This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere these days. From ice capsules to oils, tinctures, creams and even CBD products for your pet, there is a CBD product for almost any illness that comes to mind. Anxiety, insomnia, skin care and more. Not surprisingly, the CBD market is responsible for $ 12.8 billion in sales last year, although it is expected to grow further from this year to 2028.
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But when you buy CBD products, it is in the best interest of consumers to educate us about the different types of CBD out there. The two sources of CBD are the hemp plant and the cannabis plant.
Hemp and cannabis are cousins of the same plant family: cannabis sativa. Each of them is cultivated for different purposes, although they have different characteristics and characteristics.
Hemp
Hemp is an industrial crop that has extremely low THC levels, usually below 0.3%. However, it is a rich source of nutrients and CBD. Hemp is widely cultivated for commercial and industrial purposes; the whole hemp plant, including leaves, stems, shoots and seeds, can be turned into various useful products.
Because hemp is a rich source of natural CBD, most CBD products made worldwide are made from hemp. It also facilitates the production of large amounts of hemp-derived CBD because the hemp plant has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act in 2018 thanks to the legalization of the Farm Bill. The law allows hemp to be grown legally and then produced into CBD products for the public to consume.
Cannabis
Cannabis and marijuana are one and the same. This species of cannabis sativa plant contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is psychoactive and makes you drugged. It also contains about 500 diverse compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that contribute to the aromas, effects, and health benefits of cannabis varieties.
Cannabis can contain between 5 and 30% THC, although it has very low CBD levels. But thanks to recent engineering and improvement, cannabis strains can now be made to produce much higher levels of CBD. There are also varieties of artisanal cannabis that have a high CBD content and can produce quality CBD products such as oils, tinctures and groceries. Also, for consumers who prefer to consume smoking, you can consume CBD by smoking the flower-shaped cannabis plant because you cannot smoke hemp.
Although dozens of states have legalized cannabis for medical and / or recreational use, cannabis is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government.
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Is there a difference in CBD?
When you compare the molecular structure of CBD made from hemp with that of cannabis, they are exactly the same.
However, there are some differences that consumers should consider:
- Legality: Hemp products, including CBD, are legal throughout the United States. Hemp-derived CBD can be transported across state borders, while companies can grow and manufacture CBD products without having to worry about any legal implications.
But with CBD oil made from marijuana, it is up to each state to define whether or not it is illegal. In the eyes of the federal government, however, CBD oil made from marijuana is still a marijuana product and if you are allowed to be seen traveling with it or crossing state borders, there may be some serious legal implications.
- THC content and effect: Since CBD oil and products made with the hemp plant have extremely low traces of THC, consumers can expect to feel little or no high. In fact, you should consume a ridiculously high amount of CBD oil with traces of THC to increase you. It would make no sense because if psychoactive effects are the priority, you should consume THC products and not CBD.
- Nutrient Profile: Hemp does not have a cannabinoid profile as rich as cannabis. Because cannabinoids also have a myriad of numerous health benefits, you will only be able to enjoy them if you consume CBD derived from cannabis. But hemp CBD is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which make it suitable for treating skin-related disorders and inflammation, as well as for overall health and well-being.
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Many medical patients who use CBD to treat conditions benefit from consuming cannabis-derived CBD. Its therapeutic benefits are simply more potent thanks to the environmental effect it works on all the cannabinoids and terpenes present.
- Where to find them: CBD oils and other CBD products made with marijuana can only be legally purchased at authorized dispensaries in states that have legalized cannabis. On the other hand, you can easily buy hemp-derived CBD almost anywhere.
That said, patients should research and discuss with their doctors what type of CBD oil is right for you. Even if you want to start supplementing with CBD for general health, here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): The COA provides you with information about the other ingredients or compounds used in the plant. Legitimate COAs should inform you about the analysis of cannabinoids, heavy metals, if any; and pesticide analysis. Stay away from products that only cannabinoids present tell you about because they may not be as transparent to you.
Some COAs also include detailed information on terpenes, residual solvents, and mycotoxins.
- Organic and non-GMO CBD: Ideally, you want to consume organic and non-GMO cannabis and CBD products. This will give you the peace of mind that you are taking clean ingredients that are free of pesticides and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Many hemp and cannabis plants are genetically modified, but several brands of CBD claim that they are not transgenic, but do not have proper verification. Always research the brand for more information on their hemp plants.
- Ingredients: Depending on the type of CBD oil or product you are consuming, some manufacturers may have added other ingredients to make it more palatable. CBD oils are usually mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil or almond oil. With all these options, you can easily choose the one that is best for your needs.
Conclusion
It is up to the consumers to know the different offers of CBD products in the market. Not all products are created equal, so you want to make sure you only consume high quality CBD for your health and safety.
