Hemp – The Nutritional Wonder

Hemp is the Old English term for the strain of Cannabis sativa that is naturally low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and therefore lends itself to uses other than principally as a drug or medicine.

This low incidence of THC in hemp is generally seen in the Oilseed variety of Cannabis, which is mostly produced for industrial reasons, as it contains little to no psychoactive effect on the user. Hemp, in comparison to Cannabis grown for marijuana purposes, contains THC below 0.3%, where as the stronger strains of the herb, grown specifically for drug use can contain anywhere between 2% – 20% THC. Therefore even if “industrial hemp” were consumed as a drug, its usage would never lead to addiction, or entail the user to participate in drug abuse treatment programs.

Hemp production has grown over 300% in the past few years, and in 2007 Canada (one of the main countries to provide Hemp to the US) exported approximately 700 metric tons of hemp seed, 100 metric tons of hemp fiber and 80 metric tons of hemp oil, with almost 60% of this export going directly the US.

From Clothing to Cooking – Hemp’s Many Uses

Beyond drug use, Hemp has historically served many purposes, most notably as a fabric in its own right – presently it is often combined with a cotton fiber mix, allowing hemp to provide a strong and durable cord-like fabric used in the production of everything from clothing and bags.

Hemp can also be combined with lime to create concrete-like building blocks, used in many countries such as France, as insulation for building purposes. The seeds from the hemp plant are also commonly harvested for agricultural use as feed for farm foul such as chickens, and bait for fishing.

However, Hemp has great nutritional value for humans, as well as animals. Being so easy to grow, with literally no need for the use of herbicides and very little use of pesticides, it is a suitably natural seed perfect for consumption, whilst at the same time being gentle to the environment in its production.

Astonishing Nutritional Value

The other main health benefit that comes naturally from the consumption of hemp seed is that it’s a rich source of the important and highly beneficial edible oils, such as Omega 3 and 6. These Omega oils are renowned for their ability to fortify the functioning of the brain and reproductive system, lowering cholesterol and also adding luster and strength to the hair and promoting healthy skin.

With all these amazing benefits, it is surprising that hemp is not used more commonly in everyday cooking, as you would struggle to find another seed containing such nutritional power.

If you’re interested in perhaps adding hemp seed to your daily diet, why not try out this recipe for hemp seed granola squares, perfect for a quick breakfast, just the right size for sharing or to eat as a delicious, healthy snack? (Or, if you don’t have time to bake, simply try adding a sprinkle of hemp seeds over yoghurt, salad or cereal for added nutrition.)

Hemp Seed Granola Snack Squares

Ingredients

3 oz of Hemp, Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds

5 oz of ground Brazil nuts

2 oz desiccated Coconut

Zest from 2 Oranges

1 peeled and segmented Orange

Handful of small Dates

4 tsp Stevia Sweetner

¼ cup of Lemon Juice

2 fl oz Water

Pinch of Salt

1. Firstly in a good size bowl, combine the Hemp, Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds, the Brazil nuts, Coconut and Orange zest – place to one side as you will use these later.
2. Next, combine the segmented Orange, handful of Dates, Stevia, Lemon Juice, Water and Salt in a blender, pulsing the ingredients until they provide a smooth consistency paste.
3. Add the paste from the blender to the bowl of ingredients set aside earlier, and using a wooden spoon, mix until all ingredients are fused together thoroughly.
4. Line a non-stick baking tray with dehydrating parchment paper and carefully and evenly spoon on the mix.
5. You should be able to slice the mix whilst wet in to approximately 15 squares, using your knife of choice.
6. Allow the squares to bake for around 5 hours, at 100 degrees, then turn to allow the underside to dry out for another 5 hours.

The bars should be firm to touch when finished, and if you have trouble finding parchment paper for baking, you can simply place the mix slice on a non-stick baking tray, leaving the oven on its lowest setting with the door slightly ajar.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Marijuana Whipped Cream Topping Recipe

Whipped Cream is, literally, sweetness on top of sweetness. When you add some marijuana to it, the dessert you cover it with gets even better.

