The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when talking about medical cannabis is CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main compounds found in cannabis. It is widely known for its medical benefits. More and more people are now getting MMJ cards from a 420 clinic to buy medical cannabis. Medical cannabis helps people deal with symptoms associated with various conditions. While cannabis has a lot of compounds, the two mains are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. THC is the compound mainly associated with providing the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. On the other hand, CBD is mainly known for providing medical values. And one of the best things about CBD is that it causes no intoxication or side effects.
Nowadays, CBD is everywhere. From health food stores to yoga studios, you can find some use of CBD everywhere. In fact, a 2019 survey from Gallup shows that about 14 percent of Americans use some type of CBD. But even with all the fame and popularity, there are still a lot of things about CBD that people are not familiar with. Also, many consumers and patients are now becoming curious to know the ins and outs of this cannabis derivative.
Along with all the information, people don’t have, there are many misconceptions as well about CBD. People need to learn more about this non-intoxicating cannabis compound. This is important to get rid of all the misinformation surrounding CBD. I have prepared a list of some of the most interesting facts about CBD. So, let’s go through the list and get familiar with all these facts.
CBD comes from both hemp and marijuana
Let’s start by clearing out some misconceptions. A very common misconception about CBD is that it comes from only one type of cannabis plant. But, that’s not the truth. CBD can be found in stalks, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds of both marijuana and hemp. This is also one of the most unknown facts about CBD that it can come from both marijuana and hemp.
But, marijuana usually has lower levels of CBD than THC, while hemp has higher levels of CBD. In fact, THC is only present in trace amounts in hemp plants. This makes hemp an ideal source for CBD extract products such as CBD oil. That’s why this is a very important fact that you should get familiar with. Also, there are thousands of unique varieties of hemp. And different hemp strains contain different levels of CBD.
CBD is legal, but only that comes from hemp
People are familiar with CBD being legal across the United States. However, the laws vary from state to state, so it is better to double-check. CBD that comes from industrial hemp is not considered a controlled substance under federal law. Industrial hemp is defined as cannabis that has less than 0.3 percent THC.
But CBD that comes from hemp or marijuana with more than 0.3 percent THC is still considered illegal federally. It is only legal in states that have legalized medical and adult-use of cannabis. But again, it is important for you to learn about the cannabis laws of the state you are living in.
There are over 100 cannabinoids that come from cannabis
CBD has gained a lot of popularity in the cannabis industry in recent years, thanks to its medical benefits. But did you know that it is just one of more than 100 cannabinoids that have been discovered in the cannabis plant till now?
THC and CBD are two of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis. But there are dozens of more cannabinoids other than these two that are present in cannabis plants. But these are present at low levels. And just like CBD and THC, these cannabinoids also interact with the native system of the body. They also elicit various natural effects. Some of the more well know cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids that comes from cannabis are –
- Cannabichromene (CBD)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
While scientists have discovered many cannabinoids, they are focusing mainly on understanding the influence of CBD and THC on the body’s system.
No matter where it comes from, CBD is CBD
You must learn this, CBD is CBD. Many people have this misconception that CBD that comes from marijuana plants is different from CBD coming from hemp. People think CBD from marijuana is somehow more potent than CBD from hemp. But that’s not true at all. CBD is the same whether it comes from marijuana or hemp. Our body does not really care where it comes from.
Consider it like Vitamin C. Whether the source is a lemon or an orange, your body will treat and use it the same way. The percentage of CBD in hemp by dry weight is usually lower than the percentage of CBD in a few specially bred marijuana plants. But once the extraction of CBD oil from the plants is done, the difference becomes negligible. So, no matter whether it is coming from hemp or marijuana, CBD is CBD.
CBD can help in managing a cannabinoid deficiency
This is a relatively new theory that says – plant-based cannabinoids such as CBD could be beneficial for managing a nutritional deficiency. This theory is referred to as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome (CECD). The attempt of this theory is to explain why the endocannabinoid system (ECS), in some cases, fails to properly keep the balance of the body. The theory proposes that the reason for the dysfunction in the ECS could be because of a deficiency in cannabinoids. EB Russo initially introduced this theory in 2001.
Americans are now maybe at a greater risk of cannabinoid deficiency. The reason being the prohibition in the 1930s on both marijuana and hemp. This prohibition led to the elimination of hemp from the diet.
But the theory suggests that adding CBD oil to your diet could help people manage this deficiency. And help the ECS to work effectively and balance the body.
CBD can also provide benefits to your pets
Are you wondering whether CBD can also be beneficial for your pets? Well, you are not the only one. All pet owners love their pets and want them to stay healthy and happy. And here’s good news for you – CBD can be beneficial for your pets.
All mammals, from dogs to horses, have an endocannabinoid system. And cannabinoids interact with this bodily system. This means that your pets can also get the benefits of CBD. Adding CBD oil to your pets’ diets can help in promoting the overall well-being of your pets.
CBD can support the ECS of your pets and promote their cardiovascular function and neurological health, and support joints. It can also promote emotional behavior in them. Also, according to many pet owners, the nutritional profile of CBD oil can complement the dietary requirements of their pets.