Marijuana-Edibles
Making Hemp Milk at Home
If you’re a weed lover, you’ve likely heard chatter about hemp and maybe even some buzz around the benefits of hemp milk. If you don’t know, hemp is essentially a cousin of weed.
Its primary difference lies in its not containing as much THC (the psychoactive agent in bud that gets you high) as its reefer relative. In fact, its concentrations are so low that the use and consumption of hemp are legal in most countries, even those yet to legalize the use of marijuana.
Hemp has many uses and benefits inside and outside the human body.
For the sake of this article, we’ll be sharing some of the internal benefits with you, along with giving you the inside scoop on making homemade hemp milk.
What is Hemp Milk?
Well, this is a no-brainer since the name says it all, but we’re going to tell you anyway. Hemp milk is milk made from hemp, the seeds to be more specific.
Tada! Cue ‘The More You Know’ star gliding across your screen.
Alternatively called hemp seed milk, hemp milk is a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. We’re looking at you, lactose-intolerant and vegan friends!
Some people consider dairy-free milk alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk, knockoffs, and not “genuine” milk because: “almonds don’t have nipples” and “soy milk comes from plants, not animals.”
Honestly, if you’re dedicating energy to thinking about almond nipples, you may have a bit too much time on your hands – just saying.
Even still, our lactose intolerant and vegan friends need something to eat their cereal with, no? And let’s not get started on those allergic to peanuts or tree nuts? What should they add to their coffee and smoothies? These people need options, too!
So, we’re here with another non-dairy milk alternative, hemp milk, that in the most basic sense is hemp seeds and water, along with thickeners and sweeteners in some commercial cases.
There’s something for everyone!
What Does Hemp Milk Taste Like?
Hemp milk might look like regular cow’s milk in many instances, but it doesn’t taste the same at all.
If you’ve had almond milk, then you should have a decent enough idea of what hemp milk should taste like. Its flavour is sort of like a nut-grain mix and has an earthy flavour when raw.
Of course, this will vary slightly between brands as many add their own ingredients to enhance flavours, such as sweeteners, salt, and vanilla extract. The texture may also vary.
In this way, you may have to experiment with a few different options and flavours to find the one you like best.
Does Hemp Milk Get You High?
If you are looking for milk to get you high, you should try out bhang because hemp milk is not it if you’re looking for a weed beverage to get you stoned.
Remember when we said the THC concentrations in hemp milk are low? In other words, no. It will not get you high.
The THC amounts are so low that there is no possibility of hemp milk supplying any mind-altering or psychoactive effects.
That said, if you’re looking to reap the benefits of hemp milk while also getting your daily dose of good old-fashioned THC, Sugar Jack’s has got you covered!
What if we told you that you could indulge in the classic nostalgia of cookies and milk with a little something extra added into the mix? It’s true!
Putting a new spin on an old classic, Sugar Jack’s cookies, available in a spice-tastic ginger molasses or old-school favourite chocolate chip, are the perfect treat to have the best of both worlds.
With 50 mg of premium, nano-emulsified THC distillate infused in each tender, chewy cookie, they’re an ideal element for a dynamic duo that will have you feeling positively sublime.
Pro tip: We recommend placing the cookies in the microwave for 30 seconds before indulging for optimal taste and texture. You can thank us later.
What are the Benefits of Hemp Milk?
Nutritional Data
Despite being a plant based milk alternative, hemp milk is just as nutritious as cow’s milk and contains a ton of essential vitamins and nutrients.
1 cup hemp milk contains:
- 83 calories
- 7.3 g fat (unsaturated essential fatty acids)
- 10 mg sodium
- 180 mg potassium
- 1.3 g carbohydrates (600 mg fiber)
- 4.7 g protein
- 2% calcium
- 7% iron RDI (1.4 mg iron)
Store bought milk is generally fortified with other nutrients such as Vitamins A, B12, and D, along with added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Unlike many other milk alternatives, hemp milk is a complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that are not produced naturally in the body.