Since this whipped cream can turn out incredibly strong, think about how much topping you prefer. If you plan to use small amounts, 7 ounces is preferred; if you plan to use a lot of it, aim for 4 ounces.

Marijuana Whipped Cream Topping Recipe

Ingredients:

4-8 grams of finely ground marijuana (depending on how potent you want it to be)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds flavor)
1 tablespoon confectioners sugar

Directions:

1. In a pan over medium heat in a double boiler, add heavy cream and marijuana.
2. Simmer the cream and marijuana for about an hour.
3. Remove from heat, then cool. Then pour into an airtight container and place in refigerator until cold.
4. In a large bowl, whip the cream until thick enough, or for desired consistency. Then beat in the vanilla and sugar, but be careful you don’t over-beat since it will become lumpy.
5. Serve on dessert!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Marijuana Candy and Lollipop Recipe

Everybody loves candy! It’s sweet, sugary, and always a pick-me-up when your day starts to drag. Now, combine your two favorite things for a treat you (probably) won’t ever forget: marijuana and candy!

This recipe requires Marijuana Alcohol Tincture.

Marijuana Candy and Lollipops Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1-2 ounces Marijuana Tincture
Molds for Candy and Lollipops (you can buy these at any bakery shop and sometimes at grocery stores, or you can try using ice cube trays for simple shapes)
Your favorite food coloring and/or flavoring

Directions:

1. Add the first three ingredients together in a pot on the stove at medium heat. Stir until all ingredients dissolve and then bring the liquid into a boil.
2. Bring the temperature of the liquid up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, then slowly stir in the color and/or flavorings.
3. Turn off heat and then QUICKLY stir in Marijuana Tincture (if you’re too slow, the liquid will solidify).
4. Pour into the candy molds. Let harden before removing.

Now you have your favorite flavors and colors in a delicious  form: Marijuana Candy!

Popularity: 7% [?]

Marijuana Alcohol Tincture Recipe

This little concoction is used for all kinds of edible goodies, such as candies and lollipops! Since THC is alcohol soluble, it needs to be extracted into alcohol in order for it to be absorbed into the body and give the high we’re used to. That’s why these steps must be taken.

This recipe is similar to the Marijuana Alcohol Recipe.

Marijuana Alcohol Tincture

To prepare your weed for the process, place on a cookie sheet in an over at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, until the bud is so dry that it crumbles into a powder when rolled between your thumb and forefinger.

Ingredients:

22 grams of finely ground cannabis
90 ml/3 fl oz alcohol (use liquor with at least 50% alcohol – the better the taste, the better the tincture will taste)

Directions:

1. Soak the cannabis powder in water for 12 hours to remove any water-soluble impurities.
2. Drain excess water.
3. Put cannabis powder in an airtight container such as a mason jar.
4. Pour alcohol over cannabis.
5. Store in a cool dark place for at least 10 days. The longer the better.
6. Shake the container several times a day.
7. Filter through a strainer to remove solid particles. Repeat as necessary.

Recipes that Require Marijuana Alcohol Tincture

• Marijuana Candy and Lollipop Recipe

Popularity: 8% [?]

Marijuana Alcohol Jello Shots Recipe

Have a huge party coming up or celebration? Make it one your friends will never forget–well, they’ll probably forget, but it won’t be for lack of a good time! Use the Marijuana Alcohol recipe on OurWeed and use it to make these delicious jello shots that will give you the ultimate cross-fade!

Marijuana Alcohol Jello Shots Recipe

Ingredients:

6 ounces Jello (large box, pick your flavor)
16 ounces water (boiling)
6 ounces water (cold)
10 ounces Marijuana Alcohol
1 ounce shot glasses or small paper/plastic cups

Directions:

1. Bring 16oz of water to a boil.
2. Add jello mix into the boiling water, mix until completely dissolved.
3. Turn off heat (important, so you don’t evaporate the alcohol!)
4. Add 6oz cold water, followed by 10oz Marijuana Alcohol
5. Pour into 1oz Shot Glasses (3 Pack)or small paper or plastic cups.
6. Place shots into the refrigerator and allow to set, this may take up to 4 hours.

Popularity: 5% [?]

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