Hemp cigarettes have become increasingly popular, and many are using them to help them quit or reduce their nicotine intake. But what exactly are hemp cigarettes and are they any better than traditional nicotine cigarettes? Let’s take a deeper look at the newly emerging hemp cigarettes.
What are hemp cigarettes?
Hemp cigarettes are made with cured hemp flower that has been ground down and put into a cigarette style tube with a filter. They come in array of flavors due to various infusions, such as terpenes or botanicals, that have been added into the hemp flower. They are a discreet way to consume smokable hemp and are ideal for those who are using hemp cigarettes to reduce their nicotine intake. When smoking a hemp cigarette, one should feel the effects of the cannabinoids and terpenes in 5 to 10 minutes, with the effects lasting 2 to 4 hours depending on the individual.
Hemp Cigarettes vs Nicotine Cigarettes
Traditional nicotine cigarettes contain hundreds of chemicals that are addictive and harmful to not only those who consume, but also those around them through secondhand smoke. In fact, there are over 600 ingredients in traditional cigarettes and at least 70 of those ingredients are known to cause cancer. When burned, there are over 7,000 chemicals inhaled!
On the other hand, hemp is made with only one ingredient, hemp flower. Hemp flower has an array of cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG, that deliver its therapeutic effects. When smoking hemp, one is able to benefit from the cannabinoids, as well as the terpenes and flavonoids present. Here are some of the many benefits hemp cigarettes can potentially deliver:
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Anti-Nausea
- Mood Support
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Smoking Cessation
- And so much more!
When compared to nicotine cigarettes, hemp cigarettes are definitely superior. They deliver benefits, rather than harm, and have no addictive properties. Additionally, there has never been any severe side effects reported from smoking hemp.
How can hemp help someone quit nicotine?
It is no surprise traditional cigarettes are harmful to those who consume. And yet, it is estimated 30.8 million adults in the United States currently smoke a nicotine product. Traditional cigarettes contain nicotine, which is extremely addictive and has a powerful hold on those who consume. When individuals want to quit, there are an array of withdrawal symptoms that can be overwhelming and there are very few options to help. Additionally, the options available often come with an array of unwanted side effects, leaving people who want to quit feeling hopeless. Research has found CBD, the primary cannabinoid in hemp flower, may be a great aid to help individuals quit or reduce their nicotine intake.
A 2013 study gave people who wanted to quit nicotine inhalers with CBD to use every time they felt the urge to smoke. Within the study, subjects were able to reduce their nicotine usage by 40%. Another study found using CBD reduced positive reactions of individuals when shown pictures of nicotine products, and the anti-anxiety effects of CBD helped them to combat the extreme anxiousness that accompanies nicotine withdrawal.
Hemp cigarettes are a great alternative for those looking to quit traditional tobacco cigarettes. They provide a smoking cessation and help to combat some of the symptoms one may experience when stopping nicotine. Additionally, they offer an array of health benefits one can value from, rather than inducing harm. With traditional cigarettes being the number one cause of preventable death in the United States, it is important that more research is done on how hemp can help people quit harmful nicotine for good.
