Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found in all cannabis plants. You can extract it from either hemp or marijuana. There are some significant differences between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD, though. Read on to find out what they are.
THC Levels
All full-spectrum CBD products contain some THC. However, marijuana-based CBD products have significantly more THC. Hemp-based products can contain no more than 0.3% THC by law, but the same restrictions do not apply to manufacturers of medical marijuana.
Psychoactive Effects
THC produces the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. That means the hemp-based products sold by Veritas Farms and other reputable vendors do not produce potentially distressing psychoactive effects. They’re considered strictly therapeutic products.
Legal Issues
Recreational marijuana is only legal in a handful of states. State-by-state acceptance of medical marijuana is more widespread, yet it remains federally illegal, similar to its recreational counterpart. As a result, marijuana-based CBD products are also legal only for medical patients in most cases.
Hemp-based CBD, on the other hand, is federally legal. Certain states and counties impose additional restrictions on the sale of hemp-based CBD. Thankfully, online sales of hemp-based CBD products are also legal.
Ease of availability
Even in places where marijuana is legal on the state level, it can be challenging to find the right products. Buyers need to go to a specialized medical or recreational dispensary. It can be challenging to find high-CBD products at these dispensaries, especially if they cater to recreational customers. Breeders brew most marijuana strains for high THC content.
It’s simple to find high-quality hemp-based CBD products. Most stores can sell them because they are federally legal. People can also buy them online and have them delivered directly to their doorsteps. It’s much more convenient.
Chemical Compounds
Some types of hemp-based CBD products contain only CBD. Manufacturers extract the phytochemicals from hemp flowers and leave behind the rest of the cannabinoids and terpenes to create pure CBD extract. Other manufacturers prefer to create full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain all the chemical compounds found in cannabis except THC. We have removed this psychoactive component from the mix. Full-spectrum products have a very low level of THC. This allows users to take advantage of the entourage effect.
Marijuana-based CBD products are always full spectrum. The concentrations of THC and other cannabinoids vary by strain, but they all have the full range of phytochemicals found in cannabis plants. Marijuana plants also yield THC extracts. They contain no CBD at all and are not known to confer any therapeutic benefits.
Social Stigma
There is still somewhat of a negative social stigma surrounding marijuana. Some people still consider those who use marijuana to be drug addicts. Thankfully, that social stigma doesn’t extend to CBD. Most people view those who use CBD products as health-conscious but otherwise normal consumers.
The Bottom Line
All CBD is not created equal. Americans who want to use CBD as part of their general wellness routines or for its therapeutic properties should buy hemp-based products. Just make sure to find a reputable vendor that performs lab testing to ensure purity.
