HEMP CBD VERSUS CANNABIS CBD: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

 

Hemp and cannabis (popularly marijuana) taxonomically belong to the same genus of herbaceous plants, Cannabis.

Although closely related, hemp and cannabis have some few, yet significant, physical and chemical differences.

Hemp is a term used to describe a group of cannabis that has less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC). Any variety of the cannabis plant that has 0.4% or more THC is considered to be cannabis (marijuana)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of about 100 cannabinoids found in both hemp and marijuana. CBD has been at the center of many discussions due to its therapeutic uses and legality. It has been suggested to have profound analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Hemp CBD versus Cannabis CBD

Both hemp and cannabis contain CBD. However, the chemical nature and pharmacological characteristics of CBD are the same, regardless of the plant it is extracted from.

Hemp, however, contains a higher amount of CBD, hence making it the ideal source for CBD extraction in industries.

Most CBD products, including CBD oil, are derived from hemp, rather than the cannabis plant.

 

Is there any chemical difference between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD?

 

The simple answer is no. The chemical nature of CBD is the same in hemp and marijuana.

However, like many other cannabinoids, the effects of CBD can be reduced or improved by other chemical constituents by a principle referred to as “the entourage effect”.

.

Cannabis has higher concentrations of THC and more diverse cannabinoids than hemp. Based on this, a study suggested that cannabis-derived CBD may have more therapeutic benefits than hemp-derived CBD.

Some preparations of hemp CBD, like the Full Spectrum Hemp Oil (FSHO), may however contain a significant amount of other cannabinoids to improve its overall efficacy.

What are the legal differences between hemp CBD and Cannabis CBD?

The legality of hemp and cannabis is dependent on the concentration of the psychoactive compound, THC.

In the US, and recently Europe,  any substance containing more than 0.3% THC is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. In other countries, Switzerland for example, THC concentration can be as high as 1.5%.  Hence, cannabis, which normally contains about 30% THC, and its derivatives are illegal in many countries.

Hemp CBD on the other hand has less than 0.3% THC, so it is widely accepted and readily available in many countries.

However, we advise that you check for state-specific laws as legality may vary. In some states, you will need to have a medical marijuana card to access cannabis-derived CBD.

 

 SUMMARY

 

Cannabis and cannabinoids have been used and studied for many years. Cannabidiol came into the spotlight recently and has been a subject of interest for many researchers. Evidence supports the use of CBD to relieve pain, treat inflammation and skin diseases.

Hemp and cannabis-derived CBD are chemically the same, yet their effects differ significantly. The overall effects of CBD are influenced by its interaction with other cannabinoids, especially THC.

Cannabis CBD has beneficial effects as much as, if not more than, hemp CBD. But the THC level of cannabis has prevented its use.