Why Cannabis and Hemp is our hope for Health
Cannabis, Marijuana, Hemp seed, Hemp products….derived from the same plant species yet the stigma around what experts now refer to as the “Tree of life” is still being associated with something that get you “high” or “stoned. So let’s clarify the truth around this miracle plant.
Hemp and marijuana are the names given for the cannabis plant. Both are the same species and share the same DNA but differ in the chemicals they contain and their effect on the body …and differ in their legal status! In a nutshell: Hemp is the cannabis plant without the drug/psychoactive chemicals meaning it won’t get you stoned or high. Cannabis plants also contain the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (which is responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects) and cannabidiol (CBD). In marijuana the THC levels can reach 35% whereas in hemp plants THC is less than 0.35% and hemp seeds don’t contain any THC.
If you want to get into the science behind the difference in marijuana and plant species have a read here: https://cannabiscompany.com.au/pages/hempology-101
So what about medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana? Medicinal marijuana has successfully been used to treat a long list of illnesses and conditions including: ADD, Alzheimers, Arthritis, Diabetes, GI disorders, Stroke and Schizophrenia. A 2018 study published in the Canadian Urological Association Journal found that THC in cannabis reduces post traumatic stress disease (PTSD), reduces inflammation, relieves anxiety and reduces seizures. The combination of CBD and THC acts as a muscle relaxant, relieving spasms, reducing nausea and pain. This study also found that marijuana was better than opioids at reducing pain because marijuana has fewer downsides, less chance of addiction and dose escalation.
I had the privilege of interviewing Dr David Stapleton, PhD in biochemistry and co-owner of the Cannabis Co company Australia. Dr Stapleton offered some amazing insight into the health benefits of the “Tree of life” and why he decided to launch the cannabis co and develop their products. As you can see from all the health benefits above, Cannabis has earned its name as the miracle plant!
I asked David what other benefits does cannabis and hemp plants have that are different to other plants?
It’s the only food which supplies all your dietary needs from one source - no other plant alone can sustain human life without extra sources of nutrition. It’s also the world's most sustainable plant and can be cultivated with ease in a variety of areas. It does not deplete the soil and requires less water than other crops, plus a mature hemp tree can be harvested in 120 days. It provides more protein than soy, produces more paper than any other source, and can even be used as fuel. In fact, it’s so good for the planet that it's been grown on the same land for 20+ years with no real depletion of the soil!
In addition hemp can be made into plastics that are 100% biodegradable, see more here: https://www.sanapackaging.com/). As well as this hemp plants offer the best source of essential fatty acid proportions, that is Omega 3,6 and 9 in the right ratios of 3:1 unlike fish oils which tend to be unbalanced. As Dr Stapelton explains:
"The Omega content in fish oil is in the wrong balance, meaning your body can’t absorb it. So we’re actually depleting the oceans and harming the environment for nothing. Without getting too technical, Omegas are known as Essential Fatty Acids because they’re essential to your health but your body can’t produce them – you need to get them from your diet. The balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 needs to be in a ratio of 3:1, which is the way it comes naturally packaged in hemp"
I have stated incorporating hemp seeds and hemp oil into my diet as well and so far am loving the texture and flavour, knowing I am getting amazing health benefits. So what about Hemp seed oil? As Dr Stapelton explains:
Hemp Seed Oil contains 3 amazing ingredients.
Omega 3, 6 and 9: each of the essential fatty acids, meaning our body cannot make them but we need them badly! This is because they keep our cells healthy and also reduce any inflammation in our body.
Antioxidants that are really good at keeping our skin and immune system in good shape.
Phytosterol is a plant cholesterol that is not only healthy but can swap with some of the bad cholesterol in our bloodstream leading to healthier hearts and cardiovascular health.
So I’ve bought hemp seed oil and I love it but I have also heard and seen some great health benefits for dogs, cats, horses, birds, pigs and rabbits! So I asked Dr Stapelton, what does Cannabis co hemp seed oil for pets offer?
"Our Hemp Seed Oil for Pets can be applied topically to your pet’s skin, fur, paws, claws, joints or nose. Its primary use is to assist heal issues around dryness, inflammation, dandruff, uncomfortable itchiness and may help senior critters suffering from arthritis and painful/damaged joints”
Well…I think I will get some for our dog too then! :)
So given all this great information and health benefits, why are we not seeing medical cannabis legalised in Australia? There are parents literally being charged and serving jail time over helping their sick children with medicinal cannabis. In the US more than 20 states have legalised medical use of marijuana and in the last 3 years has legalised recreational use. A study in 2017 from the Australian institute of criminology looked at marijuana legalisation and its implications. Currently marijuana cultivation and distribution is banned by international agreement under the 1961 single convention on narcotics drugs now consolidated and signed by the US and Australia in the 1988 international drug control conventions (UNODC 2013). In Australia moves to legalise medicinal marijuana treatment while ensuring regulatory regime to access and manage it, is critical. There is concern there is potential problems emerging such as drug driving and workplace intoxication issues. However it can be argued this is the case for any drug or overuse such as alcohol and pain killers and meanwhile many people are terminally sick which could quite literally be saved from medicinal cannabis therapies.
Being a doctor in Biochemistry I asked Dr Stapleton his thoughts on such a controversial topic:
"People think cannabis = stoner. I can assure you that is most certainly NOT the case!I am a PhD biochemist in my 50s and I consume hemp seed oil daily, but I have never smoked marijuana and I have never been “stoned” or “high” in my life. It’s unfortunate that such a stigma exists, but as with many other things, it’s primarily due to vested interests. The petro-chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry, cotton industry, plastic producers etc. All of these industrialists lose money when people use cannabis to its full potential. That’s why for almost 100 years these people have lobbied extremely hard for people to see cannabis as a harmful narcotic drug"
As a society we have an upward battle against us and this is why I am here writing this blog and I hope you have gained something out of it too! Some final wise words from Dr Stapleton on what he’d like people to know about hemp products and cannabis:
"Cannabis can save the world. Leading climate scientists currently estimate 15-20 years before climate change is irreversible"
"we’re committed to pushing this industry forward as hard and fast as we can before it’s too late – for industrial, agricultural and medicinal use, we NEED the world to adopt cannabis and start using marijuana and hemp for all its wonderful applications. Education is key. The tide is inevitable – it’s happening! We hope you’ll join us! "
For my full interview with Dr Stapleton you can read it here:Interview Cannabis Co
Sources and References:
Nickel, 2018, Medical Marijuana for urologic chronic pelvic pain. Canadian Urological Association Journal.
Homel & Brown ,2017, Marijuana legalisation in the united states: an Australian perspective. Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice, issue 535
Benefits of medicinal cannabis: https://cannabiscompany.com.au/pages/the-medical-benefits-of-marijuana.