The cannabis plant has been cultivated for at least 12,000 years, and it is thought to have originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. The two main types of cannabis products, now and even in the distant past, are hemp and marijuana. Despite coming from the same plant, there are many differences between CBD hemp and cannabis. Spoiler, one of them contains more CBD. Read on to learn more about which one (or two) is for you.
Hemp and its contents
Hemp is a term for cannabis grown for industrial or medicinal purposes. Hemp has long been cultivated for its use as a fiber. Cannabis plants with a very low THC content are classified as hemp.
Instead of high levels of THC, hemp plants often contain higher levels of CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that does not have any psychoactive effects, meaning it will not get you “high” like THC.
Some use CBD for its medicinal benefits, as it is known to help with anxiety, depression, and pain relief. Hemp-producing cultures have usually also produced non-psychoactive medicines from the plant.
Hemp CBD is federally legal in many countries, as long as it contains very low levels of THC. This CBD hemp is available in the UK.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the common term for cannabis that is grown for its psychoactive effects.
The main cannabinoid in marijuana that produces these psychoactive effects is THC. THC is a cannabinoid that binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which produces the “high” feeling often associated with marijuana use.
Marijuana can be used for medicinal purposes, as it is known to help with pain relief, anxiety, and depression. It is also used recreationally for its psychoactive effects.
Marijuana is still illegal on a federal level in the United States, but some states, and many other countries, have legalized it for recreational or medicinal use.
Smoking CBD hemp vs. cannabis
The main difference between smoking CBD hemp and cannabis is the effect it will have on you.
CBD hemp contains very low levels of THC, so smoking it will not produce any psychoactive effects. You may feel more relaxed after smoking CBD hemp, but you will not experience a “high.” CBD effects are often described as subtle.
Smoking cannabis is much different. If you’re not used to it, smoking cannabis can be a very intense experience, both positively and potentially negatively. The THC in cannabis binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain and can produce psychoactive effects. These effects can include changes in perception, mood, behavior, attention span, and, of course, appetite..
THC-containing cannabis will often have a more pungent smell as well. This is largely due to differences in growing processes, but it doesn’t mean your CBD flower isn’t ‘strong’ just because it doesn’t smell like a cannabis bud. Both THC and CBD are odorless, so the smell does not directly relate to cannabinoid content. This CBD products are available in CBD Crystal.
In praise of balance
Some studies have found CBD to balance out many people’s negative psychological experiences with cannabis. With this in mind, it’s hard not to recommend at least trying out a mixture of both products and seeing for yourself.
Wrapping it up
While both CBD hemp and cannabis can be beneficial, it is important to know the difference between the two. CBD hemp will not produce any psychoactive effects, while smoking cannabis most likely will. Both have been consumed for many years, and are said to offer different benefits. If you can, try out both and see for yourself if you prefer one, but don’t worry if you just end up liking both!