Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the main cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, mainly hemp and marijuana. Although both of the cannabinoids are known to have potential curative properties, their legality is decided based on intoxication or side effects they tend to have on consumption. This blog will answer some questions regarding the potential benefits and legality of CBD and THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive hence doesn’t impart a feeling of intoxication on consumption. It interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and appears to create a feeling of relaxation and calmness. Research suggests that CBD may have several health benefits, making it an amazing wellness product.
What is THC?
THC is also one out of 113 recognized cannabinoids of the cannabis, primarily known to develop a psychoactive effect in the body that is the feeling of getting “high.” Unlike CBD alters the ECS mechanism in such a way that it imparts a feeling of dizziness or sedation.
How is hemp different from marijuana?
Consumers usually confuse about the characteristic of the two renowned cannabis plants, hemp and marijuana. Both are known to produce a high amount of CBD with a variation of THC concentration in both. Marijuana contains a higher THC concentration, making it psychoactive, while hemp contains a limited THC, which is not more than 0.3% making it a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
What are some types of CBD?
Three major types of CBD are:
CBD isolate
As the name suggests, CBD isolates are the products that only isolate the cannabidiol with no other cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. These products are meant for people who are sensitive to the usage of other cannabinoids of cannabis except for CBD. Isolates usually come in solid forms.
CBD full spectrum
Full spectrum CBD contains all the essential cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including less than 0.3 % THC. It is a high potency CBD type since all the cannabinoids act uniformly, enhancing its potential effectiveness. All the cannabinoids complement each other and develop an entourage effect that increases the effectiveness of the product. Hemp-derived full spectrum CBD oil is legal throughout the US, making it convenient to be found.
CBD broad spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, just like full spectrum except THC. This type of CBD is meant for people who need to utilize the effectiveness of CBD but are sensitive to the effectiveness of THC.
What are the benefits of CBD?
A variety of research suggest that CBD is beneficial in the following health issues:
Anxiety reliever
According to the data available on the internet suggests that CBD may help relieve anxiety effectively. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body and alters the chemical coordination of cannabinoids and receptors, effectively regulating serotonin that maintains mental health.
Natural Painkiller
CBD may help manage pains the same way as it does for anxiousness. Research suggests that CBD does not directly target and act on pain; instead, it treats and suppresses inflammation causing pain, which helps alleviate the pain. It is considered a very effective natural alternative to a medicated painkiller that might sedate the user or be addictive. CBD pain relief may very well be what you have been looking for!
Anti-Epileptic
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD-infused drug for treating epilepsy. This indicates that CBD may be effective in reducing seizure frequency. A study suggests that the daily use of 2-5 mg of CBD reduces seizure frequency by 36.5%.
Treats Acne
The anti-inflammatory property of CBD also aids in reducing inflammation that causes acne effectively. According to a study, CBD interacts with the sebaceous glands and controls excessive sebum production, which controls acne formation.
Neurodegenerative diseases
Research indicates that CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors of our brain and provides neuroprotection for several neurodegenerative diseases including, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Side effects of CBD oil
The World Health Organization considers CBD to be completely safe for wellness purposes with the least potential side effects. The higher the quality of CBD product lessen the chances of possible side effects or harmful factors. However, there may be a few factors that may cause you to experience side effects which may be:
- Low-quality CBD with toxic compounds
- Consuming abnormal dosage of CBD
- Weak metabolism or immunity
The common side effects you may experience include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Adverse effects with prescribed medication
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Changes in weight and appetite
Legality of CBD
Hemp-derived CBD containing 0.3% or less THC, is legal in all 50 states of the US. It was legalized when the Farm Bill of 2018 was signed into law. CBD products are legal in those states where medicinal and recreational use of Marijuana is legal, where you don’t require a prescription. Some states only allow medicinal use of CBD, so you may require a prescription from a healthcare expert to buy CBD products, and if you invest in a CBD product without a prescription in such states, you may be at risk of legal action. A few states completely forbid the medicinal and recreational use of CBD, making it illegal for people to buy CBD products. As you can see, the laws are a bit complex throughout the states, so be sure to do your research before buying any CBD product in your particular residential state.
Why is THC partially legal?
Marijuana is known to cause long-term toxication, which results in minor illnesses, for instance, short-term memory loss and drowsiness mostly. THC affects the overall well-being of a consumer adversely, which involves sensation and mobility. You may even observe a lack of focus and attention in regular consumers of marijuana-based THC. Synthetic marijuana products can have even more harmful effects. Hallucinations, kidney damage, seizures, and even death have been reported with these products.
Conclusive Statement
You may be looking forward to investing in hemp-derived CBD products for sale for their immense curative properties. However, in case of any sensitivity towards a cannabis-derived product, make sure to consult a health care practitioner. Moreover, only invest in a certified and tested product to avoid any possible harmful, effects on health.