Cannabis, CBD and Hemp – What’s the Difference?
Apr 8, 2021
Cannabis, CBD and Hemp: With all of the hype of CBD, THC and Hemp / Hempseed Oil, it’s important to understand the difference between these parts of the hemp plant and how they are used. Not sure on these acronyms? Read more to learn more.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis refers to three parts of the cannabis plant: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. There are more than 120 cannabinoids in the cannabis plants; however, experts are familiar with two of them (THC and CBD).
There are three main parts of the plants that are used for cannabis products are the flower, the resin, and the oil.
THC vs. CBD
Both THC and CBD influence our endocannabinoid system, yet each has a different effect.
Let us start with THC.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound found in the cannabis sativa plant (marijuana). It has psychotropic properties, aka properties associated with feeling high, paranoid, euphoria, and pain relief.
On the other hand, CBD has quite the opposite effect than THC.
Primarily used for inflammation, aches & pains, and reducing nausea & anxiety, CBD is considered safe to use for nearly everyone—including pregnant moms, children, and pets. Most CBD is less than 0.3% THC which is currently under the legal limit.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a strain from the cannabis sativa plant, which produces higher levels of CBD than THC. Most people know hemp is associated with marijuana, but don’t completely understand the relationship between the two substances.
The confusion is derived from the fact that hemp and marijuana are both plants in the same Genus called Cannabis. As stated in the section “What is Cannabis?”, there are 3 different types of plants in that Genus, each with different properties and producing differing amounts of cannabinoids. Hemp typically means a Cannabis cultivar that produces little to no THC.
Hemp is grown for use in other products including paper, rope, clothing, even cereal and vitamin supplements.
What is Hempseed Oil?
Hempseed Oil is another hemp product that is used in the cosmetic and food industry and will have little to no THC or CBD (less than 0.3%). By cold-pressing the hemp seeds after a cleaning that removes nearly all the THC and CBD, we are left with a beautiful dark green oil that is high in omega fatty acids and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Hash Oil?
Hash Oil is an oil obtained from the Cannabis plant that will contain THC. It is obtained by cold pressing the flowers (not the seeds). This resin is high in THC levels, generally higher levels than marijuana leaves and parts.
WHAT HAS CHANGED:
With the increased demand for medical marijuana, most agricultural companies are now breeding their plants to have high concentrations of THC. What this means for the consumer/user is stronger levels of marijuana than they may have used before. Studies completed by the American Chemical Society have found that in the 1970’s, a typical marijuana joint contained 10% THC, whereas today we are finding upwards of 30%.
In addition, the increase in popularity without strong regulation has increased the market potential of both the flower and ingestible oils. Gas stations and smoke shops, for example, across the country are selling non-compliant flowers, THC and CBD products.
WHAT IS NEXT:
Finding the balance and educate, educate, educate! There are so many health and wellness benefits to the use of CBD and low dose THC (less than 0.3% is legal in the United States), such as replacement of anxiety, opiates and other pain medications. Continued regulation is needed for this growing industry so we can continue to offer a stellar quality product that works.