Raw Hemp Cannabinoids; What They Are & Why They’re Important

Raw hemp cannabinoids do not require processing like decarboxylation to be therapeutic. In fact, there are many health benefits to consuming the raw hemp cannabinoids in hemp. Today, we’ll discuss what raw hemp cannabinoids are and explain why they are so important.

What Are Raw Hemp Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis (hemp) plants. They are partially responsible for the different medicinal and psychoactive effects that cannabis provides. There are roughly 110 different cannabinoids in cannabis that we know of so far, and more will likely be discovered soon.

Cannabinoids can be raw or decarboxylated. Raw hemp cannabinoids are cannabinoids in their original, non-psychoactive, acidic state. Conversely, decarboxylated cannabinoids are those that have lost their extra carboxyl atom through a heating process. This process changes the chemical composition of the cannabinoid and consequently some of its effects. When cannabinoids like CBDa are exposed to heat, the chemical composition changes which also changes the manner in which it attaches to endocannabinoid receptors. The most common raw hemp cannabinoids include THCA-a, CBDa, CBGa, and CBCa.

Benefits of Consuming Raw Hemp

Raw cannabinoids in hemp provide many therapeutic benefits. In fact, several experts believe hemp to be a superfood in its raw state. According to CBD School,

“MacMillan Dictionary describes a superfood as a food that is ‘considered to be very good for your health and that may even help improve some medical conditions.’

“They’re the foods full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that allow health to thrive…and raw cannabis happens to contain a plethora of these nutrients.”

Indeed it does! Nutritionists claim that hemp contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, fiber, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s also rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that can reduce the signs of aging. On top of that, hemp flower consists of an abundance of therapeutic cannabinoids that can readily absorb into the bloodstream via the metabolic process. Some of the main benefits of consuming raw hemp cannabinoids include:

• Anti-inflammation
• Reduced nausea and increased appetite
• Neuroprotection
• Seizure control 
• Cancer cell apoptosis
• Antidepressant 

The Decarboxylation Process

Decarboxylation is the process of using heat and light to change the molecular makeup of cannabinoids. Heat removes a carboxylic acid group of atoms from THCA or CBDA. This converts the cannabinoid into a molecule by altering its chemical structure. Hence, its new shape alters its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors throughout the central nervous system.

When growing hemp for CBD, decarboxylation is almost always necessary. That’s because raw CBD — CBDa — is not as soluble as its decarboxylated counterpart. Hence, decarbing hemp before extraction both speeds the process and increases yield. Some of the different methods of decarboxylation include light exposure and high temperatures.

Final Thoughts

The raw hemp cannabinoids contain many vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that your body needs. Indeed, a fresh supply of fresh cannabis leaves and flowers may truly be the next great superfood.

Are you ready to get growing? Contact us to learn how you can start growing hemp CBD. The demand is real, and you can be its supplier.