CBD has recently gained a lot attention for its potential medicinal benefits and therapeutic effects and is commonly used in various wellness products, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, creams, and edibles. CBD is being used as an alternative medicine for people with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and other disorders and disease.
Do you know 1 out of 5 US citizens over 50 have tried one or more CBD products at some point.
CBD is a natural compound extracted from the Cannabis Plant in the form of CBD Oil. The scientific name for the Cannabis plant is cannabis Sativa. When we hear the term cannabis its often misunderstood with Marijuana or weed which is actually just another variety of the cannabis Plant. Similarly, Hemp is another popular variety of Cannabis Sativa, known for its high CBD content, from which CBD Oil is usually extracted.
Do you know 1 out of 5 US citizens over 50 have tried one or more CBD products at some point.
The stoned feeling that you get after consuming Cannabis plant is because of the THC content present in it, and is generally because of consuming Marijuana which has higher THC content. However, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high” feeling. Infact it may help manage certain health conditions, improve mood, and reduce pain.
There are over hundred Cannaboids present in Cannabis plant other than THC and CBD. But these two are the most popular cannaboids.
CBD vs. THC: What is the Difference?
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most popular cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and they both are different in their effects and properties.
Both CBD and THC have medical benefits, such as pain relief. However, CBD isn’t psychoactive in nature. This means it doesn’t cause the euphoric feelings or the “Getting High” feelings. On the contrary it gives more relaxation and calm feeling.
While THC is also used for medicinal and recreational purposes, THC can cause side-effects such as impaired cognitive function, memory loss, dry mouth, anxiety or paranoia, particularly at higher doses. CBD is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile. While CBD is not addictive, THC is.
However, it’s important to note that some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, typically less than 0.3%.
CBD Products are further classified into Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum and CBD Isolate based on the composition of THC and CBD Present in them. But none of them has more than 0.3% THC. And neither of these blends has the ability to invoke the feeling of being “high” that is activated by THC.
How and from where CBD is extracted?
CBD is typically extracted from the Hemp plant as it has more concentration of CBD than THC. However, it can also be extracted from Marijuana, but the process is more difficult in terms of time and efforts ratio. Hemp plants naturally contain higher levels of CBD compared to marijuana which makes hemp extraction more straightforward.
Difference between Hemp and Marijuana
Feature
Marijuana
Hemp
Botanical Name
Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis hybrid
Cannabis sativa
THC Content
High (typically > 0.3%)
Low (typically < 0.3%)
CBD Content
Low
High
Psychoactive Effects
Produces “high” due to THC content
Non-psychoactive, does not produce a “high” feeling
Legal Status
Controlled/substance in many jurisdictions
Legal under certain conditions (e.g., Farm Bill)
Why CBD is extracted from Hemp not Marijuana?
As mentioned above, CBD is often extracted from hemp rather than marijuana for several reasons
Legal Status: Hemp cultivation is legal in many regions, including the United States and Europe, under specific regulations. which are mainly the presence of THC component being less than 0.3%. In contrast, marijuana cultivation may be subject to stricter regulations or prohibitions, making it more challenging to produce CBD legally from marijuana plants in many areas.
THC Content: Hemp plants naturally contain higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC compared to marijuana plants. This makes hemp an ideal source for extracting CBD, as it allows for the production of CBD-rich extracts with minimal THC content.
Practicality and Efficiency: Hemp plants grow quickly and densely, with high CBD yields per acre. Additionally, hemp cultivation requires fewer resources like water and fertilizer, as compared to marijuana cultivation. This makes hemp extraction more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Regulatory Compliance: Rules and regulations set by government authorities are very strict for CBD extraction. Hemp extraction makes sure that the process of extracting CBD and the resulting products meet all the legal requirements, which eventually helps gain the consumer trust.
Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota are the only states where marijuana-derived CBD is illegal. Hemp extracted CBD Oil is legal all across US.
Does CBD Oil contains THC?
CBD oil derived from hemp typically contains very low levels of THC. But this doesn’t mean this makes it completely THC free. It may still have THC content but this is usually less than 0.3% and is legal to consume. These minimal levels of THC are very unlikely to cause any psychoactive effects or intoxication but may still be present due to factors such as the extraction process and the source of the hemp plant.
Based on the THC content they’re further classified into three major types – Broad Spectrum CBD Products, Full Spectrum CBD, CBD Isolate.
Most common disorders or problems treated with CBD
A cross-sectional study of Cannabidiols users was published in July 2018 by Jamie Corroon and Joy A. Phillips which said the top three medical conditions treated with CBD were chronic pain, arthritis/joint pain, and anxiety. However, according to Harvard Health some of the cruelest childhood syndromes such as Dravet Syndromes and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome(LGS) which typically don’t respond well to antiseizure medications can also be treated well with CBD. Infact, in some cases CBD was able to stop the frequent seizures altogether.
Epidiolex, which primarily consists of CBD, is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions.
The first recorded use of the cannabis plant for therapeutic purposes dates back to the year 2737 B.C. in China when Emperor Cheng Neng brewed the first cup of CBD tea.
The tea was used for treating gout, malaria, and rheumatism.
Is CBD Safe to consume
The safety of CBD depends on various factors, including dosage, quality of the product, individual health conditions, and potential interactions with other medications. Generally, CBD is considered safe for most people when used appropriately and in moderation. However, some potential side effects may occur, such as dry mouth, changes in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, and interactions with certain medications.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other medications. Additionally, be sure to purchase CBD products from reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing to ensure product quality and safety.
Disclaimer: Information provided on CBDChief.org is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD products.
