What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are two different types of a plant species called cannabis sativa. Hemp has very low levels of THC (0.3% or less) and high levels of CBD. Marijuana is the opposite: high THC, low CBD.
Think of it like a red apple and green apple. Both are apples, but they taste and look different and have different biological makeups.
What we commonly refer to as marijuana is the form of cannabis with high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. THC is the cannabinoid that is best known for creating an intoxicating “high.” Hemp, on the other hand, cannot get you high.
The cannabis plant has over 50,000 usages aside from its health benefits including bioplastics, biofuel, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and building materials. It is one of the most beneficial, sustainable plants for the environment.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for “cannabidiol,” one of 140+ cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring, biologically active components specific to the cannabis plant. In other words, CBD is one of the primary components of the hemp plant that offers health benefits to humans and animals.
Hemp also has plant compounds called terpenes and flavonoids. These are full of phytonutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-virals.
Since the Farm Bill passed in 2018 making hemp legal in all 50 states, research has exploded. We have an ever-increasing amount of data on how CBD and other parts of the hemp plant work, why they work, and the benefits many have experienced specific to their health and wellness. CBD has been proven to be non-addictive, safe, and non-intoxicating. A World Health Organization (WHO) report stated that CBD is safe and well-tolerated and found no adverse health outcomes or negative effects to public health. With hemp CBD there is no high or euphoria nor physical dependence or abuse potential.
How does CBD work? The Endocannabinoid System
In the 1990s researchers discovered the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating many processes in the body including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, hormones, digestion, memory, and more.
Our bodies produce cannabinoids naturally, and it is those cannabinoids which maintain homeostasis, or balance, throughout all our physiological systems. Scientists have identified two types of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, CB1 and CB2. There are more CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies than any other kind of receptor. Through a cycle of produce/use/produce/use, the Endocannabinoid System processes our own naturally occurring cannabinoids, giving each area of our bodies what it needs to thrive. When the ECS is functioning well, we feel well!
But what happens when the body experiences stress? When there is environmental, physical, or psychological stress, our bodies have to use more cannabinoids to maintain balance. But the Endocannabinoid System can only produce so much on its own. Our bodies were not designed to withstand the extreme stresses of modern day life. Over time, the ECS becomes depleted and we experience dis-ease: low immunity, aches and pains, anxious thoughts and low mood, indigestion, etc.
This is where CBD comes in.
By introducing phytocannabinoids (the plant-based version of what our body naturally produces) we can supplement our ECS and provide a sufficient amount of cannabinoids for it to function optimally, thus bring the other systems in our body back into balance.
You can think of CBD like a powerhouse supplement. By repleting and supporting the ECS, we allow the body to do what it was designed to do.
Understanding CBDA, CBG & CBN
WHAT IS CBDA?
CBDA is not interchangeable with CBD. They’re different compounds, although they do have a close relationship. CBDA stands for cannabidiolic acid. Among other benefits, it is very effective for reducing pain, is a highly potent anti-inflammatory, supports a strong immune system, helps improve serotonin activity in the brain for improved mental health and provides protection against environmental stressors.
There are 100+ cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and each comes from a compound called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). You can think of CBGA as the mother of all cannabinoids. With the help of plant enzymes, CBGA becomes CBDA and then, with a process called decarboxylation (heat), becomes CBD. That process occurs when hemp flowers are dried in the sun or at room temperature over long periods of time, or it can happen faster through smoking or vaping. In this way, CBDA can be thought of as raw. Like CBD, it is non-intoxicating and causes no euphoria or high.
CBD and CBDA are processed differently so are bioavailable separately, but work together synergistically to support overall homeostasis via the Endocannabinoid System (see above). CBDA can be absorbed via a pure and potent tincture. It can be used daily or on an as-needed basis.
WHAT IS CBG?
CBG, the youthful manifestation of the hemp flower, is a powerful cannabinoid with a unique ability to reduce stress, inflammation, redness & swelling.
