Hemp 101: Cannabinoids, Processing, and the 2018 Farm Bill

Bryan Schmidt
Sep 9
3 min read

Hemp has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in wellness, agriculture, and lifestyle products. Known for its natural compounds called cannabinoids, hemp offers potential benefits for stress relief, focus, recovery, and overall balance — without the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Understanding hemp, its cannabinoids, processing methods, and legal framework can help consumers and businesses make informed decisions.

Key Cannabinoids in Hemp

Hemp produces over 100 cannabinoids, each interacting differently with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Here are the most notable ones:

CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating; widely used for relaxation, stress relief, and recovery.
CBG (Cannabigerol): The “mother cannabinoid,” linked to focus and digestive support.
CBC (Cannabichromene): Non-intoxicating; may support mood and inflammation balance.
CBN (Cannabinol): Mildly psychoactive; commonly associated with sleep and relaxation.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Present in hemp only in trace amounts (<0.3%), enhances the entourage effect without causing a high.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): The raw, non-intoxicating form of THC. Converts into active THC when heated; may offer wellness benefits in raw form.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): Sometimes called the “diet cannabinoid”; studied for appetite and metabolism support.
CBDV (Cannabidivarin): Non-intoxicating; researched for neurological support.
Delta-8 THC: Naturally occurring, less potent than Delta-9 THC; often provides calm and relaxation.
Delta-10 THC: Rare THC variant; thought to have uplifting, energizing effects.
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol): Hydrogenated cannabinoid; effects reported between CBD’s calmness and THC’s euphoria.

Hemp Extraction & Processing Methods

The way cannabinoids are extracted influences purity, potency, flavor, and overall experience. Common methods include:

Live Resin: Flash-frozen hemp preserves terpenes and cannabinoids for a flavorful, full-spectrum extract.
Rosin: Solvent-free; uses heat and pressure to produce clean, natural concentrates.
CO₂ Extraction: Pressurized CO₂ pulls cannabinoids efficiently, producing pure, consistent oils.
Ethanol Extraction: Alcohol-based extraction; efficient for large batches, retains many plant compounds.
Hydrocarbon Extraction (Butane/Propane): Produces potent, terpene-rich concentrates; requires careful processing.
Distillate: Refines cannabinoids to high purity (~90%), ideal for vapes, tinctures, and edibles; may lack natural terpenes.
Isolate: Produces nearly pure single cannabinoids (like CBD isolate) without THC or other compounds.
Mechanical Separation: Physical sifting produces kief or hash; natural but less potent.
Steam Distillation: Uses steam to extract oils; less precise but suitable for essential oils.
Lipid Infusion: Hemp infused into carrier oils like MCT or olive oil; simple, safe, but lower potency.
Chromatography: Separates specific cannabinoids; often used to create broad-spectrum products.
Nanoemulsification: Breaks cannabinoids into tiny particles for water-based products, improving absorption and bioavailability.

The 2018 Farm Bill and Hemp Legalization

Brief Overview

For decades, hemp was illegal under U.S. law, grouped together with marijuana. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, known as the 2018 Farm Bill, changed that by removing hemp from the list of controlled substances. This legalized cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Key Hemp Provisions (Section 10113)

Definition of Hemp: Cannabis sativa L. with ≤0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Legal Status: Hemp is no longer a controlled substance; treated as an agricultural commodity.
Regulation: States and tribes can submit hemp cultivation plans to the USDA; licensed growers must comply with THC testing.
Interstate Commerce: Hemp products can be legally transported across state lines.
Research & Funding: Eligible for USDA programs, crop insurance, and research grants.

What Hemp Legalization Means for Consumers

Access to CBD Products: Legal nationwide as long as THC <0.3%.
Transparency & Safety: Lab testing ensures compliance; third-party results provide consumer confidence.
Interstate Shipping: Online ordering and nationwide delivery are fully legal.
Growing Variety of Products: Edibles, beverages, skincare, pet products, and more.
Consumer Confidence: Legal status reduces stigma and builds trust in hemp wellness products.

Conclusion

Hemp is more than a plant — it’s a versatile wellness and agricultural resource. Understanding its cannabinoids, extraction methods, and legal status under the 2018 Farm Bill helps consumers make informed choices about products, potency, and uses. With proper knowledge, anyone can safely explore the benefits of hemp for health, relaxation, and lifestyle purposes.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney or medical professional. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. None of the products are FDA approved.