What is CBD?
You have seen it advertised everywhere: billboards, magazines and newspapers, social media, grocers, department stores, salons, and the list goes on. It is said to have dozens of health benefits for consumers, and even benefits for pets. But what even is CBD, really?
Let’s start by clearing up the difference between some of these commonly used terms. Two commonly used and - often incorrectly - interchanged terms are hemp and marijuana. For many in the industry, the term, "marijuana" has been retired, as it has racist roots. For the purpose of readers new to cannabis and who are understanding the difference between the terms: they are each plants that come from the same plant family. Hemp is a specific variety of the cannabis sativa plant family. Marijuana is said to also come from the cannabis sativa family, although some findings show that it may sometimes originate from other plant families. Those who use cannabis products or who are familiar with the industry may use these terms to distinguish cannabis plants with varying chemical compositions at the time of harvest.
The greatest difference discussed regarding chemical composition between cannabis varieties is the amount of THC present in the plants at the time of harvest. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the component of the plant that results in a psychoactive effect, or feeling “high”. When individuals refer to marijuana, they are often referring to the plants with high THC content (as high as 30%), which produces psychoactive effects. For hemp farms operating in the U.S., the THC content of the plants must sit at 0.3% in order to be legally classified as hemp, per federal regulations. This means that single servings of hemp-based products will not result in consumers feeling high.
In contrast, the main component of hemp that we often hear about is called CBD, which stands for cannabidiol. CBD does not result in consumers feeling high, but it has been known to provide consumers with an abundance of health benefits. Consumers can rest easy knowing they will receive the benefits of the plant, without the experience of the psychoactive effects of THC. Some of the benefits that our team has personally experienced from regular CBD use include*:
- Improved sleep
- Promotes relaxation and a sense of calm
- Anxiety management
- Anti-stress effects which has helped relieve symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Pain relief
- Nausea relief
- Mood regulation
- Relief from symptoms related to menstrual cycles (cramps, headaches, fatigue, etc.)
The hemp plant has been around for decades - it has been used for clothes and other textiles, rope, biodegradable plastics, paper, and fuel, to name a few. Unfortunately, the production of hemp was banned in the United States in 1937, which led to widespread confusion and stigma regarding hemp and its uses. The reason that you are hearing more about hemp and CBD now is because in 2018 the Farm Bill was passed, which legalized the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp in the U.S. The passage of the Farm Bill means that hemp is accessible again, and the healing benefits of CBD are widely available to those who want it.
*The above list of conditions and symptoms are what the founders of this company have personally experienced relief from by using hemp products with a high-CBD potency. These are not medical claims. Please consult with your medical provider before beginning any new product or wellness regimen.
FDA DISCLAIMER The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.