Is CBD made from Hemp or Marijuana?

Cannabidiol (CBD), as the name suggests, mainly comes from two strains of the Cannabis plant– hemp and marijuana. Many CBD companies specialize in selling CBD products that are sourced from either of these strains. And as a consumer, it can add another layer of confusion.

Which one is better?

There are a couple of aspects that can help distinguish between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD. And these different factors can help people determine which one might suit them more.

To help you come up with a more informed—and legal—decision, here’s a breakdown of what makes them different from each other.

1. Legality

Every product that is made from hemp is completely legal in the US. This legality applies to both state and federal laws. Currently, hemp’s legal status is dictated by the Farm Bill (2018), where it dictates that businesses can grow, possess, manufacture, and profit from hemp-based CBD products. Transporting these products across different state products is also legal.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for marijuana-derived CBD. While every US state can introduce marijuana laws that make them legal, not all of them have done so. Today, 47 states have programs related to medical marijuana, and an even lower 11 states have legalized both the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana.

When it comes to federal laws, marijuana products are also treated differently from hemp. The former is still classified as an illicit substance, which means that growing, possessing, transporting, and selling marijuana-derived products constitute a federal offense.

2. Cannabinoid Content

Most CBD oils use full-spectrum extraction. This method means that these oils don't just contain CBD, but other terpenes and cannabinoids that are present in cannabis as well. CBD oils derived from different strains will have varying ratios of CBD and THC. However, CBD isolates that only contain CBD is pretty much the same regardless of its source.

Full-spectrum oils derived from hemp will typically have high CBD and low THC content (which doesn’t exceed the 0.3% legal limit.) Marijuana, on the other hand, can also have high CBD content, but it also has high levels of THC ranging from 5% to 30% (which is well above the legal limit.)

3. Effect on the Body

Because of its lower THC content, CBD oils derived from hemp don’t impart intoxicating effects. This means that hemp-based CBD won’t impart the “high” that you typically get from marijuana products. Contrary to what many assume, it makes users feel alert, relaxed, relieved from pain, and other positive effects that come from CBD’s impact on our endocannabinoid system.

In contrast, marijuana-sourced CBD oil can get its users high, although the imparted psychoactive effects are more minimal since CBD hinders THC’s properties. Aside from this, CBD oil from marijuana can also act as an antidepressant, relaxant, and analgesic that can improve the conditions of people with chronic illnesses.

4. Functions

CBD oils from both sources are mainly used to restore our body’s chemical balance by stimulating our endocannabinoid system.

CBD oils derived from hemp are classified under the dietary supplement category, and they can be bought in headshops, specialty stores, health stores, and pharmacies all over the country.

On the other hand, marijuana-derived CBD oils, as mentioned before, have additional benefits that can treat chronic conditions.

Quick Recap

Hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis species, but are grown for different purposes. Hemp, also called industrial hemp, is one of the oldest plants known to man, dating back to 8000 BC. The plant itself is typically tall and thin and cultivated to produce food, oils, paper, other textiles, and high CBD extractions.

Marijuana plants, on the other hand, are bred for their psychotropic properties. The cannabis plant species, which includes industrial hemp, contains 60 known cannabinoid compounds. The levels of THC in cannabis are what legally distinguish which plants are considered industrial hemp and which are considered marijuana.

Know more about this here.

Hemp or Marijuana: Which One Should You Buy?

The ratio of terpenes, THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids determines our body’s reaction to a CBD product. Those who want the benefits of both CBD and THC might prefer a marijuana-derived product.

However, people looking for a product that’s federally legal and also doesn’t impart a high should go for hemp-derived products. Either way, both can be incorporated into your lifestyle and improve your health.