In 2018 the Farm Bill legalized the regulated production of hemp. Until the passage of this landmark bill hemp was rolled into the same category as any cannabis plant and was essentially classified as marijuana. While hemp and marijuana are related they are definitely not the same plant. Hemp is very low in THC (the cannabinoid that produces a psychoactive effect) but very high in CBD. Conversely, marijuana is very low in CBD and very high in THC. Marijuana is derived from the same parent plant, but is specifically grown to be used medicinally or recreationally. On the other hand hemp is grown for a variety of applications from textiles to biofuel and many more to name a few. With CBD gaining so much momentum and popularity, many farmers and previous marijuana growers have turned their attention to hemp.
1: What is CBD?
Maybe you are new to CBD and wondering exactly what it is. CBD is the acronym for a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant cannabidiol. This compound is extracted from the hemp biomass using a variety of techniques, but the resulting compound is less than 0.3% THC and generally very rich in CBD and other beneficial compounds. CBD as mentioned above does not produce a “high” like its sister compound THC. However, it does retain some of the therapeutic benefits that are reported from cannabis. Many users have reported that it helps with a myriad of ailments such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and others. It is also said to help with more life-threatening conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. When the federal government passed the farm bill in 2018 it made CBD extracted from a hemp a legal product as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. This has led to increased awareness and an increase in the user base.
2: Hemp is not Marijuana
Industrial hemp, more commonly called hemp is often confused with marijuana. This cannot be further from the truth. Although they are both derived from the same parent plant Cannabis Sativa they are very different indeed. As mentioned above marijuana is very high in THC, but very low in CBD whereas hemp is very high in CBD and very low in THC. However, the differences do not end there. Marijuana generally has no other purpose than to be an end product that gets you “high.” Hemp on the other hand has tons of uses and has been used by humans for almost 50,000, yes FIFTY THOUSAND years. It was one of the first plants in human history to be spun into usable fibers. Additionally, it has been used as a food crop, to make ropes, textiles, paper, clothing, paint, hemp oil, biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and insulation. In fact, the word canvas comes from cannabis as it was used to make sails during the age of sail. Even the declaration of independence often regarded as the US’s most important document was written on hemp paper. This whole blog could be written into a book about the ancient uses of hemp and into the modern-day.
3: CBD Can Come From Either
The truth is that CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana. While marijuana is relatively low in CBD some companies in legal states do extract CBD from it. This is not very popular as it cannot be sold across state lines because CBD extracted from marijuana is still considered to be illegal. This fact has actually led many marijuana growers to switch over to hemp production. This allows them to produce CBD products that can then be transported over state lines and sold in other states. That is because products containing CBD made from hemp are legal in all fifty states. When looking to purchase CBD be sure that it is produced from hemp and not marijuana to avoid any issues. Generally, everything you find in a local shop can be trusted to be in accordance with local regulations. However, when buying online check-in on a company and what product they use. Do not be afraid to ask.
4: Legal to Purchase
Hemp-derived products and CBD infused products are legal to purchase and consume for adults of legal age. However, this does not mean you can go into your backyard and start growing hemp. The process of growing hemp is very strictly controlled and requires a variety of licenses and permits. Stick to tomatoes, leave the growing to the professionals, and just use the CBD they produce.
5: Trace Amounts
One final thing to consider is that CBD infused products have trace amounts of THC. It is always lower than 0.3% as that is what is mandated by law, but users should be aware that it could potentially trigger a drug test. It will not get you high, but it could show up in your system. For people that may be concerned about this, you should consider a THC free distillate or a CBD isolate that is 100% THC free. This will ensure that you are getting the benefits without the risk of your job or your livelihood. If you have any questions about anything mentioned above, please reach out to us.
