Until recently, it was easy to understand the primary difference between hemp and cannabis CBD. One was legal, the other wasn’t. Neither type is better than the other, rather, your choice depends on your reason for using it. Since the legalization of medical cannabis, however, both types of CBD are now up for grabs, so how do you decide which is better for your purposes? Here’s a breakdown to help you.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
First, let’s make sure we understand what CBD is and how it is used. Essentially, it’s one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. An antioxidant and neuroprotectant, it works in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate immune function and appetite, manage pain, and stabilize mood and sleep cycles. It provides all the benefits of medical cannabis without the highs associated with the use of marijuana.
Hemp CBD
Hemp and marijuana are two plants that come from the Cannabis Sativa L species, but are vastly different chemically and how they’re used. CBD contains tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the psychoactive component found in marijuana. Since hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, the quantity in CBD derived from hemp is minimal, and well within the legal limits of the past. This means CBD from hemp has no psychoactive properties, it’s easy to buy almost anywhere and is even safe to use in children, pregnant or nursing mothers, and as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. It’s ideal for use to treat conditions like anxiety and mild chronic pain. Of course, all this only applies to hemp with a THC in the range of 0.3%, otherwise it is no longer legally considered hemp.
Cannabis CBD
Cannabis contains significantly higher levels of THC than hemp does, and therefore the CBD derived from it does too—making it much more potent. Research shows cannabis CBD to be exceptionally effective in treating medical conditions, thanks to its neuroprotective and neurogenic effects. Arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, alcoholism, depression and antibiotic-resistant infections all respond well to cannabis CBD, which is also currently under review for its anti-cancer properties.
Cannabis CBD is considered safe for patients even in high doses, which makes it particularly effective for issues such as chronic pain and other serious conditions. It’s not safe for children to use, however, and in pets only lower dosages are advised.
Which CBD Should You Choose?
If you have been recommended to try CBD as a management option for a medical condition, you likely know how difficult it is to determine which strain is best for you, what strengths or concentrations it comes in, and how to find the right one for you. There are dozens of manufacturers all trying to sell you their medical cannabisproducts, and the majority carry oils in several different potencies. The concentration you need depends, therefore, on what you want to get out of using the product, and the condition you need to get relief from.
The Entourage Effect
CBD works with the amount of THC and other compounds it contains to create different outcomes. This is called the entourage effect, and it is a key factor in choosing which type of CBD to use for your condition. We’ll expand more on this topic at a later stage.
If you’re considering using CBD for any medical issue, please consult with a cannabis professional before you do so.