Things Made from Hemp that Make You Say: Hmmmmm

Since the legalization of hemp in 2018, hemp has gone mainstream as heck! This is a great thing considering that hemp, just growing it, can help save the planet. With hemp having gone mainstream, the replacement of plastic can also contribute to a better Earth. In this one, we look at a few ways hemp has gone mainstream and the products now made from hemp that will make one say “hmmmm”. This is a good “hmmmmm”, like “hmmmm, well if the hemp version is better and still affordable, why not contribute to Earth’s health?”

Fuel/ Gas- Goes Hemp!

What is Hemp Fuel

Hemp fuel is fuel made from hemp oil. The National Hemp Association defines hemp fuel as: “Hemp biodiesel is the name for a variety of ester based oxygenated fuels made from hemp oil.” And biodiesel is a term used for fuel made from plants.

Plant oil for fuel isn’t a new concept. Dr. Rudolf Diesel, a German inventor and mechanical engineer, famous for the invention of the Diesel engine, developed the first diesel engine to run on vegetable oil.

The Process of Turning Hemp into Fuel

Canex, a cannabis news publication in the United Kingdom outlines the hemp fuel making process as:

1. The harvested plant is shredded and heated with chemicals.
2. The cellulose is released and the enzymes are used to break down the cellulose into sugar (sounds like the human body a bit).
3. Microbes added to aid the fermenting process of the sugars, turning them into ethanol.
4. The ethanol is purified and distilled, leaving the final biofuel.

Hemp Fuel for the Planet

When thinking about traditional fuel like coal, natural gas, and oil, do we consider how it’s harvested? Probably not. Traditional fuels are harvested from the earth and burn, according to Canex. In a piece written by Emily Ledger, about hemp fuel, it states:

“Petrol and diesel, are made using crude oil, which consists of hydrocarbons. When burnt, the fuel creates energy but it also causes the release of toxic chemicals.The hydrocarbons in the oil are converted to carbon dioxide, and other harmful by-products when burned.Traditional and/or fossil fuels have become the main focus of international environmental concern.”

The Benefits of Hemp Fuel

As with most hemp products, their benefits lay in the benefits of hemp. Evohemp lists some of the benefits as:

• Hemp is a renewable resource, meaning the plant grow consistently and quickly, unlike traditional fuel,
• Hemp releases more oxygen than most plants do, which mitigates the harmful effects of a release of carbon dioxide.
• Biofuel is more lubricating than petroleum and does not harm the torque or ignition of the car.

Photo Credit: Taste for Life

Shampoo and Hair Care- Goes Hemp!

Hemp Infused Shampoo

Hemp infused shampoo is generally shampoo, infused with a hemp CBD concentrate, usually oil. Because of hemp’s legality in the United States, what is seen in the stores is legal. Hemp is federally legal and hemp contains less than 0.3% THC so, those fearful of a “high”, no need. Hemp’s main cannabinoid is CBD and CBD doesn’t create a psychoactive high the way that THC does. In fact, applying hemp as a topical doesn’t create any type of psychoactive high.

The Benefits of Hemp Infused Shampoo

Hemp has a long list of benefits and so, no matter the way it’s consumed and/or applied, the body and/or mind will receive medicinal benefits of some kind. Luxury Hair (.com) states: “using CBD shampoo for example can improve dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and itchy, flaky scalp. Below are additional benefits that hemp can offer through shampoo:

Promotes Hair Growth: the fatty acids and omegas in hemp contribute to healing of damaged hair and restoration of keratin which helps restore hair.

Strengthens Hair to Alleviate Breakage: those that apply heat and color to their hair can benefit from anti-breakage treatment. Hemp infused shampoo is known to prevent hair breakage due to hemp’s nutrients and ability to strengthen keratin.

Moisturizes Hair: hemp drops off lots of omegas when applied to hair and omegas keep hair moist. Hemp is known as a solid hair moisturizer and moisturized hair means hydrated.

Scalp Health: dry hair is one of the main causes of scalp irritation. Scalp irritation leads to hair breakage. Hemp plays a role in scalp health by providing moisture and nourishment.

Candles and Essential Oils- Go Hemp!

Hemp CBD Candles

These candles are usually made with hemp seed oil in the base. The hemp seed oil creates a slow burn effect making the candle last longer. But most importantly, like most candles, the aromatherapy sends the body and mind into relaxation. And no worries, lighting up a hemp candle isn’t like lighting up a hemp joint. The infused candle includes hemp oil in the base- along with other oils so, there is no scent of hemp associated with a hemp candle.

Hemp Infused Essential Oils

Essential oils have been a part of human life for centuries. These oils are used and applied in and for various reasons: relaxation, skin irritation, acne, etc. Hemp oil has a tremendous amount of valuable plant compounds that aid in overall health. Like peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and others, hemp provides a multitude of benefits.

Benefits of Hemp Candles and Essential Oils

There is a long list of all the benefits hemp provides. As related to hemp candles and essential oils benefits:

• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Varicose eczema
• Lichen planus
• Inflammatory skin
• Acne
• rosacea
• Brain health
• Heart health
• Muscle tension
• Stress
• Aromatherapy to ease anxiety and depression
• Pain reduction
• Improved sleep
• Skin hydration
• Scalp hydration
• Helps regulate and optimize the digestive system

Final Thoughts

Fuel is a huge environmental issue. There are studies that show the benefits of hemp fuel, like the one in the 1970’s.

A study conducted at Stanford Research Institutes’ concluded that woody or low moisture herbaceous plants are the most efficient biomass resource for thermochemical conversion into liquid fuels. I love a point made about hemp fuel, by Cannabis Tech, in a piece written by Kristina Etter:

“UConn’s research showed hemp oil had a 97% conversion rate into biodiesel and passed all lab tests. Imagine a fleet of transport trucks powered by fuel made by a plant which left the soil in better condition than it found it.”

Hemp candles can enhance the ambience of the home, uplift the energy. In an article by Decorative (.com), they state:

“There are many ways to make your home a more welcoming and warm place. The way you decorate your home often time expresses the mood you are in. So if you want to personalize your home and create a beautiful ambiance, candles are the number one way to do it.”

Hemp is showing a lot of promise and positive results as it relates to hair care and overall health and beauty. It makes environmental and health sense to use the hemp version of these products. If plants can do all of this, imagine an engine that can run off of water!

This is a collection of small pieces, written by the author- Veronica Castillo, and published originally in the Plain Jane CBD blog.