In recent years, the popularity of hemp flower — and its best-known molecular compound, cannabidiol (CBD) — has increased significantly, making it a household item that many people enjoy when in search of relief from stress, inflammation and anxiety.  But despite its popularity, confusion reigns as many don't understand that hemp is “more than a molecule,” with a range of benefits much broader than CBD alone, or how hemp differs from marijuana (more on this term below), and the differences that come from how hemp is consumed.

At Meristem Farms, we believe that to truly enjoy hemp flower, you should first understand why it works, and how it can positively impact your life.

In this article, we'll discuss:

• More than a molecule: The benefits of hemp compared to those of CBD alone
• Comparing hemp and marijuana
• How hemp is helping people with a nicotine and tobacco addiction
• Different smokable Meristem products you should try
  
  

Let's dig in!

So, what are the benefits of Hemp?

Hemp is increasingly popular as a potential remedy for a range of conditions including anxiety, inflammation, skin issues and stress. It is common for people to introduce hemp for a variety of reasons in their path to wellness. A few benefits are:

1. Hemp makes you happy, not high.  Marijuana is well-loved by many for its recreational and therapeutic benefits. However, for people who are already feeling anxious, dazed and confused, sometimes the THC in marijuana is not the best choice.
   
   Luckily, most of the benefits of marijuana are in the form of aromatic terpenes and non-intoxicating cannabinoids other than THC, such as CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN.  Since those can all be found in hemp without the THC, these side effects aren't a concern. Instead, you may feel relief from inflammation, calmness, and a greater ability to focus. Research suggests that hemp may have additional benefits to brain function.
   
   
2. Instant gratification. Smoking is the fastest delivery method of hemp’s beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.
   
   
3. Better Bioavailability. This is the proportion of a substance that enters your circulation and has an active effect. In other words, your body's ability to access the wellness opportunities in the plant. Inhalation allows for more rapid uptake of CBD and hemp's other cannabinoids and terpenes compared to other methods of consumption.
   
   
4. Powerful. Our hemp smokes deliver a high percentage of CBD, helping you feel the benefits with just a few puffs. A suggested daily dose is approximately 50 mg (1), but every-body is different!

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the difference?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and the basic answer is fairly simple: Marijuana gets people “high” and hemp does not. But of course there’s a bit more to it! 

First, it’s important to understand that “hemp” and “marijuana” are the common names of two different varieties of the same plant species: Cannabis sativa. Though they are the same species, the two varieties have significantly different traits: Think St. Bernards vs. Labrador Retrievers, which are the common names of two different varieties of Canis lupus.   

The principal difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it produces. “Hemp” is defined in US law (and similarly in many other countries) as cannabis that does not contain more than 0.3% THC, while “marijuana” refers to cannabis that does. THC is the compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana.

It is also worth pointing out that the term “marijuana” is sometimes associated with derogatory and racist connotations owing to the history of the term’s usage. The term “cannabis” has come into broader usage in place of ‘marijuana,’ but that is a misnomer because cannabis also includes hemp.  Other alternatives have been proposed such as ‘low-THC cannabis’ and ‘high-THC cannabis,’ but no common terms other than ‘hemp’ and ‘marijuana’ have taken hold thus far. So for our purposes, at least for now, we’ve decided to stick with “hemp” and “marijuana” Nevertheless, we remind our readers it is critical to understand the racial injustices committed in the name of the War on Drugs and in association with the term "marijuana."

How does hemp help with Nicotine and Tobacco addiction?

Hemp smokes are popular with people trying to quit tobacco and nicotine. It’s thought that the CBD, and other cannabinoids they contain, interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce varying effects. One of which is helping to reduce drug addiction. 

CBD may offer extra support as you go through your nicotine withdrawal phase because it has the potential to decrease anxiety, support better sleep, lower blood pressure, alleviate pain (2), and reduce nausea (3). 

Additionally, CBD is a non-addictive substance (4), so when swapping from using tobacco to taking CBD, rest assured, you’re not going to get addicted to CBD.

Meristem Farms Smokes

The Meristem Farms smokes are extremely popular for their many benefits, as they contain 25 mg of CBD per smoke — making them smooth, tasty, and won't make you feel high.  And, they look and feel just like a regular cigarette between your fingers. 

Our smokes are 100% organic made with our Vermont-grown hemp, contain no tobacco, no nicotine, and are free of fillers and pesticides.

You can learn more about purchasing Meristem Farms’ Premium CBD Hemp Smokes here.

Meristem Farms Pre-Rolls

At Meristem we also offer six ready-for-consumption pre-rolls packaged in reusable glass tubes that will help you receive all the benefits hemp has to offer: 

1. Clarity: This pre-roll packs a powerful 170 mg of CBD or 26% CBD. It has a sweet and citrusy flavor profile that can bring calm and focus in moments of high stress.
   
   
2. Patience: One of our most popular pre-rolls, Patience contains 17% CBD, or 128 mg per smoke. It's perfect if you're looking for patience and tolerance in your life.
   
   
3. Mirth: Packed with 112 mg CBD or 15% CBD per smoke, it's perfect for simple moments of joy and relaxation.
   
   
4. Presence: Through Presence with 172mg CBD or 23% CBD,  you can bring your true self forward and enjoy the moment.

 

1. Reverie: This dreamy strain smells beautiful and gives a creative feeling when smoked. With 180mg CBD or 24% CBD, Reverie is great when you’re looking for a bit of inspiration.
   
   
2. Tranquility: With 92mg CBD or 12% CBD, this lower potency smoke is all many folx need to settle their restful mind and spirit. Give it a try if you’re looking for more relaxation and less stress in your life.

Additionally, we have developed an organic, ‘do-everything’ hemp-infused coconut oil that is potent and easy to consume.

Conclusion

Whether you're introducing hemp into your life because you prefer the immediate effect of smoking hemp plants, or the slow release effect of hemp-derived CBD oils, the health benefits are numerous. In the United States, the usage of hemp —oftentimes in place of high-THC cannabis — has significantly increased in the last few years due to this realization. 

If you're ready to add some clarity, patience, and calm in your life, shop our products today!

About Meristem Farms

A family-owned business, Meristem Farms  supplies hemp plants and crops for holistic products that are rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and other beneficial, non-intoxicating cannabinoids and terpenes. We grow them in northern Vermont, and with partner farms using specially bred cannabis plants to produce oils that feature the unique biochemical profiles of each individual variety.

In addition to farming and distributing organic hemp products, we distribute clean-stock clones and provide consulting services in regulatory compliance and capacity-building. Our goal is to serve our broader industry through policy leadership and public-private partnerships to build equity and effective governance throughout the hemp value chain.

We are a company of learners, in service to customers and partners who seek to realize the promise and power of this plant to heal ourselves and our world. The cure for what ails us doesn’t come in a box, but some good medicine just might help!

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Disclaimer:

Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Meristem Farms products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing or using other medications.

The information presented here is not intended to substitute for information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

All CBD and hemp-derived products on this site are third-party lab tested and contain less than 0.3% THC in accordance with Federal regulations.