What is Hemp?
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is the same species of plant as cannabis. Unlike cannabis, hemp contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), less than 0.3%.
Both hemp and cannabis also contain cannabinoids such as CBD, cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), and others. The specific definition of hemp versus cannabis was established by limiting the THC content of hemp to no more than 0.3%. Hemp seeds contain fats, protein, and other chemicals.
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People use hemp for constipation, high cholesterol, eczema, arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Hemp seed, seed oil, and seed protein are commonly consumed as food. Hemp is possibly safe when the seed oil is used as medicine for up to 6 months. There isn't enough reliable information to know if hemp flowers, hemp leaves, or oil made from the flower or leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hemp is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hemp is safe for children. Hemp seed oil has caused rare cases of sleepiness and blood shot eyes in children.
Allergy to cannabis: People who are allergic to cannabis might also be allergic to hemp. Use hemp with caution if you are allergic to cannabis.
Surgery: Hemp protein might lower blood pressure. This might make blood pressure fall too low, especially during surgery. Stop using hemp protein at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Estrogens interacts with HEMP
Hemp seed might increase estrogen levels in the body. Taking hempseed along with estrogen might increase the effects and side effects of estrogen.
Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with HEMP
Hemp seed protein might lower blood pressure. Taking hemp seed protein along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with HEMP
Hemp seed protein might lower blood pressure. Taking hemp seed protein along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with HEMP
Hemp seed might slow blood clotting. Taking hempseed along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Dosing
Hemp seed, hemp protein, and hemp seed oil are commonly consumed in foods.
As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of hemp might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.