A new generation of stewardship
The Original Hemp Salt Lick was inspired by the total transformation of Wes's dad after a spinal stroke left him unable to walk in 2009. Traditional medicine was not touching his extreme pain and his mobility was severely limited, even with intense physical therapy.
Despite his pre-conceived notions about cannabis informed by the anti-hemp propaganda in this culture, Dad decided to give full-spectrum/high-CBD hemp extract a try.
Do you know what happened?
His pain subsided to a tolerable level, his inflammation was significantly reduced, and he began to walk again! It is nothing short of a miracle - except that this is the true power of the hemp plant.
Adaptogens
Hemp is in a class of plants called "adaptogens." Adaptogens have an uncanny ability to fill in the gaps when ingested by an animal (including you, a human being) due to their complex chemical makeup. Hemp is constituted of over 100 compounds called "cannabinoids" that each have a specific capability when interacting with the animal's physiology.
Because they can simultaneously interact with many physiological functions, adaptogens are known for supporting homeostasis and regulating biological stress responses.
CBD is one of the most powerful cannabinoids in the hemp profile, and is widely used by humans and animals to address issues like inflammation, stress, and pain. When CBD is accompanied by the other cannabinoids in hemp's profile (as opposed to extracted as a single component), its effects are amplified - this is called the "entourage effect" of full-spectrum hemp.
The Endo-Cannabinoid System
In the mammalian body, there is a network of signaling cells and receptors called the endo-cannabinoid system (ECS). This system is specifically designed to receive cannabinoids from the hemp plant.
Say what?! Isn't that fascinating?
This means that every mammal - including horses, deer, dogs, cows, cats, sheep, and hedgehogs - has a body specifically designed to interact with hemp.
But here's the catch: the cannabinoids found in hemp can only be received by the body when they are decarboxylated, meaning the plant is put through a special process to remove carbon molecules and make the compounds available for docking on the ECS receptors in the body.
Stewardship
What does this mean for our mammalian friends who have an ECS but don't have the faculties to decarboxylate hemp?
It means we have an opportunity as stewards to support the physiology of the animal (mammal) kingdom by using our scientific ability to address the effects of stress our human influence has on their bodies.
Hemp + Salt
There are a lot of hemp and CBD products on the market for animals. These are usually in the form of treats or supplements that require an additional touch to administer to an animal.
With the Hemp Salt Lick, we are employing the use of an already existing husbandry practice - the salt lick - and infusing it with the benefits of full-spectrum hemp.
Our favorite thing about this product? Salt - a necessary compound for the survival of any animal - is absorbed into the body through the small intestines. This is in the SAME PLACE that many cannabinoids (primarily CBD) are received by the ECS!
This means that by combining salt and hemp in the Hemp Salt Lick, we are mimicking the natural design of the body - streamlining the body's ability to receive and process both salt and adaptogens!
Join us in a simple act of care
You don't have to look further than injured racing horses to wide-spread disease in wildlife populations to see the stress endured by our beloved animals.
The Hemp Salt Lick is a simple way to begin an intentional relationship of care with the animal kingdom.
We are not claiming to have any answers, but we know that this product is designed with care and an intention to give back to the ones who give so much to us.