The term “hemp infused” indicates a product has been deliberately combined with extracts from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, specifically the variety legally defined as hemp. This process transfers beneficial compounds into a consumable or topical format for perceived wellness support. Understanding the composition and manufacturing of these products is necessary for consumers navigating this rapidly expanding area of commerce.
Understanding the Infusion Process
The process of creating a hemp-infused product involves extracting the desired compounds from the plant’s flowers, leaves, and stalks and then incorporating them into a carrier base. This technical step makes the active components, known as cannabinoids and terpenes, bioavailable, meaning the body can readily absorb and utilize them. This is achieved by using a solvent, typically a fat, oil (like coconut or olive oil), or alcohol, to draw out the compounds from the raw hemp biomass.
Hemp seed oil, made by cold-pressing the seeds, is primarily a nutritional oil rich in omega fatty acids and vitamins, but it contains only trace amounts of active cannabinoids. True hemp infusion utilizes extracts from the resinous parts of the plant, ensuring a significant concentration of the compounds that consumers are seeking. Manufacturers often use extraction methods like carbon dioxide (CO2) or ethanol to create a concentrated oil, which is then blended into the final product base.
Primary Active Components in Hemp Infusions
The primary focus of hemp infusions is the transfer of cannabinoids, the most well-known of which is Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network involved in regulating various physiological processes. Infusions may also contain other minor cannabinoids, such as Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabichromene (CBC), which are being studied for their individual properties.
Hemp extracts are also rich in aromatic molecules called terpenes, which contribute to the plant’s distinctive scent and flavor. Hemp contains over 200 different terpenes, including myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. These terpenes are thought to work synergistically with the cannabinoids in what is often called the “entourage effect,” potentially modulating the overall effects of the product. The specific combination depends on whether the infusion uses a full-spectrum extract (including all compounds) or a broad-spectrum extract (containing everything except detectable Delta-9 THC).
Common Product Categories and Delivery Methods
Hemp-infused products are available in formats categorized mainly by their delivery method. Ingestibles, such as edibles, capsules, and beverages, are consumed orally and processed through the digestive system. With ingestibles, the active compounds are metabolized by the liver, which can delay the onset of effects, sometimes by 45 minutes to four hours, but results in a longer-lasting effect.
Sublingual products, primarily oils or tinctures, are designed to be held under the tongue for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method bypasses the digestive process and liver metabolism, leading to a faster onset of effects, usually within minutes. The third major category is topicals, which include creams, balms, and lotions applied directly to the skin. These products offer localized effects because the cannabinoids do not typically penetrate the skin barrier deeply enough to enter the bloodstream.
Regulatory Landscape and THC Limitations
The legal status of “hemp infused” products is governed by the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States, which federally legalized hemp. This law defines hemp as Cannabis sativa containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. This strict limit ensures that products meeting the legal definition of hemp will not produce the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana.
Despite the federal legalization of the plant itself, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains regulatory authority over hemp-derived products, particularly those marketed as food, beverages, or dietary supplements. The FDA currently takes the position that adding cannabinoids, including CBD, to food and drinks or marketing them as dietary supplements remains unlawful because CBD is an active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug. The agency has stated that a new regulatory pathway is necessary to safely manage the commercialization of these products.