CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the most prevalent of the active ingredients found in the hemp plant, a cousin of the marijuana plant. While it’s one of hundreds of the component plants found in marijuana, it doesn’t cause a “high.” In plant varieties high in CBD genetically, CBD makes up 65% or more of its extracts. The remainder of the material in the extract includes other cannabinoids, vitamin E, terpenes, chlorophyll, and other plant nutrients.
The World Health Organization reports that in humans, CBD does not exhibit any effects that indicates there is potential for abuse or dependence. There has been no evidence found whatsoever indicating issues related to using pure CBD. It comes in a variety of forms from CBD tinctures to edibles, topicals, soft gels and more.
The Confusion Between THC and CBD
Although CBD is completely different from THC and is entirely non-intoxicating, i.e., no “buzz,” there is still somewhat of a stigma surrounding hemp and compounds like CBD as many people confuse CBD for THC. Fortunately the law, in most states has finally begun to catch up with this fact as it is readily available in most areas of the country. All 50 states have laws on the books that have legalized CBD, with various restrictions. While the federal government puts it in the same class as marijuana, it generally doesn’t enforce it. The FDA eased the requirements allowing researchers to conduct trials on CBD in 2015, and many people are able to buy it online without a medical cannabis license. The government’s position on it is still a bit confusing and depends on whether CBD is derived from marijuana or hemp, although there is broad bipartisan consensus in Congress to make hemp crops legal, making CBD difficult to prohibit.
Where CBD Comes From
CBD comes from female cannabis crops, in marijuana and hemp, although it is more abundant in hemp. Cannabinoids like CBD are found in what are known as trichomes, which is what gives cannabis plants a “sparkly” look. They are most abundant in female flowers, although they can extend into the plant’s leaves.
While CBD comes from the seed, stalk and leaves of the plant, the CBD found in those locations is too expensive and inefficient to extract. In the U.S., hemp is grown to look more like marijuana which throws even more confusion into the mix. While the plants look alike as they are both cannabis species, they have very different functionalities as they’re grown for the different cannabinoids. CBD comes from the hemp plant’s flowers, with the concentration of the compound depending on genetics or cultivars the farmer uses, with the ratios varying significantly. The rations are critical in order to determine if the plant is legal federally, or if it’s only legal in a recreationally and/or medically legal cannabis state. No matter what the CBD content, if it contains over 0.3% THC it is considered illegal by the federal government.
Testing
The oil must be tested properly to check for impurities and confirm potency. The testing performed also ensures users that the amount of CBD listed on the labels is exactly what is in the product. It also confirms that the legal level of THC is not exceeded. Users can view testing results via a certificate of analysis, known as a COA.
