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5 hemp uses to promote health and wellness

Young woman smiles in brightly lit bathroom holding dropper bottle of CBD

Article written by

Olivia SwannMarketing Associate

Content reviewed by

Dipak HemrajMedical Cannabis Researcher

Table of contents

  1. 1. Pain relief and inflammation
  2. 2. Anxiety and stress management
  3. 3. Improved sleep quality
  4. 4. Enhanced skin health
  5. 5. Neuroprotective effects
  6. The bottom line: Hemp offers natural medicinal benefits to support health and wellness
  7. Resources

For years, the production of hemp, a variety of Cannabis sativa containing 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less, was prohibited in the United States due to its similarities with marijuana.

However, when the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, the status of hemp as a controlled substance was removed, and its medicinal potential started to be explored further.

The dietary benefits of hemp — which offers healthy omega-3s and plant-based protein — are well-established. Hemp might also offer therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC, though more research is needed to confirm these properties.

From managing chronic pain to supporting brain health, here’s what to know about hemp’s medicinal uses.

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1. Pain relief and inflammation

One of the most common medicinal uses for hemp is natural pain relief.

The cannabidiol (CBD) that’s extracted from hemp interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in regulating pain and inflammation. 

Research suggests that hemp-derived CBD may help reduce chronic pain related to: 

  • Cancer
  • Neuropathy
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Hemp-based products like topicals, tinctures, and capsules are popular options if you’re looking to manage pain through a more natural route.

2. Anxiety and stress management

Hemp-derived CBD has shown significant promise in reducing anxiety and promoting emotional balance.

Research suggests that CBD may act on serotonin receptors in the brain, which may help support a calmer mood. Serotonin is sometimes referred to as one of our “happy” hormones.

This may be particularly helpful if you’re dealing with:

  • General anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The calming effects hemp can have on the nervous system stand out as a major reason why people are turning to hemp to support emotional wellness.

3. Improved sleep quality

Many people experience improved sleep quality with CBD. By easing symptoms like anxiety, chronic pain, and restlessness, hemp may help you fall asleep more easily and enjoy more restorative rest.

Products used to promote sleep often combine hemp-derived CBD with melatonin or minor cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN) to support sleep.

Hemp CBD offers a non-habit-forming alternative to traditional sleep aids.

While further research is necessary, early studies and anecdotal reports show promise, especially if you’re managing insomnia or irregular sleep patterns.

4. Enhanced skin health

Hemp seed oil can enhance your skincare routine. It’s rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, known for their anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

These nutrients may also help alleviate symptoms related to skin conditions such as: 

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis

Topical hemp-based creams, oils, and balms are increasingly popular for soothing irritated or inflamed skin naturally. 

5. Neuroprotective effects

One of the most impactful areas being examined in hemp’s medicinal uses is its potential role in supporting brain health.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first prescription cannabidiol (CBD) medication, Epidiolex. It’s derived from CBD and has been shown to be effective for reducing seizures associated with rare forms of epilepsy.

Ongoing studies are also exploring CBD’s role in neuroprotection. This may be useful for conditions including: 

  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • MS 

The bottom line: Hemp offers natural medicinal benefits to support health and wellness

As research continues to grow, hemp’s benefits for health and wellness are becoming more clear.

Whether you’re interested in using it to manage pain, soothe anxiety, or promote better sleep, hemp may be a promising natural remedy for a variety of health needs.

If you choose to purchase hemp products, be sure to look for third-party lab testing, which can verify the ingredients and potency. Also, check for proper labeling or packaging that outlines instructions for dosing and expiration dates.

Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is hemp used for medicinally?

Hemp is most commonly used medicinally for its high CBD content. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC (the compound that causes a high). This makes it an appealing option for those seeking therapeutic benefits without intoxication. Medicinal uses of hemp-derived CBD include reducing anxiety, improving sleep, easing inflammation, and supporting neurological health. It's also being explored for conditions like epilepsy, arthritis, and even certain skin disorders. However, more research is needed.

What does hemp do to your body?

When consumed, hemp-derived CBD products interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network that helps regulate mood, pain, immune response, and more. Many people report feeling calmer, more focused, or less physically tense after using hemp extracts. Because it doesn’t contain enough THC to get you high, hemp won’t impair your mental function.

Does hemp really help with pain?

Yes, for many people, hemp-derived CBD can help manage some types of pain, especially chronic or inflammatory types. Research and user reports suggest it may reduce pain by calming inflammation and affecting how pain signals are processed in the brain. It’s not a cure-all, and it works better for some types of pain (like joint pain or nerve discomfort) than others, but it’s a popular natural alternative to traditional pain medications with fewer side effects.