As an expert in the field of cannabis and its compounds, I have been asked numerous times about the differences between natural and synthetic CBD. With the increasing popularity of CBD products, it is crucial to understand the origins of this compound and how it is produced. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in marijuana. It can be derived from hemp or from plants that are not. 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.
On the other hand, synthetic CBD is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that is chemically identical to naturally produced hemp-derived CBD. The form it takes, as with most isolates, is a crystalline powder that is then normally mixed with a carrier oil. The natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, called cannabinoids, are responsible for the drug's psychological and physiological symptoms. Among the best-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some pharmaceutical companies may even create synthetic CBD with a chemical structure identical to that of natural CBD.
However, synthetic CBD is easier and cheaper to produce, making it an attractive solution for many manufacturers. While natural CBD is produced from hemp or cannabis plants, synthetic varieties of CBD are produced through chemical synthesis with ingredients such as limonene or through biological synthesis with modified yeasts or other bacteria. In addition, when synthetic CBD was legally produced with very little regulation, most synthetic CBD production was produced in accordance with health and safety practices. Clinical trials on synthetic CBD have only started recently, and it's too early to know if the human body reacts the same way to both natural and synthetic CBD. It's essential to choose high-quality CBD products from a reputable company, and it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to use them.
