This article was originally published on Cannabis.net and appears here with permission.
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere these days.
From gel capsules to oils, tinctures, creams, and even CBD products for your pet, there’s a CBD product for almost any ailment you can think of. Anxiety, insomnia, skin care and more. It’s no surprise considering the CBD market was responsible for $12.8 billion in sales last year, though it’s expected to grow more from this year to 2028.
But when shopping for CBD products, it’s in consumers’ best interest to educate ourselves about the different types of CBD out there.
The two sources of CBD are the hemp plant and the cannabis plant.
How hemp and cannabis differ CBD
Hemp and cannabis are cousins in the same plant family: cannabis sativa.
Each of them is cultivated for different purposes, although they have different features and characteristics.
hemp
Hemp is an industrial crop that has extremely low levels of THC, typically below 0.3%. However, it is a rich source of nutrients and CBD. Hemp is widely cultivated for commercial and industrial purposes; the entire hemp plant, including leaves, stems, buds and seeds, can be made into a variety of useful products.
Since 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 legally grown and then produced into CBD products for public consumption.
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 gets you high. It also contains around 500 diverse compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids that contribute to the aromas, effects and health benefits of cannabis strains.
Cannabis can contain between 5 and 30% THC, although it has very low levels of CBD. But thanks to recent engineering and improvement, cannabis strains can now be made to produce much higher levels of CBD. There are also artisanal cannabis strains that are high in CBD and can produce quality CBD products such as oils, tinctures and edibles. Also, for consumers who prefer to smoke, you can consume CBD by smoking the cannabis plant in flower form 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.
Is there a difference in CBD?
When you compare the molecular structure of CBD made from hemp to that of cannabis, they are exactly the same.
However, there are some differences that consumers should be aware of:
Legality: Products made from hemp, 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’s up to each state to define whether or not it’s illegal. In the eyes of the federal government, however, CBD oil made from marijuana is still a marijuana product, and if you’re caught traveling with it or crossing state lines, there can be some serious legal implications.
THC Content and Effect: Because CBD oil and products made from the hemp plant have extremely low traces of THC, consumers can expect to feel little or no high. In fact, you would have to consume a ridiculously high amount of CBD oil with trace amounts of THC to get high. It wouldn’t make any sense because if psychoactive effects are the priority, you should be consuming THC products and not CBD.
Nutrient Profile: Hemp does not have as rich a cannabinoid profile as cannabis. Since cannabinoids also have a myriad of health benefits, you can only 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 general health and well-being.
Many medicinal patients who use CBD to treat conditions benefit from consuming CBD derived from cannabis. Its therapeutic benefits are simply more powerful thanks to the ambient effect that 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 from licensed 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 gives you information about the other ingredients or compounds used in the plant. Legitimate COAs should tell you about the analysis of cannabinoids, heavy metals, if any; and pesticide analysis. Stay away from products that only tell you the cannabinoids present because they may not be as transparent with you.
Some COAs also include detailed information on terpenes, residual solvents and mycotoxins.
Organic, Non-GMO CBD – Ideally, you want to consume organic, non-GMO hemp and CBD products. This will give you 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 CBD brands claim that they are non-GMO, but lack proper verification. Always research the brand to learn more about 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 which one is best for your needs.
conclusion
It is up to consumers to know the different CBD product offerings on the market. Not all products are created equal, so you want to make sure you’re only consuming high-quality CBD for your health and safety.