Hemp Research Needed For Cannabis Legalization

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Cannabis Plant holding on the sun

Hemp has been used in medicines, to make fibers, and as a staple food item for over 6 millennia across the globe.

This plant is one of the two forms into which cannabis is classified, the other is medical marijuana. Where medical marijuana is known for its medicinal use and uplifting medicinal benefits, hemp has long been recognized for having strong therapeutic compounds, seeds, and fiber that are currently being used in more than 25,000 different food products and medicines.

Compared to medical marijuana medicinal compounds found in hemp, such as cannabidiol, are relatively non-intoxicating. In North American and European countries, a crop of hemp must contain no more than 0.2% to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol, an intoxicating compound, to be classified as hemp.

Usually, hemp is cultivated for either fiber or seeds. Research suggests that “hemp seeds comprise an approximated 30% oil, 30% protein, and 25% starch”. Therefore, hemp seed oil could be a valuable addition to most human and animal diets. Apart from this, hemp is also known for producing more than 100 cannabinoids, including CBD – which is notably listed as a treatment for over 26 medical conditions.  Hence, hemp has proven to be a multi-faceted crop with numerous benefits associated with it.

However, researchers have also stated that these are only a few of the many benefits of hemp.  It may potentially have a lot more to offer that hasn’t been discovered yet. The recent influx of states enacting cannabis legalization across the U.S. has made it slightly easier to conduct extensive hemp research recently. 

Considering the need for research, Tennessee State University (TSU) initiated a hemp research program in 2017. A core part of the program was focused on a group of researchers determined to develop sound hemp production practices among raw hemp farmers and to study the economic benefits of hemp production simultaneously. This research program had led in a promising direction, engaging almost 3,400 registered growers from across the state. Several other research studies have been conducted as well, and mentors of this program claim to have gathered a lot of valuable data.

They further add that although hemp is being grown in almost every part of the state, farmers aren’t well-educated when it comes to the proper methods and lack the resources to research and implement them. Therefore, the most crucial challenge they face is educating farmers about extensive research data and guiding them on how to cultivate the hemp crops with the needed significant nutrients.  

Despite all efforts of TSU contributing to hemp research, the outcomes seem to be inconclusive for now, and nothing new has been discovered yet. Back-to-back research studies are being carried out, which have led to similar results. 

One reason behind this could be the state-wide restrictions and limitations on research, cultivation, and hemp processing, which restricts individual researchers to come up with pioneering conclusions regarding hemp. Many of these restrictions pose a barrier and may need to be lifted or modified to promote further hemp research. 

This step can contribute to the understanding of cannabis. This is a basic need the cannabis industry is fighting for in regards to legalization across the globe. While authorities take some actions over expanding hemp research, you can always get access to all your favorite cannabis products at Inyo, the best cannabis dispensary near the Las Vegas strip.

Visit our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders at Inyo Las Vegas dispensary if you need help finding where to buy cannabis in Las Vegas and for any cannabis-related questions you might be curious about. You can visit us in-store at our dispensary near the Las Vegas strip or try our fantastic curbside pickup and delivery services!

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