Hemp Guide

From Ancient Earth to Modern Mind: Hemp's story is one of rediscovery- an ancient plant finding its place in modern wellness.

For thousands of years, hemp has been used around the world for textiles, food, and traditional plant-based practices.

Even in the U.S., it was once grown widely for rope, clothing, and paper — especially throughout the 1700s and 1800s, when it was considered an essential agricultural crop.

That changed in 1937, when the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, placing hemp and marijuana under many of the same restrictions.

Decades of fear-based messaging and misinformation followed, and the plant’s reputation suffered as a result.

Today — after the 2018 Farm Bill re-legalized industrial hemp nationwide — the plant is finally being seen for what it truly is: a versatile crop with a long history of practical uses

and a growing role in modern wellness.

ONE PLANT, MANY EXPRESSIONS

Hemp and marijuana both belong to the cannabis family.

The primary legal distinction between them comes down to the amount of Delta-9 THC present in the plant. Hemp contains 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana contains higher amounts.

Over time, different cannabis varieties have been cultivated for different purposes and characteristics. Hemp is typically grown for its fiber, seeds, cannabinoids, and other practical uses, while marijuana varieties have generally been cultivated for higher THC content.

Despite the labels, both produce many of the same naturally occurring compounds — including cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, Delta-9 THC, and THCa, as well as aromatic compounds called terpenes.

Quick breakdown on Cannabinoids:

Hemp is rich in compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system — nature’s built-in balance network.

Everyone’s system responds differently, but many people use cannabinoids as part of their overall wellness routines to encourage a sense of ease, clarity, and presence.

Here’s a simplified look at the major players:

CBD (Cannabidiol):

CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn't create a buzz. People often describe it as balanced and calm — a soft, steady clarity that helps the body and mind feel more at ease.

Delta‑8 THC:

Hemp-derived and mildly psychoactive.

Often described as smooth, mellow, and functional — a subtle shift in awareness without the intensity associated with Delta-9.

CBN (Cannabinol):

A minor cannabinoid that forms as THC ages.

Many people reach for CBN in the evenings because it’s often described as soothing or settling — a popular choice for unwinding or easing into the night.

Delta‑9 THC:

The most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid.

Depending on your dose and sensitivity, Delta-9 may feel uplifting, mellow, grounding, or deeply relaxing. It generally produces the most pronounced effects compared to other cannabinoids.

CBG (Cannabigerol):

Often called the “mother cannabinoid” because many other cannabinoids begin as CBG during the plant’s growth cycle. People often describe CBG as clear, focused, and centering — great for daytime clarity without psychoactive effects.

THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid):

The raw form of THC. Non-psychoactive unless heated (like when vaping), when it converts into active Delta‑9 THC.

Each cannabinoid has its own vibe and many work better together.

the bigger picture

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants.

They’re part of the plant’s communication and protection system — helping it respond to things like light, weather, and environmental stress.

These same compounds also interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network of receptors involved in things like mood, sleep cycles, stress responses, appetite, and overall balance.

When you use a hemp product, plant cannabinoids — also called phytocannabinoids — interact with your ECS to help support a sense of equilibrium and presence.

Common cannabinoids include CBD, CBN, CBG, Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and THCa.

The endocannabinoid system, often called the ECS, is a naturally occurring network found throughout the body.

Researchers believe it plays a role in helping the body maintain internal balance across a variety of functions.

The ECS includes receptors, signaling molecules called endocannabinoids, and enzymes that help regulate those signals.

Plant cannabinoids found in hemp interact with this system, which is one reason cannabinoids have attracted so much scientific interest.

While research is still ongoing, the ECS is often discussed as one of the body’s key balancing systems.

Think of it as one of the many systems working behind the scenes to help keep things running smoothly.

TERPENES ARE NATURALLY OCCURING AROMATIC COMPOUNDS FOUND THROUGHOUT NATURE

You can think of terpenes as the compounds responsible for the scents and flavors found throughout nature.

They’re responsible for the scent of things like citrus peels, pine trees, lavender, herbs, and hemp.

In hemp and cannabis plants, terpenes contribute to each strain’s unique aroma and flavor profile.

Many people believe terpenes play an important role in shaping the overall experience of a product alongside cannabinoids such as CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9, CBN, CBG, and THCa.

Common examples include:

• d-Limonene — citrus-forward aroma

• Myrcene — earthy, herbal aroma

• Caryophyllene — peppery, spicy aroma

Terpenes are one of the reasons different strains can smell, taste, and feel distinct from one another.

Common terpene aromas are not guarantees of specific effects. Everyone's experience may vary.

THCa is the cannabinoid that becomes Delta-9 THC when heated.

Hemp flower -> THCa -> Heat -> Delta-9 THC

In its natural state, THCa is found in raw hemp flower. Once heat is applied, it transforms into Delta-9 THC.

In simple terms:

• Raw THCa → Generally non-psychoactive

• Heated THCa → Converts into Delta-9 THC

This is why products such as flower, vapes, and concentrates intentionally use heat during consumption.

Many people are drawn to THCa products because they offer a hemp-derived option that becomes active when heated.

Products like flower, vapes, and concentrates allow users to experience cannabinoids alongside the plant’s naturally occurring terpenes and other hemp compounds.

For many enthusiasts, this creates an experience that feels closer to the plant’s original character.

As always, everyone’s experience is unique and can vary depending on the product, serving size, and individual body chemistry.

Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in hemp, but only in very small amounts.