When the hemp plant first flowers, its only cannabinoid is CBGA. With the natural growth cycle and exposure to enzymes within the plant, CBGA transforms and produces very small amounts of CBG and large amounts of CBDA, CBD, and 100+ other cannabinoids. It is very difficult to access CBG due to the small quantity naturally produced and the short harvesting window.
CBG interacts with your Sympathetic Nervous System ("Fight or Flight" stress response) and dampens the adrenaline & cortisol released in those times a lion isn't actually chasing you. It also improves fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity (super important for keeping our blood sugars normal). Finally, CBG enables your naturally occurring anandamide (the "bliss molecule") to stay around longer in your brain, enabling you to feel natural mood-boosting effects.
WHAT IS CBN?
CBN otherwise known as cannabinol CBN is a minor cannabinoid that develops within the hemp plant it ages and the trace amounts of THC within the plant are exposed to heat, light or oxygen. THC transforms into CBN and the terpenes in the plant at this final stage of maturity aid in falling asleep and enhance the sleep benefits of a well supported Endocannabinoid System. CBN has no intoxication effects. Research continues to find the sum of the hemp plant is greater than its parts and with CBN + CBD there is a synergistic response making it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep & wake up rested. Additionally, research in mice is showing CBD + CBN decreases inflammation & pain, both of which effect high quality sleep. CBN is hard to make, given little to no CBN is created or contained in new or fresh hemp plants so it is difficult to find this minor cannabinoid.
Confused about all these terms? You are not alone! Here's the quick overview.
CBD: Most abundant cannabinoid in hemp and the most well-researched. Harvested from mature dried hemp flowers; interacts with the Endocannabinoid System to improve sleep, decrease aches & pains, reduce anxiousness, overwhelm and improve mood; supports gut health & brain health, immune system, bones and more. Antioxidant. Anti-inflammatory. No intoxication or euphoria. As a hemp flower extract, includes terpenes, essential oils, and the other 100+ cannabinoids.
CBDA: More difficult to harvest, extracted from raw hemp flowers as a single molecule. It has increased bioavailability in this raw form enabling it to function as the ultimate boost to the CBD hemp flower extract. Strong Anti-inflammatory properties. Reduces pain, boosts mood, supports robust immune function, and can help with nausea. No intoxication or euphoria. Can be used daily or on an as-needed basis in conjunction with a complete hemp flower extract.
CBG: Most difficult to harvest, extracted from young hemp flowers before maturity. Requires significant biomass to extract. Interacts with our ECS and the Sympathetic Nervous System (the fight or flight response) to reduce stress, inflammation, cortisol and more. Helps maintain normal blood sugars and has mood enhancing benefits. Antibacterial. Non-intoxicating, no euphoria. Very difficult to find clean, high quality source, best used in conjunction with mature CBD hemp flower extract.
CBN: Difficult to find as little to no CBN is created or contained in new or fresh hemp plants. Requires time, aging & processing of the hemp plant to extract. Must be extracted from from older hemp flowers. Non-intoxicating, a potent antibacterial agent, a neuro-protectant and anti-inflammatory agent and supports sleep cycles.
Broad Spectrum v Full Spectrum CBD
CBD is just one of over 100 phytocannabinoids in the hemp plant (see above: What is CBD).
Research is just beginning to comprehend the distinct benefits of each of the different molecules found in the plant, but what we have learned is that the whole plant provides greater support and tone to our Endocannabinoid System than the individual parts or molecules in isolation. The robust benefits derived from cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes, and flavonoids working together is know as the Entourage Effect. In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
When looking for high quality support for our ECS, we are seeking a Hemp Flower Extract that includes this diverse botanical profile, not simply CBD on its own. This Hemp Flower Extract comes as Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum.
