The hemp plant, known in various languages as Hemp, Chanvre, Canapa, Hanf, Cânhamo, or Kanopje, is the popular name for the ancient Cannabis Sativa plant.
Its intrinsic connection to humanity dates back approximately 10,000 years, having been a fundamental pillar for the earliest civilizations across the planet. As a human species, our relationship with the hemp plant has been profound and enduring.
Traditionally, hemp has been associated with well-known uses such as the production of sturdy textiles, medicinal applications, and spiritual rituals, supported by numerous archaeological records dating back to ancient times.
However, today we are witnessing the emergence of somewhat unusual benefits, and even surprisingly strange, that are redefining our perception of this versatile plant.
The controversies surrounding the hemp plant
Throughout the last century, the hemp plant unfortunately found itself in the eye of the storm, becoming the subject of intense controversies, disputes, and even strict prohibition.
These restrictions, driven by various economic and political interests, led to a profound lack of understanding and a systematic defamation of this noble natural resource, hindering adequate study and research for decades.
However, thanks to the unceasing insistence, unwavering commitment, and dedicated activism of certain societies and visionary professionals, the vast potential of the hemp plant began to be explored once again.
This resurgence has revealed a range of uses that previously seemed almost unthinkable.
A pivotal moment in this rediscovery was the work of researcher Raphael Mechoulam in the early 1960s. He was the first to unravel and reveal the structure of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
These molecules, collectively known as cannabinoids, have completely revolutionized modern medicine and are now used worldwide to treat a wide range of pathologies and diseases.
But beyond their already famous therapeutic applications, did you know that hemp and its components offer truly amazing other functional benefits?
Against mosquitoes: a natural and effective defense
CBD, a cannabinoid that continues to amaze the scientific community, has proven to be a powerful mosquito repellent. A recent and revealing study, published in the prestigious journal Insects, highlighted its effectiveness, especially against one of the most insidious and dangerous insects: the Aedes aegypti.
This mosquito is no ordinary vector, as it is sadly known for its ability to transmit devastating diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, and Zika, among others. In short, the Aedes aegypti is definitely an undesirable company for enjoying a summer night outdoors.
Furthermore, to further complicate the situation, this species has developed notable resistance to common insecticides, often rendering them ineffective.
In this scenario, it is crucial to seek and develop new defense strategies, ideally more ecological and less toxic. And this is precisely where CBD emerges as a promising solution.
According to the mentioned study, CBD exhibits both repellent and insecticidal effects on these tiny but dangerous creatures. What is even more fascinating is that its application provides an innovative and natural solution, which also offers skin benefits.
For food preservation: extending the shelf life of our fresh products
CBD could be the innovative key to transforming the food preservation sector, with a particular emphasis on fresh fruit.
This revelation comes from a fascinating scientific study recently published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, where researchers focused on examining the differences in the durability of strawberries that had undergone a CBD treatment compared to those that had not.
To achieve this, scientists devised a clever strategy: they transformed the cannabinoid into a thin, completely edible, and invisible film. This innovation was achieved by combining a CBD isolate with biodegradable polymers, the same ones used in advanced drug delivery systems.
This mixture was diluted in water and sodium alginate, a common food additive, was added. The process involved first dipping the strawberries in this CBD solution, followed by a second bath in a mix of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride, which caused the coating to become a protective gel.
The primary goals of this study were ambitious: to prepare an encapsulated cannabidiol isolate (eCBDi) and subsequently evaluate the properties and effect of these edible active coatings.
The aim was to promote antioxidation and antimicrobial activity, in order to significantly extend the shelf life of strawberries.
Although the research is still in its initial and exploratory stages, the preliminary results were extremely promising.
A significantly delayed deterioration was observed in the coated strawberries compared to the control group, manifested in less weight loss, better preservation of total acidity and pH, and reduced microbial and oxidative activity.
This pioneering study definitively demonstrates the ability of the eCBDi film to function as an effective and active food coating agent.
Hemp as a food integrator: CBD in the daily diet
In a significant move in favor of the use of the hemp plant, France has decided to approve a provisional law that allows considering CBD as a food supplement, thus opening a promising market for CBD in edible products.
According to the temporary guidelines established in the French country, the concentration of CBD in individual products cannot exceed 20%, and the recommended daily dose is limited to 50 milligrams.
Simultaneously, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued an important document. Although the EFSA has not concluded that CBD consumption is dangerous, it has emphasized the urgent need for new and thorough studies.
The reason is that the current research available on the effects of CBD on vital organs such as the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system, the nervous system, and psychological well-being is considered insufficient for definitive approval as a new food.
In summary, for the EFSA, the fact that CBD is the most studied cannabinoid in recent history, with hundreds of scientific publications to its name, is not enough.
The agency emphasizes that tolerance
