CBD, while others simply don’t experience anything after using something like a CBD tincture. Join Drippers CBD as we explain why CBD effects people differently.