Cannabis has a long history of human use, in ancient cultures, it was used as herbal medicine. In America, the cultivation of cannabis dates back to the early colonization, where colonist grew hemp for textiles and rope. In fact, at one point hemp was so important to the economy that farmers were required to grow it. In colonial times, farmers were even allowed to pay taxes with it! Yet, throughout American history, specifically in the 20th century, political factors led to the criminalization of cannabis.
In recent years, movements have brought upon a change in the cannabis community, states have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana, CBD hemp products have taken over the market, and most recently, the 2018 Farm Bill has legalized, at a federal level, industrial hemp. However, there are still a lot of questions and misconceptions about cannabis, cbd hemp, and marijuana. This is why we have created this guide, that addresses key questions about cannabis and cannabidiol.
Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana
Let’s be clear--cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana are not the same thing. In fact, cannabis is a family of plants with two primary classifications--Indica and Sativa. Marijuana can be considered a member of either Indica and Sativa, CBD Hemp, on the other hand, is a member of the Sativa family. Because both CBD Hemp and Marijuana stem from the Cannabis Sativa family, they share similarities; yet due to their own biological structures they have very distinct and crucial differences.
Hemp vs Marijuana: The Differences
Cannabis contains a variety of compounds called Cannabinoids, two of the most rich and dominant are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both of which have shown a variety of benefits to the human body. THC however, induces a psychoactive effect or a “high”, while CBD does not contain any intoxicating properties.
The Endocannabinoid System
Before we jump into any more information about Cannabis, it’s important to understand human anatomy. Humans and animals have a network of cell receptor proteins CB1 and CB2 receptors with many functions which are part of the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS. The ECS is arguably the greatest neurotransmitter system in the body. It has the potential to affect :
The ECS has four primary functions which include: neuroprotection, stress recovery, immune balance and homeostatic regulation. CBD Hemp has the ability to interact with cells in our bodies because the molecules have similar composition to a chemical that our body produces naturally called endocannabinoids. Various studies have proven that endocannabinoids can help ease stress, decrease inflammation, reduce anxiety, and increase overall well-being.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD Hemp is a non-psychoactive (non-intoxicating) component of the cannabis plant. Unlike marijuana, CBD Hemp will not result in a feeling of euphoria. Over the past years numerous studies have highlighted the potential of CBD Hemp. CBD Hemp oil has been recognized for its benefits on human and animal health.
The Many Forms of Taking CBD Hemp:
CBD-rich cannabis oil products can be taken sublingually, orally, or applied topically. Concentrated cannabis oil extract can also be heated and inhaled with a vape pen. Using inhalation is a good method, as effects can be felt within a minute or two. The effects of orally administered CBD-rich oil can last for hours, but the onset effects is much slower than inhalation, with products like CBD Hemp Flower.
Full Spectrum Vs. Broad Spectrum Vs. Isolate ?
You might have noticed that a varying factor in CBD Hemp products is whether it is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate. Here is what you need to know :
Isolate CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, and then all other cannabinoids, terpenes, etc are extracted from the oil. Leaving purely CBD Hemp.
Full Spectrum CBD Hemp oil contains everything the cannabis plant has to offer, meaning terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids including traces of THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp oil contains everything the cannabis plant has to offer, such as terpenes, flavonoids, etc. Yet, unlike full-spectrum, broad-spectrum does not contain traces of THC.
So which is better? That depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for all the benefits that the plant has to offer then CBD isolate would not be a good fit. Yet, if you are worried about any traces of THC, then full-spectrum would also not be a good fit. Our recommendation is broad-spectrum as it contains an array of properties but does not contain THC.
What To Look For When Choosing A CBD Hemp Product?
It is always important for consumers to do research before purchasing any product. We recommend consumers look for products that contain clear labels, with important information such as quality ingredients. No artificial additives, GMOs, thinning agents etc. The products should be third party lab tested for consistency and verification. Understanding which extraction methods are safer is also critical.
We hope this article has been useful, but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out as our team will be more than happy to respond. if you want to learn why you should go with GoGreen Hemp, please make sure to visit our "Why Gogreen Hemp" page to learn about our processes from start to finish.
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