Because the plant produces very little Delta-8 naturally, most commercial Delta-8 products begin with hemp-derived CBD.

Through a carefully controlled refinement and purification process, hemp-derived CBD is converted into Delta-8 THC before being used in products like gummies and vapes.

Think of It Like LEGOs

CBD and Delta-8 are made from the same molecular building blocks — they’re just arranged differently.

Imagine dumping out a pile of LEGO bricks and building a spaceship. Then you take that same pile of LEGO bricks apart and rebuild it into a race car.

You didn’t add new LEGO pieces. You didn’t remove any. You simply rearranged them into a different shape.

That’s similar to what happens when hemp-derived CBD is converted into Delta-8 THC. The same molecular building blocks are present, but they’re rearranged into a different cannabinoid.

Some of our products contain cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, or THCa (when heated) — all considered psychoactive.

“Psychoactive” simply means these compounds can influence:

• mood

• awareness

• perception

• how your body feels

All of our psychoactive products are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

For some, these cannabinoids may feel calming or uplifting.

For others, they may feel more clarifying, creative, or deeply relaxing.

If you’re new to them, the shift in awareness may feel strong at first — and that’s completely normal.

That’s why we say:

Start low. Go slow. Stay present.

Everyone’s body responds differently — and that’s part of the experience.

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT TOPICALS

THCa only converts into Delta-9 THC when exposed to sufficient heat.

Because creams and salves are applied directly to the skin rather than inhaled or consumed, they are generally used for localized application and are not intended to create psychoactive effects

Because we operate in this dimension, we’ve got to follow its Earthly rules.

Hemp is federally legal in the U.S., but state laws around cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, and THCa vary widely.

Before purchasing or using hemp products, it’s always wise to check your local regulations.

Cannabinoids rarely work alone.

When a product contains a range of hemp compounds — like CBD, CBN, Delta-8, Delta-9, THCa, and natural terpenes — these elements can interact with each other in meaningful ways.

This natural synergy is often called the entourage effect — the idea that multiple plant compounds together may create a more layered, well-rounded experience compared to single-compound extracts.

It’s one reason many people prefer full-spectrum formulas, which aim to preserve more of the plant's original cannabinoid and terpene profile.

The plant works beautifully when its natural profile is kept intact.

Relief doesn’t stop at the surface.

The Cosmic Relief Map was created to help you understand how hemp topicals work with your whole body — not just your skin. It’s a simple, body-based guide that connects application zones, muscle groups, and movement to help you get the most out of your salve.

When you apply topicals with intention —

warming the area, breathing deeply, or pairing with gentle stretches — many people notice the experience feels more aligned and harmonious.

It’s a way of working with your body’s natural rhythms instead of against them.

Each section of the map focuses on a different area — from the neck and shoulders to the lower back and feet — offering approachable ways to support mobility, ease, and body awareness.

The goal is simple: to help you tune in to your body so the area can relax and feel more at ease.

View the full guide on our THCa Muscle Cream page for application zones, stretch suggestions, and movement tips.

These are High Council insights — not prescriptions. Everyone’s body works a little differently, so stay tuned in to yours and consult with your doctor if anything feels off.

Not all hemp extracts are created the same way.

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate describe how much of the original hemp plant’s cannabinoid and terpene profile remains in the final product.

FULL SPECTRUM

Contains a broad range of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes.

Rather than isolating a single compound, full-spectrum products aim to preserve more of what was originally present in the plant.

Think of it as getting a more complete representation of the hemp plant rather than a single isolated cannabinoid.

This is why many people describe full-spectrum products as being closer to the plant’s natural profile.

BROAD SPECTRUM

Contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but THC has been removed or reduced to non-detectable levels.

Many people choose broad-spectrum products when they want a variety of hemp compounds while avoiding THC.

ISOLATE

Contains a single cannabinoid that has been separated from the rest of the plant’s compounds.

For example, a CBD isolate product contains only CBD.

Think of isolate as focusing on one specific cannabinoid rather than preserving the plant’s broader profile.

WHICH IS BEST?

There isn’t one “best” option.

Some people prefer full-spectrum products because they preserve a wider range of naturally occurring hemp compounds.

Others prefer broad-spectrum products because they contain multiple cannabinoids without THC.

And some choose isolates because they want a single cannabinoid on its own.

The right choice depends on your goals, preferences, and individual experience.

New to hemp?

A good place to start is by thinking about the experience you’re looking for.

🌞 Looking for a more uplifting or daytime-friendly experience?

Many people gravitate toward brighter strain profiles like Tropicana Cookies.

🌙 Looking to slow down and unwind?

Products like King Louis XIII or our Buzzed Gummies are often chosen by people looking for a more relaxed pace.

🌀 Looking for targeted body care?

Our CBD:THC Salve offers a non-intoxicating option that can be applied directly where desired.

Everyone’s experience is unique.

Start low. Stay curious. Listen to your body.

WILL HEMP PRODUCTS SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?

It’s possible.
Many hemp-derived products contain cannabinoids such as Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, and THCa (which converts into Delta-9 THC when heated). These cannabinoids may trigger a positive drug test, even when the product is federally compliant and hemp-derived.

Most standard drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites and generally do not distinguish between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived sources.

If passing a drug test is important to you, we recommend avoiding THC-containing products altogether.

When in doubt, consult your employer, testing provider, or healthcare professional.

Cosmic Clarity

Understanding Hemp, Cannabinoids, and What It All Actually Means.