cbd FAQ

CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the hemp (cannabis) plant that is cultivated to contain no more than 0.3% THC. It has a long history of use, but it was not until 1940 that a scientist first isolated CBD in the cannabis plant. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid (ECS) system, which enables homeostasis in the body’s systems. Millions of people are using CBD to address various wellness issues, like poor sleep quality and inflammation. Savvy shoppers know the difference between THC, hemp oil, and CBD.

CBD is one of hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are the most abundant cannabinoids. A cannabinoid is a compound that interacts in some way with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has two primary sets of receptors. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central nervous system and the brain and in some tissues like muscles, reproductive organs, and lungs. CB2 receptors are located mainly in the immune system and primarily in peripheral organs like the liver, pancreas, and bones.

The hemp plant (marijuana) has been used for thousands of years in Asia and China for its health benefits. It is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian Hindu, Greek, Assyrian, and Roman documents.

Roger Adams first isolated CBD from C. sativa (hemp or marijuana) in 1940. He also isolated the minor cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol). In 1963, the CBD structure was identified, but the identification of the THC structure by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni in 1964 got more attention. The reason is that CBD is not psychoactive. THC is a psychoactive phytocannabinoid, making it more interesting.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered in the early 1990s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are molecules produced naturally within the body. They bind to cannabinoid receptors, influencing neurotransmitter release and modulating the activity of various cell types.

The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that helps maintain homeostasis, the body’s internal balancing system. It plays a vital role in regulating mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and the immune system.

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system prompted scientific interest in plant cannabinoids, their interaction with the ECS and the potential health benefits. Since THC is illegal at the federal level, the focus turned to CBD. In 2018, the United States passed the Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp-derived CBD products with low levels of THC (0.3% or less) in dry-weight hemp material, further fueling the popularity of CBD products.

CBD products have grown enormously popular. The product lines now include CBD oil, edibles and gummies, capsules, topicals, and even CBD for pets. One reason for the popularity of these products is that CBD and other cannabinoids are natural compounds extracted from plants. Many high-quality CBD products are made with only natural ingredients besides CBD. People who want to avoid taking medications see CBD as a potential option for addressing issues like poor sleep quality and others.

Today, the CBD regulatory status is in a state of limbo. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products. However, the CBD industry is lobbying Congress to develop regulations that would help keep poor-quality and mislabeled CBD products out of the market. Regulatory oversight at the federal level would also eliminate the confusion that exists now due to states passing their own laws concerning the sale of CBD and THC products.

The global CBD market was $9.4 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to $31.85 billion in 2027.

CBD and THC have similar chemical structures with the same molecular formula (C21H30O2), but their atoms are arranged differently, leading to distinct effects on the body. THC is psychoactive, meaning it can produce a “high” or euphoric effect when consumed. THC binds directly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptors, and activates them. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a high. It does not bind as strongly to CB1 receptors as THC does, and recent research is finding it may even inhibit the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD and hemp oil are both derived from the hemp (cannabis) plant. Strains of hemp were developed that contain less than 0.3% THC, and these are the source plants for CBD. The cannabis plants that are developed with less than 0.3% THC are called industrial hemp plants to differentiate them from the cannabis plants that produce marijuana.

CBD is typically extracted from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the hemp plant. The cannabidiol extract is mixed with a carrier oil to improve bioavailability. CBD is fat-soluble, meaning the human body absorbs CBD better when taken with a fat-soluble substance. Typical carrier oils include MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil and hemp seed oil.

Hemp oil is derived from the hemp plant’s seeds and is primarily used as a food ingredient and dietary supplement. Hemp seed oil contains only a trace or no CBD but is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Marijuana is a drug derived from the cannabis plant. By law, CBD is a cannabinoid that must be extracted from a cannabis plant that has less than 0.3% THC, so it is not psychoactive. Marijuana as a drug comes from a cannabis plant that has not been cultivated to limit the amount of THC. So, the main active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive.

The popularity of CBD is on the rise, with more and more people understanding what CBD is, but many people wonder about the legality of these products. The answer to this question begins with whether a product comes from hemp or marijuana.

A licensed grower must also cultivate the product. While hemp doesn’t contain THC, that doesn’t mean that every product is legal. As of 2019, CBD that comes from hemp is considered legal from a federal point of view. CBD that comes from the marijuana plant does not apply to these regulations.

The Hemp Farming Act was introduced as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp was described as an agricultural commodity. Each state has the right to oversee hemp production within its own jurisdictions. Hemp was also removed from the controlled substances list. Depending on where you live, you will want to check what the specific laws are regarding hemp and CBD products before making a purchase.