​I source CBD oil used in Ceremony from Hempen Organics. A pioneer producer of certified organic Hemp and CBD in Oxfordshire, UK - led by values of authenticity, sustainability and ethical production.

 

 

What is Cannabidiol, CBD?

 

CBD is a potent, healing compound extracted from the Cannabis plant, a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae, indigenous to and originating from Central Asia.

 

 

The Science

 

​​Cannabis is a powerful and complex plant, with approximately 426 chemical components, of which more than 60 are cannabinoid compounds. These comprise a spectrum of chemicals found in the flowers, leaves and stalks of the plant, with Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of primary interest. 

 

The plant has two main subspecies - Indica and Sativa. Sativa plants has a higher THC content, the psychoactive compound of the plant which stimulates the entheogenic effects. Indica plants have a higher CBD content, the non-psychoactive compound known to interact with and mimic the effects of naturally occurring receptors in the body. 

 

The research into its components has led to discovery of an important neurotransmitter system called the Endocannabinoid system. This system is widely distributed in the brain and body and its receptors are found on essentially every cell type, which helps to explain the miraculous capabilities the plant possesses to heal. The Endocannabinoid system is considered responsible for the healthy regulation of significant cognitive and physiological functions including: mood, appetite, digestion, memory, pain sensitivity, hormones, motivation and sleep. 

 

CBD in the body is anti-inflammatory, highly neuro-protectie, anti-cancer and promotes cardiovascular health. It is being shown to significantly alleviate the symptoms of physical disorders including: chronic pain, epilepsy, arthritis, Alzheimers and diabetes; as well as psychological disorders including: anxiety, panic disorder, depression, addiction and PTSD. 

 

 

​Ancient & Shamanic uses 

 

Over the last few decades, thousands of archaeological and anthropological items have emerged from Egyptian, Mexican, Mayan and Aztec cultures which suggest that Cannabis held a deeply sanctified place amongst these empires as a highly revered plant used in shamanic and religious ritual.

 

Today, the use of the Cannabis plant as an entheogen - a chemical used to induce mystical states - is found in nearly all religious traditions including: Christianity, Sufism, Buddhism, Shintoism as well as among the Bantu, Pygmy, Zulu and Hottentot tribes of Africa. These traditions deem conscious communion with the plant as key to understanding the true nature of the Self and one’s own personal relationship to the Earth and greater cosmic unity of all life.   

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Hemp

 

Reviving an ancient crop 

 

Cannabis is also known as Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant species grown for the industrial uses of its derived products. It is used in food, medicine, clothes, cosmetics, cleaning products, building materials, biodegradable plastic and as a clean energy source biofuel.

 

Hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth and is able to germinate at temperatures just above freezing, meaning it can grow in many parts of the world using organic methods. It is unmatched in durability, resiliency, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties making it a powerful renewable replacement for countless current technologies. 

 

Hemp offers extensive environmental benefits including:

• Carbon sequestration - it is the most powerful plant carbon sink, taking vast quantities of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. 

• Soil enhancement rather than depletion - the plant’s deep roots break through hard ground and bring nutrients to the surface which improves soil structure, water retention and nutrient availability for future crops.

• Hemp enhances biodiversity and provides an abundant and rich late season food source for bees. 

• It is an extremely economical and profitable cash crop for farmers when permitted to utilise the whole plant.

 

​Nutritionally, Hemp is one of the best sources of complete plant-based protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. The oil from Hemp seeds is higher than fish oils in omegas 3, 6 & 9, in optimal balance for the human body. High in fibre, the Hemp seed shell is also a rare nutritional source of vitamin D for when the sun isn’t shining. The combination of protein and fat that is provided by the seed make it an excellent replacement for meat or dairy products for a more plant-based and ecologically-friendly diet.

 

​The future is Hemp

 

Hemp is no longer in production because of laws written in 1937 by politicians involved in big industry at the time. Cultivation of Hemp posed a direct threat to the petrochemical industry, as well as cotton growers, and paper producers with large timber holdings. The Marijuana Tax Act destroyed the domestic Hemp trade beginning the war on Cannabis. 

 

Today, the miraculous versatility of the Cannabis plant to nourish our spirit, the health of our minds and bodies, as well as the planet offers a change in the course for humanity,  away from exploitation and destruction, towards a peaceful victory over some of today’s biggest challenges.

 

At current, UK Hemp is monitored and licensed by the controlled drugs sector of the Home Office. This is causing serious problems when opening up the many potential uses of this plant to radically improve the health of our communities. Hemp has historically proven itself to be one of the most useful plants at our disposal and with the right policy change, can empower us to rebuild our society in the best way possible.