BalanceJuneIssue2017 - 40

C ANNA BI S

GETTING THE HEMP
What these products won't do, however, is get you
high. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound
in cannabis plants, but it isn't hallucinogenic or
mind-altering. Hemp and marijuana are both

CERTAIN COUNTRIES AND
US STATES HAVE LEGALISED
CANNABIS AND ARE BLOWING
ITS BENEFITS IN OUR FACES
cannabis sativa plants, but in hemp there are only
trace amounts of THC - less than 0.3%. Anything
above 0.3% is illegal. Nutritionist Ian Marber says:
'Hemp contains the tiniest amount of THC - so
small it's irrelevant. It wouldn't be sold otherwise.'
However, while these products are basking in
a degree of reflected glory, hemp does have its
benefits. Ian adds: 'Hemp seeds contain decent
amounts of fatty acids, omega-3, protein, calcium,
magnesium and iron. They also contain GLA and
omega-6, fats that are good for hormones.'

No deaeledr
requir
PERFECTLY
LEGAL
CANNABINIOD
PRODUCTS

CBD OIL DROPS
These oil drops,
straight from the
cannabis sativa
plant, come with
the line 'THC is the
stuff that gets you
high, CBD is the
stuff that makes
you feel better.'
Do not use with
a bong. £21.99,
canabidol.com

HEMP OINTMENT
This cannabinoid
barrier cream,
which is naturally
anti-bacterial and
anti-inflammatory,
may be useful for
skin conditions such
as psoriasis, burns,
stings and dry skin.
Don't make into
cookies. £16.99,
carun.uk

HIT THE HIGH NOTE S
CBD is one of over 80 cannabinoids in all cannabis
varieties, and there is growing belief that these
have as many benefits as THC-heavy strains used
in medicine. Michael effuses: 'The cannabis plant
is almost the perfect plant. Humans are supposed
to have a relationship with this plant because we
have cannabinoid receptors all over our bodies.'
Cannabinoid receptors do exist as part of the
central nervous system, helping to regulate
functions including appetite, pain sensation and
mood. Studies, including one at Yale University,
have shown cannabis stimulates these receptors,
although with milder forms derived from hemp,
you get milder effects. Ian's take is: 'Hemp may be

38

NATURYA HEMP
PROTEIN POWDER
A protein
supplement made
from milled hemp
seeds, which
includes good
omega-3 and iron
elements, too.
Do not roll in
cigarette papers
and smoke. £10.99,
planetorganic.com

BALANCE June 2017

good for hormones and it's anti-inflammatory. But
so are avocados, only better. It's not unique.'
So hemp and CBD are good, but a little 'meh'.
Will we ever be able to get the real deal over here?
The supposedly cancer-curing stuff? Well, the
clamour is rising again. In March, Oxford
University announced a £10million study into the
benefits of marijuana in treating pain, cancer and
inflammatory diseases.
It's backed by X-Men star Sir Patrick Stewart,
who was prescribed 'cannabis-based products,
which I was advised might help the arthritis in my
hands. As a result, I enthusiastically support the
Oxford University cannabis research plan.'
Patrick lives in California, one of nine states to
have legalised marijuana for recreational use, and
one of 29 with medical marijuana available. It's not
clear how Donald Trump will deal with the situation,
but since the legal cannabis market was worth
$7.2billion in 2016, and is projected to grow by 17%
a year, it may be protected by Mr Art of the Deal.
For the same reason - money - it's not ridiculous
to imagine legalisation will also happen in the UK.
Until then, the black market supplying sufferers
of various conditions will thrive. The rest of us
curious types will have to settle for chewing hemp
seeds while listening to Bob Marley's Legend. B

PHOTOGRAPHY: OLEG ZHARSKY/STOCKSY

restaurant Farmacy in Notting Hill offers OMG
Shots containing flaxseed oil, grapefruit and
organic CBD powder. Carun Pharmacy in
Twickenham sells medical organic hemp skincare
ranges and supplements which have high levels of
CBD and low levels of THC (cannabis' psychoactive
ingredient) so they are not acting illegally.
London-based raw food company and café
Rawligion has released a cannabis-based 'mylk'
drink called Relax, containing hemp seeds and
cannabidiol. Development consultant Michael
Isted says the formula 'is used for a multitude of
health issues, including anxiety, cancer (particularly
the side effects of conventional treatment), pain
relief, depression and sleep disorders.'
http://www.canabidol.com http://www.carun.uk http://www.planetorganic.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BalanceJuneIssue2017
