The CBD industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, especially since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 which legalized the hemp plant from which CBD is mainly derived. If you look online, you’d probably see tons of articles about CBD, and cannabis in general, given the trend towards its legalization and the ever-increasing number of people who are becoming aware and accepting of the benefits it can provide.
It’s easy to get curious about CBD after seeing how people are raving about it and its benefits. But it’s also as easy to get confused with the various laws concerning cannabis, marijuana, and CBD. Some may have the misconception that they’re all the same and assume that you can buy CBD wherever you are, but that is not the case. For a fuller appreciation of CBD, it’s important to be aware of how it works and its legal status in various places not just in the US, but also in the world.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a compound that can be found in the cannabis sativa plant. The most common form of CBD can be found in CBD oils, which can easily be purchased in places where it is legal, and even on the internet from some online businesses. On industrytap, you can learn everything about the CBD oil and its benefits. It may also come with the everyday products that you use or consume, such as in your coffee, in beauty products, or even in food. People can buy Hemp wholesale products from nearby stores as well as from the markets.
What is the Science Behind CBD?
Our bodies react to cannabinoids such as CBD through the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell receptors and neurotransmitters in our body. This network affects our bodies’ homeostasis, and affects functions such as our mood, memory, appetite, and sleep.
Using CBD encourages our endocannabinoid system to produce cannabinoids by itself, and allows these naturally produced cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, to stay in our bodies for longer amounts of time.
This affects multiple parts of our body as well such as our serotonin receptors and immune system, among many others. There are endless variety of CBD products which you can easily find on the market such as CBD oils, CBD flower, CBD gummies and much more.
How is CBD Different from Marijuana?
The cannabis plant is the general term, being the genus of plants from which CBD and marijuana is sourced. Under the category of cannabis is the cannabis sativa plant, with variations in the form of the hemp plant and marijuana plant. Remember, though, that CBD is a compound, while marijuana is a plant. CBD is therefore present in the marijuana plant as well.
But when we speak of CBD and CBD products, we generally refer to the CBD that is derived from the hemp plant. CBD does not have any psychoactive properties and does not generate the “high” that marijuana is known for, making it a great alternative to medical marijuana for those who are looking to enjoy the medical benefits of cannabis without experiencing its psychoactive effects.
What’s the Difference between CBD and THC?
THC, the common term for tetrahydrocannabinol, is another compound that is present in the cannabis sativa plant, particularly in marijuana. It’s the compound that produces the high sensation that recreational marijuana users seek. While THC may also be present in the hemp plant, the amount that can be found in it is very little, as legal hemp may contain only a maximum of 0.3 percent THC.
CBD, on the other hand, is the product that is generally known for its medical benefits. Unlike THC, CBD does not elicit any psychoactive effects on those who use it.
In terms of legality, there may be differences depending on where you live. There are states that allow the use of CBD products but not cannabis products containing THC. It’s important to check on your location’s laws first because the legality of one cannabis product doesn’t mean the legality of all.
Why do people use CBD products?
Personal real-life anecdotes as well as scientific studies support the finding that CBD has multiple health benefits. According to healthline, CBD has numerous benefits and can treat different kinds of ailments. CBD may be used for pain relief, for management of anxiety and depression, for alleviation of cancer symptoms, and even for skin care. It’s also been found that CBD may be linked to an improvement in heart health. Plus, it has been shown that CBD can also produce benefits for pets. So if you are sick of using home remedies for dogs and cats and want to try something more beneficial for their health related issues then CBD can be a great consideration.
Using CBD products, particularly CBD oil from hemp plants, is a perfect alternative for medical marijuana. It does not produce psychoactive effects that the considerable amounts of THC that may be present in medical marijuana does. Furthermore, the nationwide legalization of hemp in the US has made CBD more accessible especially for some states that are yet to fully legalize marijuana. There are currently states in the US where only CBD is legal but medical and recreational marijuana are not, so you might want to check if your state allows the use of CBD.
Should I try CBD?
Before trying CBD, it’s always essential to check the laws of the place you live in first and make sure that CBD is legal. With the prevalence of internet businesses, it’s relatively easy to get CBD products without having to go to a physical store, but it’s always better to keep yourself away from trouble and make sure that your state is fine with you using CBD.
With that in mind, given the numerous benefits that CBD can provide, the choice is of course up to you. Despite its benefits and although it is generally well-tolerated by humans, CBD has also been shown to produce side effects in some cases. Using CBD may cause dry mouth, a reduced appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. It’s important to talk to your doctor first if you’re considering using CBD products.
Where is CBD Legal?
Although federal law in the US states that the hemp plant is now legal, the production and sale of CBD is still under strict restrictions. The final say on the legality of CBD remains in the individual states as well. As of now, CBD is legal either absolutely or under certain conditions in most of the states in the US, with the exception of Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota, where all cannabis products are illegal. Again, it’s important to check your state’s laws to see whether or not CBD is allowed. A simple Google search is all it would take, anyway.
What is the state of CBD Laws Around the World?
Numerous countries in the world have taken the progressive stance and legalized the use of CBD. Legality is the general rule in these countries, although each country might have specific restrictions on the use of CBD, such as the need for a prescription or that the CBD must be extracted from industrial hemp only.
These developments are significant as scientists around the world conduct more studies on CBD and how it can be used in the world of medicine. Given how good CBD has proven to be so far, it’s not unlikely that other places in the world follow the trend and begin to accept the benefits that CBD, and cannabis in general, can provide for people.