CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 540 phytochemicals found in cannabis (C. indica, C. sativa and C. ruderalis). CBD has many proven health benefits without intoxication; recently the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% THC as federally legal products.
THC, the active compound found in marijuana’s leaves and flowers, is responsible for creating its unique high.
Legality
CBD offers many potential health advantages, but its legality varies from state to state and must be researched thoroughly prior to making purchases. Furthermore, only Epidiolex (FDA-approved for rare forms of epilepsy) has received FDA approval as pharmaceutical CBD product.
CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, an intricate network of chemical signals and receptors in your body that works together to maintain balance. This system regulates mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensation, memory and more. CBD can interact with CB1 receptors found in your brain and central nervous system to reduce anxiety depression stress pain as well as interact with CB2 receptors found in lymph tissue immune system cells bone and gastrointestinal tract – creating what’s known as an entourage effect. Full spectrum CBD contains naturally occurring cannabinoids terpenes together for maximum impact – creating what’s known as an entourage effect!
Though the 2018 Farm Bill separates hemp and marijuana, possession of substances with more than 0.3% THC remains illegal under federal law – creating an issue in states with restrictive laws which could charge anyone found with CBD products with possession of marijuana resulting in serious jail time penalties.
Efficacy
Hemp has many health advantages, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant properties. Additionally, it’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins A, C, and E; additionally it boasts high concentrations of the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine.
The effectiveness of hemp-derived CBD depends on how it’s processed. Broad-spectrum CBD contains naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes while CBD isolate has been modified by processing to remove THC, leading to lower levels of other cannabinoids and less effective results than full spectrum.
Hemp-derived CBD is an innocuous nonpsychoactive compound with minimal delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content and no psychoactive effects, making it an excellent alternative to marijuana. Widely used as a dietary supplement and food ingredient alike, Marinol and Cesamet both contain it as one of their ingredients; in addition, CBD may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, improving appetite, digestion, appetite loss and pain management.
Safety
Hemp-derived CBD has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for various health ailments. Available as oils, tinctures, capsules, vape pens and candies, CBD is said to assist with anxiety, pain, seizures and other conditions while having neuroprotective benefits that improve brain function.
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from its list of controlled substances, legalizing CBD products containing 0.3% or less THC for purchase. Before making your decision, however, be aware of state and travel laws as nonprescription CBD products may not have FDA approval and therefore incorrect labels.
There is mounting evidence of CBD’s effectiveness in treating seizure disorders. The Food and Drug Administration has already approved Epidiolex, which contains purified form of CBD, to treat seizures in children suffering from Dravet Syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; clinical trials conducted have confirmed its safety and effectiveness; more CBD drugs could follow this same route in future approval by FDA.
Cost
As the hemp-derived CBD market evolves, it is crucial that consumers understand how to compare prices. Calculating the cost per milligram of CBD can help identify products with superior value on the market as well as provide a useful means for comparing quality across various CBD offerings.
Manufacturers are using advanced cultivation techniques to produce strains with higher levels of CBD, including old favorites like OG Kush and Bubba Kush as well as more innovative varieties such as Sour Space Candy and Lemon Drop.
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal to sell in many states, though age restrictions may differ by state. Smokable cannabis flower is restricted to adults 18 or over in California while other forms of CBD may be accessible for younger users. California does not tax industrial hemp-derived CBD if the product does not contain THC; however, the state taxes them when sold commercially in retail marketplace.
