Much verbiage accompanies the cannabis community to the point it leaves newbies confused and potential users hesitant. Each label under the umbrella of “cannabis” denotes a unique individual component complete with its own implications.
These include the hemp species, marijuana, and the cannabinoids of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The questions are countless with concerns that CBD can potentially lead to intoxication, as is the case with THC and assumptions that because hemp was legalized with the 2018 farm bill in all 50 states, then marijuana must have been as well.
Fortunately, with adequate research and contact with knowledgeable, trustworthy resources such as sites like https://cheefbotanicals.com/ consumers can find answers in order to be better informed on the plant and all things related to it. Then, deciding whether to buy products is not such a difficult undertaking.
The Cannabinoid Cannabidiol Or CBD
The body naturally produces chemical compounds referred to as cannabinoids, as do specific plants.
With people, these are known as “endocannabinoids,” but the term used with reference to plants is “phytocannabinoids.”
An endocannabinoid system serves as the “powerhouse” regulating the function of bodily systems with impacts in areas of appetite, mood, memory, sleep, immunity, pain sensation, inflammatory response, and much more. Plant-derived phytocannabinoids simulate these naturally occurring cannabinoids due to a comparable chemical consistency.
Cannabidiol or CBD is one such phytocannabinoid. Read here to learn about CBD and its safety.
The Cannabis Plant Broken Down Into Species
Cannabis is a broad “umbrella” term used for a multitude of species of plants that fall under that classification but with unique strains and individual makeup. Two of these are hemp and marijuana.
Unfortunately, there is a misperception that “cannabis” is merely another term for marijuana and that anything falling under that label will create the same effects that you get when consuming marijuana.
A way to envision the differences is to use the example of citrus fruits, which is a reference in an article in “Echo Connection.” Although you will find oranges as well as lemons under the citrus label, they couldn’t be more different in character and taste.
The indication is while you have two species that are related in a family, and this is true with plants, people, animals, fruit, anything, they will be very different from each other as individuals. The primary difference between the hemp species and marijuana comes in the form of the THC content.
The Cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol Or THC
Within the cannabis plant’s seeds, flowers and stalks are a multitude of active chemicals, including nearly a hundred cannabinoids. The primary two and most prevalent compounds are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Both of these are in marijuana and hemp. There is a much higher concentration of THC in marijuana and more of an abundance of CBD in hemp.
The chemical structure for THC and CBD is comparable, but where they differ is in the psychoactive component. THC is an addictive substance. When the heat hits the compound, it causes the cannabinoid to break down, creating a euphoric sensation as it binds with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors.
Body chemistry and dose determine the reaction to the “high” experienced from THC, with some people experiencing altered consciousness and simple relaxation. Others might experience episodes of hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, an increase in blood pressure, or potential psychosis. Excessive doses will heighten the effects.
CBD has not shown signs of being addictive, nor is it psychoactive. The compound encourages the release of naturally occurring endocannabinoids through interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Different people react differently to the substance, but as a whole, reports indicate less anxiety and a relaxed sensation with a greater sense of clarity.
Final Thought
Cannabis, as a whole plant, was not legalized with the farm bill of 2018, nor was marijuana as a species. Hemp and its derivatives’, including the cannabinoid CBD oil products, legality in the U.S. was granted – with guidelines. If the THC level exceeds 0.3%, it is no longer legal. The products must remain with a THC consistency of 0.3% or less to be grown, cultivated, sold, possessed, or used.
Each state has its own legislation pertaining to hemp and its products. If you choose to consume hemp or cannabidiol substances, it’s your responsibility to familiarize yourself with your local laws in order to stay within compliance.
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