If you're CBD-curious but concerned about what you’re consuming and how it will affect you, here's everything you need to know about the difference between hemp and marijuana.
Spoiler alert: Curiosity never killed the cat. If you've been wondering what the difference is between Hemp CBD and Cannabis CBD, you're not alone.
Let's dive headfirst into the sea of greenery, a fascinating world where plant cousins, hemp and marijuana, often get mistaken for each other. They're like the Cheech and Chong, the Olsen Twins, and the Apollo and Artemis of the botanical universe, but with a twist. While they may look alike, they certainly don't behave alike.
First, What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis and hemp plant. It is the most prevalent compound found in the hemp plant and second in the cannabis plant.
CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system to support homeostasis (balance) within the body. It's also been shown to have unique interactions with pain receptors, inflammation markers, and neurotransmitters in the brain that help to regulate stress.
While CBD oil is the most popular form, many CBD products are widely available, from CBD gummies, topical CBD salves and balms, CBD bath products, and even pet-friendly CBD varieties. Depending on the form, how CBD works in the body may be different.
But the tale doesn't end there.
Let the Story Begin
Once upon a time in the merry world of plants, two close relatives – hemp and cannabis – evolved under the same family tree, named "Cannabis sativa." But as time passed and they grew up, they developed quite distinct characteristics. Yes, just like humans, plants mature and change too!
Here's what their yearbook would say:
1. Hemp - The Omega Guru
Imagine the nerdy, straight-A student who loves health and wellness. That's Hemp! It is often praised for its high concentration of proteins, fatty acids, and various minerals.
It is the valedictorian of the Cannabis sativa family, rich in CBD (cannabidiol), but it rarely dabbles in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It keeps its THC level below 0.3%, respecting the legal limit in most jurisdictions. It’s like that kid who never breaks curfew. So responsible!
Hemp isn't just a health freak, though. It's an environmentalist too. From making paper, clothing, and biodegradable plastics to even biofuel, hemp is on a mission to save the world, one plant at a time.
2. Marijuana - The Party Animal
On the other hand, meet Marijuana - the life of the party, the one always ready for a good time. It loves to pump up its THC level (5-35%), ensuring it has everyone's attention. You see, THC is the psychoactive compound that brings about the 'high' effect. But, remember, too much partying can lead to trouble, and that’s why in many places, Marijuana’s high THC content places it under stricter regulation.
That said, Marijuana isn't just about the good times. It also has its compassionate side. Medical marijuana has been a game-changer for many patients dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, and a range of other conditions.
Now, onto our next bit of sibling rivalry!
The Golden Rule – It’s All in the Chemistry
So, how does one tell these two apart? Well, it all boils down to their chemistry. Hemp, our health-loving environmentalist, is high in CBD and low in THC, keeping it focused on wellness and industry. Meanwhile, Marijuana, our vivacious partygoer, is rich in THC, promising a good time but requiring more careful handling.
The THC Threshold
The magic number here is 0.3%. That’s the THC threshold that differentiates Hemp from Marijuana. Any Cannabis sativa plant having less than 0.3% THC is Hemp, while anything above that is Marijuana. Think of it as the legal drinking age, but for plants.
So, there you have it, folks! The enthralling saga of Hemp and Marijuana. Although they share the same roots and may even look alike, their personalities, or rather, chemical compositions, set them apart.
CBD Q and As
Story-telling aside, if you have more questions about the difference between Hemp and Marijuana, here's a quick debrief.
What are the Different Types of CBD?
CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD, which one is right for you?
Isolate
Isolate CBD is the purest form of CBD available, testing around 99.99% CBD and can be found in both crystalline and powdered crystal form. Isolate contains only one cannabinoid, CBD. Isolate is made through a 3-step extraction process in order to get the CBD isolated to its purest form.
Full-Spectrum
Full Spectrum Oil is an oil rich in CBD but also contains low levels of other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBC and THC, as well as containing naturally-occurring terpenes, essential vitamins, fatty acids and proteins. Full Spectrum Oil usually tests at around 75%-90% CBD and must test at less than .3% THC. Full Spectrum Oil is extracted by a 2-step process.
Wait, what the heck is a Cannabinoid?
A Cannabinoid is a diverse classification of the many active chemical compounds found in the Hemp and Cannabis Plants. These compounds can be nonphysocactive (CBD) and Psychoactive (THC). The Hemp and Cannabis Plants can contain over 100 different cannabinoid compounds. These “cannabinoids” are more popularly known as CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THC, just to name a few.
Will I Pass a Drug Test?
There is always a small risk of failing a drug test, and if you are concerned with this we recommend using our isolate products. Our Isolate CBD products contain 0% THC. The CBD isolate we use here at lost range.® is tested at 99.99% CBD. Our Full Spectrum CBD products contain less than .3% THC and contains other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG and CBC.
What Benefits Can I Expect from CBD?
While CBD is being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including sleep disorders, pain, addiction and anxiety, research supporting the drug's benefits is still limited.
Are There Health Risks of Taking CBD?
The unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products can be of concern. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled. In addition, THC was found in 18 products.
Where Does lost range.®’s Hemp and CBD Come From?
Our Hemp CBD products are derived right here in Colorado. The hemp is grown under the Colorado sun by local farmers who ensure a pure product.
The hemp is also extracted here in Colorado and those extracts are then used in our small batch, handmade hemp CBD products. Our products are a true full circle product supporting an array of local Colorado-grown small businesses.
Why Should I Trust lost range.® CBD?
We're glad you asked... lost range® CBD is dedicated to providing all natural, high-potency, plant-based CBD products to support active, healthy lifestyles:
- Handcrafted in Small Batches: Our premium CBD products are made by hand, in small batches, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to ensure the finest craftsmanship and allowing for a consistent product made with care and love from us to you.
- High Potency: Unlike most CBD products you’ll find on the market today, we only offer upper-end potency and high-quality ingredients, allowing our customers to receive all of the positive benefits premium CBD has to offer.
- 3rd Party Tested: Our products receive independent third-party lab testing to identify potency, use of pesticides, microbes and heavy metals, ensuring product consistency and providing total transparency to our customers. Our testing meets and exceeds both state and federal testing protocols.
- Cruelty-Free: Our commitment to animal welfare means that we will never, EVER test on animals, and only source ingredients that the supplier can document are completely cruelty-free.
- All-Natural: We use all-natural and hand-selected ingredients in our CBD products, ensuring that each and every product is free of chemicals and parabens.
- Sustainable: Our CBD oil is made from industrial hemp using certified organic practices in the surrounding area of Hotchkiss, Colorado. These hemp farms, each of them smaller than 100 acres, are family-owned and operated using sustainable and organic methods. This smaller-scale farming ensures high-quality hemp production without compromising the integrity of the soil or environment as a whole. lost range.® is committed to minimizing our footprint by continually seeking environmentally friendly practices and materials.
And They All Lived Happily Ever After
Thanks to the hard work of scientists, doctors, farmers, business owners, and citizens, our knowledge of and access to cannabis-based products is steadily increasing.
Now you know the difference between the wellness guru, Hemp, the party animal, Marijuana, and why quality sourcing, farming, production, and ingredients matter.
Remember, knowledge is power, and now, you're powered up!
Thank you for reading our blog Hemp vs. Marijuana! Our team of CBD specialists is always here to answer your questions – so reach out to us here today. We all really appreciate your support!
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