Differences between hemp, CBD and marijuana
Sometimes there are differences between two things but the differences are so subtle that it is difficult to differentiate between those two things. It causes confusion among people who are new to that subject. One group may prefer one word to denote a thing while the other group uses another word to indicate the same thing. Each word conveys a slightly different meaning. The context can also change the meaning of the same word. This guide will help you know the differences between the hemp, CBD and marijuana.
Cannabis
To know the differences between these three things, you have to first understand the meaning of the word cannabis. The words cannabis and marijuana are used interchangeably and sometimes there is nothing wrong with it. Cannabis is the scientific and real name of the plant. There are three main strains of it, namely cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis. The term cannabis stands at top of everything covered under this subject.
The cannabis plant is used to derive ingredients and materials for use in industrial, medicinal and recreational products. Many people prefer using the word cannabis when they want to convey their positive image. Other people use the word marijuana to emphasize its negative effects. The term cannabis is being given preference over the term marijuana after many states legalized its cultivation. Various studies have proven its beneficial effects in treating certain diseases and health conditions. The anti-drug groups prefer using the term marijuana when referring to the illegal use of cannabis.
Hemp
It is the Sativa strain of the cannabis plant. It is grown mainly to produce fiber which is used in a wide range of industrial applications. The industrial hemp is used to make textiles, oils, paper, car parts, supplements, and many other products. The most important thing about it is that it cannot get you high. The thing that gets you high after using marijuana is its high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content which is a psychoactive cannabinoid. This psychoactive compound provides a euphoric and relaxed feeling to the user. The hemp plant contains THC in such a low amount (about 0.3%) that it is considered almost safe. However, it is still placed in the list of Schedule I narcotic drugs in the US. Anyone who wants to grow it needs a permit from the authorities. Some states have legalized its cultivation but even there the farmers have to follow the rules and regulations that regulate its cultivation. The industrial hemp is cultivated mainly for its oil and extracts. The hemp oil is used as an ingredient to make a wide range of food, health and beauty products. Due to hemp’s legal status in many places, it is easier to buy hemp derived CBD (cannabidiol). It has low THC content so it is referred to as industrial hemp. It is used as raw material to make thousands of different types of products. Hemp is often confused with marijuana because it is part of the same cannabis group of plants and most states still keep it in the category of banned drugs. However, it is making a comeback because the policymakers are realizing the benefits of industrial hemp. Different species of hemp plants are grown for different purposes. For example, the hemp plant grown for the fiber is different from the hemp plant grown for the seeds.
CBD
It is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plants. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body and produces physical changes and other effects. CBD cannot get you the high associated with marijuana. This compound is used to make CBD oil which is used to treat a wide range of health problems including pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, infection, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, seizures, nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer.
CBD is sourced from both hemp and marijuana. Due to the most positive aspects of hemp, it is easy to find the CBD derived from it. While both CBD and THC are cannabinoids, both have different effects on the human body. THC gives a high while the CBD is mostly used to reduce inflammation. The hemp derived CBD is not going to get you high because it does not come from the strain of cannabis plant that contains higher THC content. This type of CBD is legal across the country. It is still a regulated drug ingredient and cannot be used in the health and food products. CBD is available in the form of oils, tinctures, edibles gummies, patches, and vapes. The CBD derived from marijuana contains the intoxicating THC and should be used carefully. Many people prefer marijuana CBD because they think it is medically more beneficial than hemp CBD.
Marijuana
While marijuana and hemp both come from the same Sativa strain of cannabis plant, the difference lies in the amounts of THC and CBD found in both species of plants. The psychoactive THC compound gives the high while CBD has an anti-psychoactive effect. The marijuana species of the cannabis plant is high in THC and low in CBD. On the other hand, hemp is high in CBD and low in THC. The THC content in marijuana can be in the range of 5-20% while in hemp it is less than 0.3%. The genetic makeup of marijuana plants is different from the genetic makeup of hemp plants. Marijuana has been used since long for medical, recreational, spiritual and religious purposes. It is the flower of the marijuana plant with its sticky buds that is most valuable for its growers. They prefer the female varieties of this plant because that is what produces most of the THC. Marijuana can be grown both indoor and outdoor. Users of marijuana experience acute psychoactive effects. Its high THC content can stimulate psychological responses that give the feeling of euphoria and relaxation. The long term use of marijuana causes many types of physical, cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric side effects. The short term effects include giddiness, relaxation, increased appetite, increased heart rate, anxiety, lethargy, nausea, paranoia, decreased blood pressure, delayed reaction time and coordination issues. The user experiences things like sights and sounds. There is an altered perception of events and time. Long term side effects include cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, gum disease, airways inflammation, memory problems, and other health problems. You should research these subjects more before ingesting, smoking or applying anything that contains hemp or marijuana-derived ingredient.