Marcus Richards
The hemp industry has grown exponentially as many turn to cannabinoids as a way to unwind or seek to improve their overall wellbeing. That being said, many consumers may find it difficult to understand the differences between cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). If you’re interested in either of these substances contained within the hemp plant but need to know more about what they are, let’s dive into a few FAQs about marijuana and CBD.
Is CBD going to get me high if I take it?
There are a lot of misconceptions about CBD and how CBD products function. The most common question people ask is, is CBD going to get me high? Like THC, CBD is a cannabinoid that impacts the endocannabinoid system: A series of receptors in the body designed to help the body achieve homeostasis. When introduced, these types of products latch onto receptors in both the nervous system and the brain (CB1, and CB2, respectively). CBD is said to have a slight impact on these receptors, but the general consensus is that they don’t latch onto the brain’s receptors very well. This means that whether you’re using CBD oil, tinctures, capsules, or gummies, you’re not going to receive any psychoactive side effects when you take them.
That being said, it’s still important that you do your research before buying just any oil. Taking your time to dive into authoritative CBD oil reviews will help you better understand what CBD companies offer the best CBD oil (Charlotte’s Web, Medterra, CBDfx), what the different types of flavors and dosages are that you may encounter, and whether or not they add any extra ingredients. More importantly, you’ll discover which are respectable CBD brands that use organic hemp to protect you from toxins like herbicides and pesticides or heavy metals (most will conduct third-party lab testing and provide you with the results). Before you take CBD, make sure to speak with your doctor to learn more about whether CBD is right for you and any side effects or medication interactions it may have.
Are there any different strains of the cannabis plant or CBD products?
Knowing what type of experience you’re going to get when you take a certain product is key to seeing whether or not you receive the purported benefits. As such, people are often compelled to ask whether there are different strains for both THC and CBD products. For CBD, there are no strains, but there are different types. The most important thing to know is the difference between CBD isolate versus full-spectrum CBD. Aptly named, CBD isolate is a form of CBD that contains no other plant matter or cannabinoids found within the hemp plant. Full-spectrum, on the other hand, contains cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other plant extracts. This is said to enhance the experience and produce something called the entourage effect. However, it all boils down to personal preference.
Meanwhile, cannabis is typically separated into two strains: Indica vs Sativa. Indica is a strain that is more associated with the body high effects that you may receive, like couchlock, physical sedation, and reportedly, support with insomnia. Meanwhile, Sativa is a strain that is said to produce a head high, offering greater energy and supposed stress and anxiety reduction. That being said, today’s bud may not be as straightforward as more hybrids are available and personal body chemistry will ultimately define the cannabis experience.
Are most hemp derivatives legal in the United States?
Most of us in the U.S. know that marijuana legality varies from state to state as well as whether each state accepts the use of medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, or both. But what about things like CBD. Hemp derivatives like CBD and CBN are all legal in the U.S. because of a piece of legislation known as the Farm Bill. These types of products where no psychoactive benefits are recognized are legal across the nation as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent THC. However, derivatives like delta-8 THC, which is chemically different from the main cannabis substance delta-9, are legal in some states that haven’t banned its use. Always do your research to make sure your chosen derivative is legal in your state.
Understanding the difference between THC and CBD may seem difficult. However, once you know what these substances are, you will quickly see which one you prefer. If you’re trying to understand marijuana and hemp derivatives, the guide above will provide you with all the FAQs you may ask and the in-depth answers to them.
