Hemp sativa: effects, uses, and properties
Hemp sativa is certainly one of the most known and widespread plants in the world. It belongs to the Cannabaceae, a family of dicotyledonous angiosperm plants, plants with flowers without petals and fruits with a single seed. Hemp sativa is an annual plant that grows without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and does not require constant maintenance or irrigation. Composed of a rigid stem, it is characterized by serrated palmate leaves that extend all around the space. With a bright green color, it adapts to all types of environments, reclaiming the soil.
Hemp sativa properties
The properties of Hemp sativa are countless; it is considered one of the most complete plants in nature. The multiple essences are concentrated in the female inflorescence, which can contain over 100 different terpenes. In botanical perfumery, it represents a truly interesting note for perfumes with incredible olfactory strength. In aromatherapy, it has a calming, relaxing, and rebalancing action. Its aroma is fresh, sweet, herbaceous, a dew-kissed caress that soothes the spirit, a vibrant song of happiness and trust.
Hemp sativa in Italy
The uses of Hemp in Italy date back to very ancient times. Recent findings on Lake Albano, near Rome, have shown that hemp was present in the wild in Europe as early as around 11,000 BC. For a long period, Italy was the second largest producer in the world: from textile production (clothes, papers, and traditional embroidered fabrics) to construction materials for green building (bricks, sails, and ropes for navigation), cosmetics, foodstuffs, oily products, and much more. For this reason, it has always been defined as "sativa = useful" – an incredibly versatile plant.
Hemp sativa cultivation
In the first half of the 20th century, the Italian economy of peasant tradition went hand in hand with the production of high-quality, totally ecological hemp products. The recycling mentality was implemented daily by intelligently and innovatively processing every single part of the plant. Despite the socio-cultural changes that have occurred over time, hemp culture has taken root in our social and historical identity. Entire generations have grown up alongside this precious resource, giving it respect and value.
Differences between Cannabis indica and sativa
The difference between cannabis indica and cannabis sativa concerns several aspects: origin, geographical location, flowering time, active ingredients, psycho-physical effects, and uses.
Cannabis sativa origins
Cannabis sativa originates in very hot and humid typically Asian areas, from Western China to Northern India, including Thailand, Cambodia, Central America, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil. Hemp sativa is characterized by long, thin leaves, a tall and slender stem, and very long flowering times that can reach ten months. It is a very resistant plant, not susceptible to mold, unlike the indica species.
Cannabis sativa effects
The effects of cannabis sativa are called “high effects” because they are particularly aimed at the psychic and cerebral sphere: when consumed, it increases creativity and euphoria.
Its qualities are expressed to the highest degree in the psycho-physical effects it offers: it increases positive energy, counteracts anxiety and depression, bringing greater creativity and willingness to act. It reduces nausea, bringing a sense of peace and well-being to the body and mind.
Cannabis indica origins
Cannabis indica originates in very hot and dry typically Middle Eastern areas, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Turkey. Indica hemp is characterized by wide leaves and a short, robust stem; its flowering times are short, which is why it is often preferred by growers. Compared to sativa hemp, at the time of flowering, attention and care are necessary because it is subject to various types of mold.
Cannabis indica effects
The effects of cannabis indica are called “stone effects” because they are particularly directed at the body and physical aspects in general: when consumed, it increases the senses and bodily perceptions. Its beneficial qualities at a psycho-physical level are varied: it relaxes and loosens body muscles, improving contractures and joint pain. It helps combat insomnia by improving sleep quality, reduces stress and anxiety, bringing calm and serenity to the spirit, and reduces pain and inflammation.
Hemp essential oil
The essential oil of hemp sativa is produced from the flowers of female or hermaphrodite plants through steam distillation. The sativa hemp variety typically produces high levels of Cannabidiol (CBD), which gives the plant multiple beneficial and therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. The cultivation for essential oil production must follow clear specifications: cultivation is without the use of chemical additives and without pesticides so that the essential oil is pure and 100% natural.
Benefits of hemp essential oil
Essential oil is a precious concentrate of terpenes naturally present in Hemp, which positively affect the psycho-physical sphere of the person by combating anxiety, stress, insomnia, headaches, and migraines. Through the subtle energy of the plant, Hemp aims to relax and unwind body and mind, inducing a feeling of calm and serenity. Ideal for diffusing in relaxing environments to fully benefit from its aromatherapy potential.
Properties and benefits of Hemp
The various levels of Cannabidiol (CBD), according to several important studies, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relax muscles. Cannabidiol effectively reduces inflammatory states by regulating various systems, including the central nervous system, and allows the release of biochemical substances such as serotonin, the famous happiness hormone.
Cannabidiol helps support the menstrual cycle in women, acting as a relaxant, alleviating pain, and relaxing, creating a state of calm and tranquility. Its anxiolytic properties allow women to face menstruation with greater control over mood swings. Cannabidiol counteracts frequent headaches and migraines thanks to the activation of serotonin, which, if absent, can cause symptoms.
Differences between Hemp and Marijuana
Over time, various misunderstandings have arisen regarding the difference between hemp and marijuana. Marijuana is scientifically defined as the psychoactive substance derived from the inflorescences of the female hemp plant.
Cannabis is recognized as Cannabis sativa L., of which three varieties are distinguished: cannabis sativa (useful), cannabis indica (Indian), and cannabis ruderalis (Russian or American), all with different sizes, origins, concentrations, percentages, and active ingredients.
The term marijuana has no etymological meaning. It was thus defined by Mexicans – the indica species – for its intoxicating effect for recreational use. Throughout history, various terms have been invented to identify marijuana, always referring to dried inflorescences to be subsequently smoked, although hemp has a much more prestigious history and there are countless ways to benefit from all its qualities. Undoubtedly, its 'fame as a drug' has weakened the great history of hemp, one of the most complete and useful plants that nature has to offer. Today, important scientific research has allowed this plant to regain value and interest.
Legal hemp sativa
Legal hemp refers to the sativa variety, which, under law no. 242 of December 2, 2016, allows the free cultivation of hemp with THC content below 0.2%.
The main uses of legal hemp in Italy are for food (in the production of seeds, oil, flour, biscuits, condiments), textiles, paper, cosmetics, building materials, sports equipment, fashion accessories, but also for aromatherapy, such as the use of essential oil.
In Italy in the 1930s, hemp cultivation occupied 85,000 hectares of land, holding the title of the second-largest producer in the world by quantity after the USSR and first in quality. Only after 1950, with the advent of synthetic fiber production, did hemp cease to be an important source of income for the Italian economy until it was almost forgotten. Olfattiva's new line, featuring Hemp and its well-being, is called Canapì. Canapì is composed of three products that work for aromatherapeutic purposes:
The Roll On with Hemp essential oil and Almond oil;
The Canapì perfume, a natural perfume based on essential oils.
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