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Marijuana-Derived CBD vs Hemp-Derived CBD

Difference Between Marijuana-Derived vs Hemp-Derived CBD

CBD is getting popular as a treatment for medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, etc. The best part is—it won’t get you high as THC. Since CBD is available in both marijuana and hemp plants, understanding the difference between the two is important to make the right choice for CBD products.

As per the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp-derived CBD (containing less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal countrywide. However, anything more than 0.3 percent will be considered as cannabis. And, you require recommendations from an mmj doctor in long Beach to access it legally.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana has three species—Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Usually, it contains more than 0.3 percent THC and can deliver psychoactive effects to the users.

Cannabis can be used for both recreational and medical purposes. Currently, 33 US states have legalized medical marijuana, and each has its own regulations for cannabis purchase, possession, and use.

Medical marijuana is carefully grown, managed, and cured to preserve its therapeutic properties. The buds are potent, large, and bushy. There’s a wide range of cannabis strains with different levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD available.

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 imposed heavy taxes on cannabis sale, possession, and transportation. Then, the federal government banned it. 

What is Hemp?

Hemp or industrial hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants. It comes under the cannabis Sativa plant category, which is grown usually for industrial purposes.

There’s some evidence regarding the material derived from hemp more than 10,000 years ago. Many consider hemp as the first crop grown by mankind.

Hemp has many uses such as making clothing, diapers, denim, shoes, canvas, printing papers, and foods.

Unlike cannabis, hemp doesn’t require rigorous attention for lighting, temperature, and relative humidity control. You can grow it in different environmental conditions.

No matter the source, the CBD molecule is the same. However, the concentration of CBD may vary in marijuana-derived and hemp-derived products.

What’s CBD & Its Major Health Benefits

CBD, cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is present in both cannabis and hemp plants. It’s packed with many health benefits-

It Reduces Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression are common mental illnesses, which can affect the lives of patients in various ways. Research says that CBD’s medicinal properties can help in managing these conditions. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. CBD oils are also effective in managing symptoms such as mood swings, sleep problems, etc.

It Manages Cancer Chemotherapy Side-Effects

CBD is effective in managing risks related to cancer chemotherapy. Medical studies show that cannabidiol triggers the ECS to produce more endocannabinoids in the body, thus delivering therapeutic effects for controlling dizziness, nausea, vomiting, etc. CBD-based drugs such as Marinol, Cesamet, and Nabiximols are approved by the FDA for managing post-chemotherapy symptoms.

Related- Marijuana – a Cure to Cancer?

It Manages Epilepsy & Seizures

Medications for epilepsy and seizures may cause negative effects. However, CBD is effective in managing these conditions without causing any side-effects. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating the two severe forms of epilepsy, Davet and Lennox-Gastaut. 

It Reduces Pain & Inflammation

CBD is effective in managing chronic pain, migraines, arthritis, skin inflammation, cancer pain, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, etc. It can stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus changing the body’s response to pain. Sativex is an FDA-approved CBD spray for pain and inflammation.

Related- How Can Marijuana Help in Managing Multiple Sclerosis?

Difference Between Hemp-Derived CBD And Marijuana-Derived CBD

Here are some of the major differences between CBD products from hemp and marijuana plants-

Cannabinoid Profile

The major difference between the two is the ratio between THC and CBD. Hemp-derived products usually contain higher concentrations of CBD and THC doesn’t exceed 0.3 percent. On the other hand, marijuana-derived CBD oils contain significant amounts of THC (greater than 0.3 percent limit).

In some marijuana products, you can find equal THC and CBD levels. THC causes psychoactive effects while CBD can help in counteracting those effects.

Effects

Since hemp isn’t rich in THC, its CBD oils don’t provide intoxicating effects. In other words, you won’t get high by consuming hemp-derived CBD products. You will feel relaxed and end mental discomfort instead.

However, cannabis-derived CBD oils may deliver psychoactive effects, depending on the THC content they contain. But, as compared to high-THC products, marijuana CBD products provide less intense high effects. This is because the high-CBD content counter-acts the intoxicating effects of THC.

Health Benefits

Full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD products are usually used as dietary supplements. They are effective in restoring the normal function of the body by stimulating the body’s endocannabinoid system.

In marijuana-derived CBD products, you will get higher concentrations of THC. If medical marijuana is legal in your state, you can buy these products from any state-licensed dispensary.

Related- Things You Should Consider Before Choosing Your Cannabis Dispensary

Legality

As per the Agricultural Act of 2018, all hemp-derived products are legal in the United States provided-

  • They contain less than 0.3 percent THC
  • Hemp must adhere to the state laws
  • Hemp is grown by licensed growers

The states have the right to introduce their own regulations for consumers. So, before buying or using hemp products, make sure you check the local laws.

As per federal regulations, cannabis in any form is illegal. But, its medical use is legal in 33 US states currently. That means, if you live in one of these states, you can legally buy, possess, and use marijuana. For that, you require a medical marijuana card signed by an mmj doctor in long Beach.

What You Should Buy – CBD From Hemp or Marijuana?

Well, it depends on the effects you want. The CBD molecule is the same no matter whether it’s obtained from hemp or cannabis plants. Your body doesn’t care about this. What it cares about is the concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Medical studies have found that each cannabis strain provides different effects. This is due to the presence of different levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, which work together to deliver stronger effects. This is known as the entourage effect.

The ratio between CBD and THC and terpenes decide the effects you receive from marijuana consumption. Some researchers believe that equal amounts of cannabinoids can deliver more specific results.

If you are looking for THC benefits, but don’t want to receive psychoactive effects associated with it, go for low-CBD marijuana products. However, you require a licensed doctor’s recommendation for that.

If you want to use CBD products that are federally legal, go for hemp-derived products. When making purchases, make sure you confirm that the CBD products must contain less than 0.3 percent THC and are produced by a licensed company.

Key Takeaways

The main difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD is the concentration of cannabinoids. In the latter, there’s a significant amount of THC content, which can work with other cannabinoids to deliver stronger effects.

Based on your medical needs, you can select CBD products from hemp or cannabis plants. Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC is legal in the United States. If you want to access CBD products with high-THC concentration, you need a recommendation from an mmj doctor in long Beach.