As more and more people continue to take interest with CBD, so does the availability of various products. One factor that usually confuses people is whether the CBD comes from hemp or cannabis. The short answer is that these are derived from different kinds of the sativa plant. The confusion between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD relates to the name, makeup and classification of the plant. In essence, hemp plants contain more CBD, while cannabis plants contain more THC, the compound that causes the high that people mostly associate with marijuana use.
The growing interest in the availability of CBD have grown because of its reported health benefits. CBD has shown to help with a wide range of physical and mental health issues, including depression, nausea, pain and addiction. Available evidence have shown that it works with the endocannabinoid system, which is a known signaling network. CBD is a non-intoxicating phytochemical found in cannabis sativa. THC, on the other hand, is the compound that causes the high.
What is Hemp?
A specific variety of cannabis sativa, hemp has been grown for hundreds of years to make food, rope, sails, clothes and many more. In fact, industrial hemp was grown by former US president Thomas Jefferson. Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3 percent of THC is considered hemp or industrial hemp. Producers grow it legally in many areas. Hemp plants contain THC but at very low levels. Certain types of processed hemp, however, can still cause euphoria, such as capsules, gummies and tinctures. In many cases, manufacturers make CBD products using the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant.
What is Cannabis?
There are three main varieties of cannabis plants: indica, sativa and ruderalis. There are also a wide range of hybrid plants that mix these three standard strains. These plant contain varying and higher THC levels compared to hemp plants. Aside from containing more THC, these plants also have less CBD compared to hemp plants, which pronounces their stark difference. According to studies, in the last few years, the average potency of cannabis plants rose, while average CBD levels decreased.
Cannabis CBD vs. Hemp CBD
Cannabis and hemp plants contain CBD and THC and over 540 other substances. The main difference between these two is how much of every compound they contain. Most importantly, the benefits of CBD do not change whether it is derived from hemp or from CBD because its chemical makeup is not dependent on the origin plant. Even common side effects like upset stomach, feeling on edge and feeling tired remain the same. However, the amount of CBD that can be extract will depend on the source. Because hemp plants contain more CBD, they are a more lucrative option for manufacturers.
Because of its promises of treating various physical and mental health issues, CBD continues to attract considerable public interest. Cannabis and hemp are two very different varieties of the cannabis sativa plant, with the latter containing less THC and more CBD. Many CBD products are made from hemp plants because they have high amounts of CBD and almost zero THC, which is the compound that causes the high.
If you are considering using CBD for your physical and mental issues, make sure that you discuss this first with your healthcare provider to make sure that CBD will not interact with any medications you are currently taking. Once you get the all-clear, you can start getting your stash and enjoy all the wonderful benefits this powerful plant has to offer.