Is Hemp Milk Good for You?
The benefits of hemp milk have been touted for generations. While some testimony is strictly anecdotal, other claims are backed by scientific evidence.
Let’s take a look at a few of them to decide if making the switch to hemp milk will be worth it.
It Can Decrease Your Chances of Developing Cardiovascular Disease
At first glance, the term “fatty acid” may seem like precisely the stuff you don’t want in your body, but the reality is, fats have a bad rep.
The body needs certain essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 present in hemp milk to carry out essential bodily functions.
As it relates to cardiovascular health, Omega 3 fatty acid is key to regulating blood clotting and the contraction and relaxation of artery walls, reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood vessel function.
Omega 6 fatty acids ensure the proper functioning of cells in the body and help lower bad cholesterol levels. This may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails
The vitamins, protein, and omega fats found naturally in hemp milk and those added to store-bought hemp milk are big-time supporters of healthy hair, skin, and nails.
These nutrients help to delay wrinkling, strengthen hair strands and weak nails, and decrease inflammation.
Hemp milk may also help to reduce the effects of conditions that affect the skin and hair such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
It is Lactose, Gluten, and Soy-Free
Imagine being allergic to lactose, gluten, and soy. It sounds like hell, doesn’t it?
Well, hemp milk provides a milk alternative that is rich in calcium, protein, omega fats and other nutrients that allow these poor souls to enjoy foods that contain dairy, gluten, or soy.
It’s also great for persons allergic to nut milk such as cashew and almond milk.
It Supports Healthy Bones and Teeth
Since hemp seeds are rich in nutrients such as calcium, protein, iron, potassium, and others that support healthy bones and teeth, adding hemp milk to the diet can reduce your chances of developing bone and periodontal diseases in the future.
Are There any Drawbacks to Hemp Milk?
It goes without saying that hemp milk is not suitable for consumption for people allergic to cannabis or hemp. However, we’ll say it anyway.
It may also lower blood pressure and can be dangerous for hypotensive individuals.
How to Make Hemp Milk
One of the best things about hemp milk is that it is very easy to make. All you need are hemp seeds and water, plus a few tools to extract the yummy milk.
However, it is important to note that homemade hemp milk will not contain all the nutrients and vitamins of the store-bought variant.
Here’s a simple homemade hemp milk recipe you can try today:
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
To make it, you will need:
- 1/2 to 1 cup whole hemp seeds (You may also use hulled hemp seeds/hemp hearts, which are less bitter)
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Maple syrup or honey as needed(optional)
- High-speed blender
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag or coffee filter (to strain)
- Glass jar (for storage)
- 2 tsp cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate milk)
Step 1
Add ½ to 1 cup of hemp hearts to 4 cups of water (for a thicker consistency, add less water, or use more hemp seeds) to the blender, along with the salt and optional ingredients if necessary.
Step 2
Blend for one minute or until ingredients are combined well. Add a little more of either component until the flavour is to your liking. Maple syrup and honey will sweeten the milk naturally.
Step 3
You do not need to strain the mixture if you don’t mind the chunky bits. Otherwise, use your straining implement for the smoothest texture.
After that, all there’s left to do is enjoy!
There might be a bit of extra pulp left after you strain it. Simply use it to make a hemp mask or scrub. You can store your hemp milk in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and in the freezer for up to a month.
Hemp Milk – To Hemp or Not?
Hemp milk is a highly nutritious plant-based alternative to regular cow’s milk that anyone would love.
Our simple homemade hemp milk recipe is easy to follow and easy to make once you make sure to follow the recipe properly. If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can always buy it at the store.
All in all, it is definitely worth a try.
If you’re still looking to incorporate some of your favourite THC into your experience, you can’t go wrong with the classic cookies and milk combo, and our cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Feel free to try out this dynamic duo and let us know what you think!
As always, enjoy!