Today, Liya and I arrived at Integrated Pain Solutions (IPS) located in Southern Pines. For the first week of WEP, we will be at IPS, studying hemp products as an alternate medicine for various issues such as pain, inflammation, or anxiety. Through a multifaceted solution to the aforementioned health issues, IPS utilizes hemp products, acupuncture, and yoga along with many other Eastern medicinal techniques to counter the rising concerns facing the Opioid Crisis across the country.
We began our day with a guided tour of the facilities and were able to interact with various scientists. The first half of the day was spent doing background research on hemp and its counterpart, marijuana, for medicinal purposes. We learned that hemp, unlike marijuana, has minute, almost nonexistent psychoactive properties and can be used in an assortment of goods, ranging from essential oils and relaxing balms to infused tea beverages and candied snacks. In the second half of the day, we bottled hemp oil and learned about the manufacturing/production of the extracts! With the help of one of the scientists, Sean, we were able to learn about the work behind the scenes. It was an insightful first day, and we are excited for what’s to come!
