As a cannabis expert, I have been asked countless questions about CBD and its origins. One of the most common inquiries is whether CBD comes from marijuana. The answer is yes, but it's not as straightforward as it seems. Let me break it down for you. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in both marijuana and hemp plants.
However, the source of the CBD can vary. Hemp is defined as any part of the cannabis sativa plant that contains no more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the mind-altering substance in marijuana. This means that CBD can be derived from hemp or from plants that are not considered hemp. But here's the important part: regardless of whether CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana, it remains identical at the molecular level. This means that the therapeutic benefits of full-spectrum CBD are the same, regardless of the plant source. Experts tend to highlight the benefits of choosing whole-plant products whenever possible, whether the entire plant is hemp or marijuana.
This is because full-spectrum CBD contains not only CBD, but also other cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to provide improved therapeutic benefits. It's important to note that CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a psychoactive effect. This means that CBD does not cause a "high" like marijuana does. The most common form of CBD is oil, but it can also be found in other forms such as extracts, vaporized liquids, and oil-based capsules. In recent years, there has been an explosion of CBD-infused products on the market, including food, drinks, and beauty products. However, as CBD becomes more well-known, it's important to be aware that not all CBD products are created equal. In fact, they may not even be derived from the same type of cannabis plant.
While hemp-based CBD oils provide CBD and other cannabinoids or terpenes, hemp seed oil does not. Some CBD manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for making wild and indefensible claims, such as that CBD is a cure-all for cancer or COVID-19. It's important to remember that while CBD may have therapeutic benefits, it is not a miracle cure for any disease. One key difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD is the resin content of each plant. Hemp plants have a lower resin content, which means they produce less CBD. On the other hand, marijuana plants have a higher resin content, which means they produce more CBD. Another important distinction to make is between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products. Full-spectrum CBD contains not only CBD, but also other cannabinoids and terpenes.
On the other hand, CBD isolate products contain only the CBD molecule, without any other compounds. A recent study of 84 CBD products purchased online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than what was stated on the label. This highlights the importance of purchasing CBD products from reputable sources and doing your research before making a purchase. In conclusion, while it is true that CBD can be derived from marijuana, it's important to understand that not all CBD products are created equal. Whether you choose hemp-derived or marijuana-derived CBD, make sure to do your research and purchase from reputable sources to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