Full Spectrum is exactly that: the complete and full flower botanical profile, CBD and all of the other cannabinoids including a trace amount of THC (below 0.3% by volume). In this amount, the cannabinoids do NOT produce a high, euphoria or intoxication. It is important to note that THC molecules have benefits for our brain health and many other physiological systems via our CB1 receptors.
For those who elect to not have any THC in their products, the Broad Spectrum offers the diverse flower profile, CBD, and over 140 other cannabinoids, but the trace THC has been removed.
Not all CBD is created equal
Do you know what to look for to make sure you're getting a safe CBD product? Here are some things to look for.
USDA Certified Organic! This is a non-negotiable. Hemp is a bioaccumulator which means the plant pulls toxins out of the soil and air. This makes it an excellent contributor to the environment, but you don't want heavy metals or toxins going into your body! You need third party verification by the US Department of Agriculture that the soil, water, growing and manufacturing processes are clean.
Hemp Flower Extract: the healing properties and cannabinoids of the plant are concentrated in the flower. If you see a bottle that boasts "aerial parts" or "whole flower," you are getting filler. Stems and stalks don't carry any benefit.
Check the potency. Confirm that the amount of CBD said to be in the bottle is actually in there. According to a number of published studies, the vast majority of what's on the market is mislabeled. Make certain you are purchasing product you can trust.
A vertically integrated company you trust. Are they in control of the product from seed to bottle? Or are they white-labeling and getting their hemp from multiple sources? Many companies selling CBD get their hemp from China where it is used to clean air and soil pollution.
Organic MCT Oil: the most effective, most bioavailable carrier oil to deliver CBD to your system.
Third Party organic validation to make sure the company is producing what they claim.
CO-2 extraction: are the cannabinoids being extracted via this safe method, or is the company using butane (bad for you and bad for the environment) or other solvents?
QR code on the bottom leading you to a Certificate of Analysis. The COA third-party testing tool will tell you what’s in your bottle (cannabinoids) and what’s not in your bottle (heavy metals, toxins), and will guarantee the amount of CBD (and THC if any).
In 2015 and 2017 the Journal of the American Medical Association tested products sold online and in stores and found 70-90% of the CBD in the market is mislabelled. In 2020, the FDA repeated the investigation finding the majority of CBD out there is mislabelled. One must be a conscientious consumer when looking for CBD.
“I tried CBD and it didn’t work!”
We hear this often. The three most common reasons this occurs are:
Poor quality CBD. Or there wasn't actually CBD in the bottle! A high-quality hemp plant is essential for high-quality CBD. It is crucial that the CBD and terpenes be extracted from the hemp flower of a high-quality, organic plant. In addition, an extraction method using chemical solvents instead of CO-2 can alter the CBD making it difficult to interact with your Endocannabinoid System. See below for info on what to look for in a high-quality product.
In 2015 and 2017 the Journal of the American Medical Association tested products sold online and in stores and found 70-90% of the CBD in the market is mislabelled. In 2020, the FDA repeated the investigation finding the majority of CBD out there is mislabelled and a 2022 Forbes had similar findings. One must be a conscientious consumer when looking for CBD.The person took the wrong amount. It’s possible they either took took too much or didn’t increase their dosage enough to hit their sweet spot. It is essential to start low and increase slowly. When too much CBD is taken, the receptors of the ECS are flooded and you bypass the sweet spot of benefits. We are used to the idea that “more is better,” but CBD is biphasic (see image above), and starting low and increasing slowly is essential to finding your optimal results.
The person did not take the CBD consistently. CBD will not give its maximum benefits if taken sporadically or "only when feeling stressed.” It takes time for the ECS to be toned, internal homeostasis to be achieved, and results to be experienced. Patience and consistency is key. CBD needs to be taken everyday as environmental, mental, and physical stressors of modern life deplete the ECS on a daily basis.
A Real Change Wellness advocate can help you set appropriate expectations and guide posts around developing this new wellness routine. Ask about our “dosing tracker” documents to help you find your unique sweet spot.