Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is a cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis sativa plant. There are numerous varieties of the cannabis plant. Hemp and marijuana are other varieties. They all come from the same family, the Cannabaceae family. They all have distinct compounds. It is possible for CBD to come from the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. Hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the same plant, but they are not the same thing. The amount of THC contained within them is the most significant difference between hemp and marijuana. THC is what causes psychoactive effects, which promotes the high feeling associated with marijuana. Hemp has low levels of THC, but marijuana has high levels of THC.
The amount of THC a product contains is what makes it legal or not. In most, but not all, states, CBD must contain less than 0.3 percent THC for it to be legal. When it contains more than 0.3 percent is when it begins to give you the psychoactive effects. For this reason, most CBD that is sold legally comes from hemp and not marijuana varieties.
How is CBD Produced?
While CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, it does not always remain in oil form. Once it is extracted, it is diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or hemp seed oil. When mixed with hemp seed oil, it creates CBD hemp oil.
It is important to start with the purest foundation when producing CBD oil. This starts with the soil in which it is grown. Soil that is free of pesticides, toxins, and chemicals is best. After you plant hemp in the ground, the flowers come up first. CBD is found in the most abundant amounts in the glands of the plants. After the plants are cured and dried for several weeks, the flowers are stripped away from the plant.
There are three standard extraction methods that may be used to retrieve the CBD from the plant. First, then, it is mixed with a carrier oil to create the CBD oil you consume in oil or topical form.
Three Main Types of CBD
You will find CBD in three main types, full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.
Full spectrum CBD is when all the components of the cannabis plant are used. This includes cannabidiol, terpenes, essential oils, and THC. An extra step is taken to remove the THC. The amount of THC is less than 0.3 percent but could contain more depending on where it is sold.
Broad spectrum CBD does not have any THC. It does contain other components of the cannabis plant, though, so it won’t be 100-percent CBD alone. One potential plus of broad-spectrum CBD is that you keep a clear mind — no THC means no “high” feeling. Consider it the middle child of the three CBD choices.
CBD isolate is the most basic formula of CBD. It is considered pure CBD because it does not contain any other cannabinoids. The CBD is isolated through additional steps to ensure everything, but the CBD is removed. Therefore, it does not have a taste or smell. It is often ground into a powder for easy consumption.
Is CBD the Same Thing as Marijuana?
No, not at all. CBD can be extracted from the marijuana plant, but it is not the same thing as marijuana. Due to the low amount of THC, CBD is usually extracted from the hemp plant, which is also not the same as marijuana. They are different varieties from the same plant. Hemp and marijuana have different chemical makeup which separates them from each other.
How Can CBD Be Taken?
CBD capsules, CBD oil and CBD Gummies are among the most common and popular ways to consume CBD. These are both great options, especially when you are new to CBD. You can swallow the capsules or put a few drops of the oil under your tongue. You can also use CBD oil with lotions or creams to rub into your skin.
You should start with the lowest dose and potency that you can find to see how it impacts you. You may find you receive the desired result with the lowest dose. If not, you can slowly increase your amount over many days until you receive your intended outcome.