Mia
The CBD revolution is in full swing, with almost everyone trying this seemingly miraculous compound for one reason or another. Though CBD researchers are taking their time publishing the verifiable effects of the compound, users attest that CBD can do everything from give you dewy skin to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
However, before you start dosing yourself with CBD, you might want to check the label of your CBD product. Does it say hemp, or does it say cannabis? There is a big difference between these two CBD sources — which you can find out more about here.
Where the CBD Comes From
All CBD comes from cannabis, but not all cannabis is created equal. Some varieties of cannabis plant are bred to have high THC content, which is what provides users with the famous marijuana high, whereas other varieties of cannabis plant lack significant quantities of THC. The latter type of cannabis is often called hemp, and it is legal across the U.S., but psychoactive cannabis is only legalized in a handful of states.
Cannabis CBD, which is sometimes called marijuana CBD, is derived from psychoactive cannabis plants. Because the extraction process to remove THC will also remove CBD, manufacturers typically prefer to leave some THC in the final product to preserve high CBD content. THC remains illegal at the federal level, which means cannabis CBD products are usually farmed and manufactured within the state they are sold, so companies won’t get in trouble with federal law.
In contrast, hemp CBD comes from hemp cannabis crops. With lower THC to start with, these plants make it easier to remove all traces of THC while maintaining potent CBD levels. Many states have incentivized farmers to grow hemp for CBD because the crop has become so lucrative, and with low or no THC, hemp CBD products can be shipped around the country without legal penalty.
Where the CBD Is Sold
You probably see CBD products in almost every store you visit, from grocery stores to drug stores to skincare stores and more. These products are exclusively hemp CBD because their low THC content allows them to be available to anyone aged 18 and up.
Meanwhile, THC remains a tightly controlled substance, and as a result, cannabis CBD is usually only available in dispensaries licensed to sell psychoactive weed. You are likely to find more than a few potent cannabis CBD products in an Oregon dispensary, which sources its CBD from some of the best cannabis growers in the nation.
What Effects the CBD Has
CBD is CBD, right? Actually, plenty of research as well as anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD can have different effects based on the other compounds surrounding it. Colloquially called the “entourage effect,” this phenomenon is generally supported by the cannabis community as a reason why it is important to avoid isolated compounds.
Because cannabis CBD tends to be a little less refined, it tends to have higher concentrations of THC as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes. Thus, users of cannabis CBD are more likely to benefit from the entourage effect. In CBD, this often means more powerful pain relief and anti-anxiety effects.
This isn’t to say that hemp CBD contains no other cannabis compounds — but it does mean that users have to be more careful when purchasing hemp CBD products. It is a good idea to look for “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” CBD, both of which contain extra compounds to provide some entourage benefit.
Who Should Use the CBD
Some CBD users are not interested in consuming THC in any quantity, which makes the availability of hemp CBD important. Fearful of THC drug testing or drug interactions, some users opt for CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, both of which contain no THC whatsoever and both of which come exclusively from hemp.
Then again, some users pursue cannabis CBD with the intention of taking full advantage of the entourage effect or the unique benefits of THC. Psychoactive cannabis, with its higher THC content, is vital for this purpose.
If you live in a state like Oregon with legal cannabis dispensaries, the choice is yours as to whether you use hemp CBD or cannabis CBD. Now that you know the differences, you can make an informed decision for the betterment of your health.
