How Is Cannabidiol Different From Marijuana, Cannabis And Hemp?

Cannabidiol is an active ingredient derived from marijuana, cannabis, and hemp. Marijuana, cannabis, and hemp are words used to refer to the Cannabis sativa plant itself. While marijuana and cannabis are terms that can be used interchangeably, hemp has its own unique characteristic which is different from the two. According to Medical News Today  hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that contains low levels of THC, particularly, only about 0.3%. It is the main source for high amounts of CBD. Cannabis or marijuana, on the other hand, contains high levels of THC and low levels of CBD. Despite this difference, the chemical content of CBD remains the same regardless of their source.Hemp-derived CBD has a different legal status from cannabis-derived CBD. Due to the habit-forming essence of THC from cannabis, products derived from it are mostly controlled. Opioids, for instance, are typically classified as Schedule controlled drugs. Meanwhile, those cannabis products which adhere to the legal standards of using hemp are not restricted in the United States, except in three states.

Is Cannabidiol Legal?

Cannabidiol is legal across the United States, however; all states have different policies when it comes to its usage. Each state has legalized CBD for medical function, and restrictions only appear when it comes to using it as oil or food according to 2018 Farm Bill. There are some state that have different regulations when CBD products contain more than 0.3% THC, it is illegal in some states.  With the 2018 Farm Bill in the US, hemp is now legally cultivated in the country. This could be one of the reasons why there is a growing market for hemp products across states such as gummies for pets, oils and lotions, and even coffee.At present, the FDA has only approved one CBD drug and that is intended to treat epilepsy. Its use for other health ailments are still in the investigatory stage, and this is legally allowed through the FDA’s expanded access. As a prescribed drug, CBD in foods and dietary supplements must be strictly taken with caution since most of them do not accurately indicate the content level of CBD in their labels.

Is CBD A Drug?

CBD is an FDA-approved drug with the brand name Epidiolex. This is a prescription drug that comes as an oral solution. It is a pure CBD oil product which is used to treat seizures among children as young as two years old and up. These seizures are caused by Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two of the most well-known forms of rare and severe epilepsy.In 2019, Epidiolex was classified as a Schedule V controlled drug, however; in 2020, it has already been removed from the list of controlled drugs. Another drug with levels of CBD is already a mixture with similar amounts of THC. An example for this is Sativex, also known as Nabiximol in the US, which is sprayed in the mouth to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Does CBD Get You High?

CBD does not get you high, unlike THC. Although both chemicals come from the same plant, it  can be extracted without the high content of THC. It may consist of 0.3% THC, but this is not enough to make you feel high. Getting high can be associated with experiencing euphoria or feeling sedated, and this is what THC does to the body. CBD, on the other hand, may influence a sense of calmness and relaxation but not significantly on a similar level as getting high. CBD is mostly infused in oils, lotion, drinks, and vape to allow users to enjoy a restful state. This factor is also seen by researchers as a great potential of the substance in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Despite its non-inducing-high ability, consuming large concentrations of CBD may cause side effects such as nausea and dizziness.

What Is CBD Used For?

CBD is used for the treatment of several health concerns. Its non-addictive factor and high potential for relief and treatment makes it a very promising subject for further research. Here are some of the potential uses of CBD, apart from its FDA-approved treatment for epilepsy:

Inflammation

Certain compounds from CBD help relieve inflammation which can cause chronic pain. An inflammation in the skin which results in scarring or acne can be prevented as well as an inflammation in the pancreas which leads to type 1 diabetes.

Withdrawal

CBD has been helpful in reducing the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms which cause both physical and psychological distress. A small study has also found its potential in reducing cravings for nicotine among smokers.

Anxiety disorder

CBD helps calm down individuals who suffer from anxieties which can root into several mental health disorders such as panic attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder.

Neurological illness

Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease are some of the neurological illnesses which CBD has also reportedly aided in a few studies.

 

What Are The Types Of CBD?

There are three types of CBD that can be found in CBD products. These types are a product of how they are extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Here are the three types of CBD:

Full-spectrum CBD

This is the type that contains other cannabinoids found from a hemp plant. This typically contains 0.3% THC and other chemicals. It is popular for its “entourage effect” which refers to the added strength in the therapeutic power of the product.

Broad-spectrum CBD

This type is extracted by removing the component of THC yet leaving the rest of the natural compounds contained in the hemp plant untouched. It may be likely for this product to still contain a few traces of THC. The entourage effect is still possible but without the effect of THC.

Isolate CBD

This type is a purely extracted CBD with all the other compounds in the hemp plant removed. Getting this type requires an intensive extraction, and the CBD content of this type is strong even when mixed with food and other substances.

Is CBD Addictive?

CBD is not addictive at all. It is the level of THC contained in a product mixed with CBD that influences a habit-forming behavior among its users. CBD alone does not induce physical or psychological dependence.The human body contains type 1 cannabinoid receptors which are responsible for certain brain functions. When THC enters the system, they act on these natural receptors. Due to its addictive potential, these receptors may fail to function normally with the absence of THC.CBD works differently from how THC stimulates these type 1 cannabinoid receptors. It acts as an antagonist instead by blocking these natural receptors and protecting them from the addictive power of THC.

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?

The side effects of CBD include exhaustion, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. Despite these occurrences, CBD remains to be a safe option for treatment in contrast with the side effects from other medications. Exhaustion, which is oftentimes associated with feelings of sleepiness, can intensify if the user is taking sedatives in conjunction with CBD. Diarrhea can also be a natural response and its occurrence may depend on the individual’s medical history or physiological makeup. When this condition happens, it is highly important to monitor its progress. Changes in appetite vary among people and it can have a drastic effect on weight. While some people show signs of an increase in appetite, others may also experience a decrease.Other specific side effects reported are dry mouth and nausea. All these side effects are dependent on an individual’s health status as well as the amount of CBD that they take.

Is CBD Safe?

The safety profile of CBD at present is highly favorable. Yes the safety profile of CBD is safe according to the FDA.Outcomes of treatment are mostly promising, Outcomes of CBD as a treatment are promising. Despite this, experts still recommend taking the drug with medical supervision.It is likely that its excessive use may cause an injury in the liver. Its presence in the body may also affect the growth of the fetus in a pregnant woman, considering that every component may still contain levels of THC no matter how small they can be. Interaction of CBD with other medications may not also be safe for some people. It may cause extreme sedation for individuals who take substances which slow down brain activity. According to the FDA, a study conducted among animals also reveals how the drug may damage the fertility of male individuals.

What Does CBD Do To You?

CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for the major physiological processes in the body such as energy level, stress, immunity, metabolism, pain, hunger, and more. Significant findings reveal that the drug can improve conditions of pain, mood, and brain function among individuals. However, there are far more studies that need to be conducted in order to fully determine the limitations that it can cause once used.

Are there CBD Cigarettes?

Yes Hemp Healix is the top brand of CBD cigarettes for quality and purity. These hemp flower cigarettes have very low levels of THC therefore are legal to buy and sell in most states.