Hemp CBD: Is CBD Safe?
CBD is extracted from hemp plants, a species of the plant Cannabis sativa L. It is not unusual for this statement to make people a little uncomfortable. If this statement made you uneasy, you are not alone. For decades, the word cannabis has been strongly associated with marijuana use, rather than for its hemp derivative which has none of the intoxicating effects of the marijuana plant.
Since marijuana has a psychoactive effect, and the legality of marijuana use varies from state to state, many people feel compelled to avoid cannabis.
We understand these concerns. Millions of CBD enthusiasts were also initially hesitant when they learned that CBD is extracted from a plant that is from the cannabis family. Fortunately, they continued their investigations and soon discovered that marijuana is not the only cannabis plant.
While CBD can be extracted from marijuana, most of the products available online are derived from industrial hemp. The CBD extracted from hemp has all the potential health benefits, without the high. Knowing a bit more about CBD may help clear the confusion and alleviate your concerns.
CBD is One of the Many Cannabinoids in Hemp
CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in hemp oil. Since CBD is the primary cannabinoid responsible for the many potential health benefits of hemp oil, hemp oil is often referred to as CBD oil.
While hemp oil contains cannabidiol (CBD), marijuana contains CBD and high levels of the cannabinoid THC. While they are both cannabinoids, CBD and THC have different effects on the cannabinoid receptors in your body. Here is a brief explanation of their differences:
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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is found abundantly in marijuana. It is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating effects. THC binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain and activates them. THC affects the areas of the brain influencing pleasure, time perception, concentration, and movement.
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Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that mimics the effects of the naturally occurring messengers of the body’s communication (endocannabinoid) system. Cannabidiol does not bind to CB1 receptors and is known to neutralize the effects of THC.
Clarifying the Relationship Between Hemp and Marijuana
Cannabis was one of the first domesticated crops. Cannabis plants were selectively bred for different purposes. While marijuana plants were bred for medical use and religious ceremonies, hemp was bred for food (hemp seeds) and industrial use.
CBD is the scientific abbreviation for cannabidiol. The oil extracted from marijuana and hemp both contain ample amounts of cannabidiol along with other cannabinoids and plant components.
Of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the only cannabinoids known to cause intoxication. It is the THC content that differentiates the cannabis plants. Consider the following:
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Marijuana-derived CBD
The CBD from marijuana contains 5-30 percent THC. Because of the high levels of THC, the way THC impairs cognitive abilities and motor function, marijuana has been classified as a schedule 1 drug. While legality varies by state, marijuana is typically available for medical use when prescribed by a doctor.
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Hemp-Derived CBD
Due to selective breeding, the CBD sourced from hemp contains only trace amounts of THC. To be classified as hemp, the plant must contain .3 percent THC or less. These trace amounts of THC are not enough to cause any form of intoxication, even if hemp CBD is consumed in high quantities. This is the reason hemp oil (CBD) is offered online and can be purchased by consumers across the US.
Now that you understand the distinct differences in the two potential sources of CBD, it’s likely much easier to understand why you do not need to be uncomfortable with the word cannabis.
Most Online CBD Products are Hemp-Derived
While marijuana legality varies by state, hemp is legally grown in more than 30 states and hemp products can be sold across the country. That number may soon increase. The US Senate recently voted to legalize hemp on a federal level.
Most of the CBD products you find online are derived from hemp. In order to purchase a marijuana-sourced CBD product, you would need to make your purchase from a marijuana dispensary. The products sold through a dispensary are likely to contain high levels of THC and cause the “high” intoxicating feeling. Marijuana is also known to cause side effects. Just a few of the risks associated with marijuana use include:
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Impaired motor skills
- Sedation
- Impaired short-term memory
- Intensification of anxiety symptoms
- Hallucinations and delusions
Hemp-derived CBD is a natural dietary supplement, not a drug. Like many other natural supplements, hemp oil does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are few reported side effects associated with CBD use.
If you are under the care of a physician or currently taking medication, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider prior to adding a dietary supplement to your treatment program. While CBD does not typically cause side effects, cannabinoids can interact with some medications.
The Potential Health and Wellness Benefits Associated with Cannabidiol
Now that you understand the differences between hemp and marijuana, you may want to learn a bit more about why so many people are using CBD. The potential health and wellness benefits of CBD are due to the way this cannabinoid interacts with your endocannabinoid system. Your endocannabinoid system is the network of receptors and messengers that regulate the many vital processes in your body.
The messengers manufactured by your body are made as needed and broken down quickly by enzymes. When your body cannot produce a sufficient quantity of messengers (neurotransmitters) on its own, the communication system can fail.
Keeping the endocannabinoid system balanced is so crucial to your health and wellbeing that many researchers today believe that endocannabinoid deficiencies are to blame for many common health concerns. CBD mimics the effects of your naturally occurring endocannabinoids, potentially supplementing the endocannabinoid system. Just some of the processes that can benefit from endocannabinoid support include:
- Immune system function
- Moods and emotions
- Memory and learning
- Digestion and digestive processes
- Metabolism and energy production
- Regulation of sleep cycles
- Cardiovascular function
Verifying Product Quality When Ordering CBD Online
Hemp is known for its ability to leach contaminants from the soil. Potential toxins could end up in your product. To ensure the quality and safety of the products you select, be sure to purchase CBD sourced from non-GMO hemp plants that are grown natural farming practices.
To further verify product quality, look for companies that provide batch certification. Batch certification is typically performed by a neutral third party and guarantees the purity and potency of the products you select.
When You Have More Questions than Answers
Many people are hesitant or even opposed to trying CBD products because of the association of cannabis with hemp. Hopefully, we have provided enough information to clear the confusion and alleviate your concerns. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at sales@thecbdistillery.com.
To learn more about your endocannabinoid system and the many potential health benefits of CBD, Download The Ultimate CBD User Guide. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn how CBD could benefit you. At CBDistillery, you will find batch results posted within the photograph section of every quality product.
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