If you have been browsing for CBD products, you have probably already noticed the labels “cannabis-derived CBD” and “hemp-derived CBD” and wondered why they are distinguished. The truth is, the CBD itself is the very same compound regardless of its origin. Let us explain it to you so you can know what will suit you best.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural cannabinoid in the cannabis family. It is used extensively as it possesses the qualities to relieve stress, insomnia, pain, and general well-being without the high of the user that is linked with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The level of cannabinoid (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the plants varies significantly in both marijuana and hemp since both plants contain these cannabinoids.
Cannabis, Marijuana, and Hemp – What is the Difference?
Cannabis is the name given to a plant family that includes marijuana and hemp. The biggest distinction is THC, the molecule that gets you high.
- More THC is found in Cannabis or Marijuana. This is the plant that yields the highest psychoactive content.
- Little THC exists in Hemp – legally, they have to have 0.3% or less, which is too little to get anyone intoxicated.
Though both are cannabis plants, hemp is grown for fiber, seeds, and CBD with little to no THC, while marijuana is grown for the high level of THC.
The Chemical Nature of CBD
The CBD molecule itself does not change whether it comes from hemp or marijuana. But what else it is accompanied by in the extract could be vastly different.
Hemp plants tend to have high CBD and very low THC (<0.3%).
Marijuana plants contain higher THC and at times lower CBD than it does.
This means CBD products from marijuana might contain trace amounts of THC, which are even higher than legal amounts in some areas.
THC Content – What Makes Hemp and Cannabis CBD Different
THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance in cannabis that will make you “high.” THC levels are one of the biggest differences between hemp and cannabis CBD.
Hemp-derived CBD has less than 0.3% THC, which is less than what will cause any kind of intoxication. That makes it so you can take it without feeling a high or psychoactive effect.
CBD obtained from cannabis, however, is able to have much higher THC. It has more powerful effects but is also able to affect your mind. Due to this, CBD from cannabis is not necessarily safe for everyone, especially where marijuana use is illegal.
Legal Differences Between Hemp and Cannabis CBD
Law Hemp CBD and cannabis CBD are not comparable. At the federal level in the U.S., hemp CBD is legal, but not above 0.3 percent THC, as stated in the 2018 Farm Bill. With this legalization of the high amounts of CBD on a large scale, it was based on the premise of hemp and resulted in a huge market of these products in the form of oils, gummies, and creams.
Most states have made it federally illegal to use more THC in cannabis. With this said, it can be legal in medical or recreational cannabis states.
Therefore, hemp CBD products are a safe and legal substitute in a state where cannabis is illegal. In a legal state or nation, where cannabis is legal, you can possibly use higher THC cannabis CBD products to achieve more pronounced effects.
Which Works Better
There is an opinion that marijuana can be better due to the higher concentration of THC and other cannabinoids in its CBD. This full-spectrum effect may be useful for chronic pain, anxiety, or other severe symptoms.
Most of the terpenes and cannabinoids are usually found in hemp CBD, thus it is said to be less effective. Still, hemp products can be extremely effective in stress, inflammation, sleep, and well-being.
It also depends on dosage, the quality of the product, and the response of your body.
Types of CBD Oil Extracts
CBD products are also divided depending on the cannabinoids they contain:
- Full Spectrum CBD – all the plant cannabinoids, including THC (below 0.3% in hemp products).
- Broad Spectrum CBD – multiple cannabinoids but no THC.
- CBD Isolate – CBD only with no other cannabinoids.
Marijuana and hemp can both be used to create these types, but legal hemp products must keep THC very low.
The Entourage Effect and Other Compounds
CBD is the most common compound that individuals consume in pursuit of wellness, although other terpenes and cannabinoids can be found in cannabis and hemp. The interaction of natural chemicals is possible through a phenomenon called the entourage effect. It is also a fact that the compounds are more active in the presence than when isolated.
Marijuana plants also contain a more complex mix of cannabinoids and terpenes, and as such, may be more effective or stronger in particular conditions, including chronic pain or anxiety. The hemp plants might contain lower levels of secondary cannabinoids, but they are rich in health promoting chemicals.
This leads to the fact that cannabis-based CBD can sometimes have a wider effect on severe diseases.
However, stress, inflammation, and sleep can also be highly effective with hemp CBD products. The product selection is decided by your local legislation, by your needs, and by your preferences.
Side Effects
Marijuana-derived CBD usually carries a high amount of THC, especially from indica dominant varieties. Studies show it can have up to 30% THC. THC decreases the blood pressure and makes the heart beat rapidly, something that most expect the opposite regarding CBD.
Hemp CBD has almost no THC, so it is safe for almost anybody. Even kids and seniors may take hemp CBD oil safely. In fact, children with poor epilepsy are treated regularly with hemp CBD. Doctors prescribe it because it is very safe. Even the FDA is researching CBD-based drugs for epilepsy.
How to Choose the Right CBD
Here is a brief primer:
- Hemp-based CBD is preferred if you desire legal, non-hallucinogenic, and non-addictive drugs.
- Cannabis-based CBD may be the right choice in case you are in a location where medical or recreational marijuana is legal and desire to experience stronger effects or experiment with THC.
Always verify legality by the laws of your state or country. Make sure to find third-party lab certification of products to ensure proper CBD content and purity of products.
Conclusion
The major differences among hemp-derived CBD and cannabis-derived CBD include THC content, legality, and the ratio of other cannabinoids. The CBD molecule itself is the same.
Hemp CBD is legal almost everywhere, non-psychoactive, and an ideal starter product. Cannabis-derived CBD could be stronger because of THC, but with attached legal restrictions.
Finally, the choice is yours depending on your needs, wants, and where you live. Either way, CBD offers potential benefits to health and medical aid without the “high” in most cases.