If you’re unfamiliar with CBD, the idea of it can be scary. There’s a lot of stigma around cannabis, and the topic seems quite taboo.
Here’s what we wish you knew about cannabis.
Cannabis is a plant divided into two categories: marijuana and hemp.
Marijuana
Marijuana is what people usually think about when the topic of cannabis is brought up.
Here’s what most people know about marijuana:
- Marijuana gets you high.
- Marijuana is illegal in many states.
- Marijuana is smoked.
- Medical marijuana helps people with epilepsy.
This is usually the extent of knowledge around cannabis, and that’s a great place to start.
But there’s so much more!
Marijuana is high in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC – that’s why it gives you a high. THC overwhelms the body’s endocannabinoid system, causing a sensation of euphoria, or “high” when smoked.
Marijuana vs Hemp
Marijuana isn’t hemp, though they’re definitely related.
Hemp is another strain of cannabis. While there are a few differences between hemp and marijuana, one of the most significant is the cannabinoid structure. Marijuana contains more than .3% THC (remember, this is the stuff that gets you high.)
Hemp, on the other hand, has less than .3% THC and instead contains large amounts of cannabidiol, or CBD.
You can’t get high off CBD.
In fact, it’s nearly impossible to overdose on CBD, and impossible for it to give you a high sensation because it interacts with your endocannabinoid system so differently.
THC vs CBD? What’s the difference there?
THC and CBD are both cannabinoid acids found in cannabis plants. And they both interact with the endocannabinoid system.
But they’re different in functionality. To put it simply, THC overwhelms and overloads your endocannabinoid system while CBD fine tunes and enhances it.
Cousins Are Different
The stigma around CBD is caused by fear of the unknown. Marijuana is most commonly known for getting you high, so all strains of cannabis will do the same, right?
(I’ll shortcut it for you – the answer is a hearty No!)
Think about your extended family right now. Chances are you’ve got cousins (and if you don’t think about cousins of your friends for a minute.)
Do you act the same as your cousins?
Do you get the same thrills they do?
Do you react the same to similar things?
NO! If you’ve got cousins, you’re likely similar in a lot of ways, but extremely different in others. You’ll react to the same things a little bit differently. And while you may look similar, you probably have different types of jobs and friends and hobbies.
That’s cannabis for you. Marijuana vs Hemp is the same comparison your cousin vs you. They’re related. They may even look alike. But the difference in their properties and makeup is significant.
The CBD Stigma
A lot of assumptions are made around CBD. And a lot of these assumptions are totally false. So if you’re looking to educate those around you, here’s a good place to get started:
CBD is not the same thing as marijuana. While it comes from a similar plant strain, CBD most often comes from hemp – not marijuana. Hemp contains less than .3% THC which is the chemical that gets you high. So when I take CBD, I’m not smoking a joint. I’m usually ingesting it as a tincture or capsule, eating it as an oil in foods, or using it externally as a salve. CBD doesn’t get me high. CBD enhances my endocannabinoid system without overwhelming it, which encourages my bodily functions to perform at peak level in a natural way.
CBD is legal in all 50 states, encouraged by the Farm Bill of 2018. CBD has helped me, and I’m sure it can help you too.
(PS, want to use this on social media? Here are a few images for you to use on social media to spread the word about the amazing benefits of CBD!)
