CBD Oil 101: How Different CBD Is Compared To Other Marijuana Compounds

Since its sudden boom in the medical industry, CBD is slowly unveiling more of its advantages when it comes to health and wellness. However, some people still mistakenly associate cannabidiol with other compounds found in Cannabis, such as hemp and marijuana. This unhelpful stigma hinders people from seeking out the medical benefits of CBD and trying it out for themselves.

To finally settle out misconceptions circulating CBD, it’s crucial to take note of the differences between this compound and other CBD compounds. 

Here’s how CBD is different compared to other marijuana compounds:

Non-psychoactive Compound

The main stigma surrounding CBD is its association with the feeling of “high” when consuming it. This is not true for all. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound responsible for delivering euphoric sensations to its user, and CBD isn’t directly linked to it. CBD products, like CBD oils from Cheef Botanicals, have little to no amount of THC incorporated into their products. 

What makes CBD non-psychoactive? Contrary to THC, CBD doesn’t induce a strong cognitive brain activity when used. But, CBD offers calm and soothing experiences for the user. Hence, by taking in CBD, you won’t feel high and anxious. That’s why CBD is utilized in solving sleeping problems. 

Extracted From Stems, Flowers, or Stalks

Various products derived from Cannabis are often used interchangeably, just like CBD oil, hemp seed oil, and hemp extract. Although they’re all derived from the same plant, they’re not exactly synonymous with one another. 

When CBD is extracted from the Cannabis plants, product manufacturers only obtain the CBD compound from the plant’s stems, flowers, and stalks, leaving out the seeds. When it comes to the Cannabis seeds, it’s used for the manufacture of another substance – hemp seed oil. If you’re currently using a “CBD oil” with hemp seed oil, you should definitely discard them now since they don’t actually contain any CBD at all.

CBD oils and hemp extracts are almost alike. But, hemp extract is specifically extracted from parts of the plant with a high concentration of cannabidiol, maximizing its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.

Can Be Produced Into Different Products

When purchasing a CBD product, you’ll often come across choosing which of these three types you’d like to try: CBD in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate extracts. You must be fully aware of these CBD categories as it can help you choose which one will fit your needs.

At CBD Pure, they produce high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil derived from certified organic-standards of industrial hemp.

Here’s a quick distinction between the three:

Full Spectrum CBD:

Based on its name, full-spectrum CBDs don’t leave out all compounds included in the plant because it’ll deliver amplified benefits to users. Some users want to have a full spectrum of essential oils, terpenes, and cannabinoids to achieve maximized therapeutic benefits –  “entourage effect.”

CBD Isolates:

Since it only isolates the CBD contained in a plant, CBD isolates don’t include other compounds, like flavonoids and terpenes. It’s singularly extracted from the plant and is completely THC-free

Broad Spectrum CBD:

As a combination of full-spectrum and CBD isolates, broad-spectrum CBD includes multiple compounds found in Cannabis similar to full-spectrum CBD. But, this type of product leaves out the THC content to avoid risks of psychoactive effects.

Chemical Structure

The chemical structure and formula of CBD and THC both contain  21 carbons, 30 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens, but they actually differ from how these atoms are arranged. This sets them apart from one another. A fundamental difference between CBD and THC is that the former contains a hydroxyl group while the latter has a cyclic ring, this is the reason why CBD is non-psychoactive.

The human body has CB1 receptors responding to a certain neurotransmitter known as anandamide. When CB1 receptors detect the presence of anandamide, euphoria, motivation, and pleasure is released. As THC is almost identical with the structure of these anandamides, the body mistakenly recognizes THC as anandamide and binds into CB1 receptors. 

Since CBD has a unique structure, which contains a hydroxyl group, and not a cyclic ring similar to anandamide, it doesn’t connect with CB1 receptors, thus it doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. However, full spectrum CBDs can deliver a bit of the euphoric sensation since it has trace amounts of THC that can still bind into these CB1 receptors.

CBD Can Modulate Psychotropic Effects

Though it’s previously mentioned that CBD doesn’t deliver euphoric effects compared to THC despite the same chemical formula, THC might still act on the user’s system once CBD products with trace amounts of THC have been used. Once THC starts interacting and binding to the CB1 receptors, CBD can counteract this response by inhibiting THC from binding with the CB1 receptors. This phenomenon also explains why people using CBD-rich products don’t feel as high compared to users of THC-rich products. 

Furthermore, CBD can combat the negative effects induced by THC once it has entered the system. These side effects include reestablishing the memory from short-term memory impairment and relieving stress, anxiety, and paranoia experienced by individuals consuming cannabis.

Undetected in Drug Tests

Due to reported abuse of utilizing marijuana compounds into non-health related purposes, many countries have set strict limitations on the usage of these substances. However, some regions imposed the legal use of marijuana in medical landscapes, given a physician’s prescription. You might be scared to try using CBD since it’s chemically similar to THC’s structure, but worry no more as drug tests don’t focus on detecting CBD.

When absorbed into the body, cannabinoids from THC and CBD are stored on fats, staying for weeks inside your system. But, CBD is less likely to be detected from drug tests because THC-related compounds are targeted by these diagnoses. 

In some cases, an individual can be tested positive since trace amounts of THC can be incorporated in CBD products, specifically those hemp-derived ones.

CBD Focuses on Wellness 

Cannabidiol is well recognized for its health wonders concerning therapeutic and wellness spaces. This is because of CBD’s relationship with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which, as mentioned, regulates numerous bodily functions associated with wellness, such as sleep, mood, and appetite, among others. Also, CBD works well in bringing back internal balance in your bodily systems. Thanks to almost THC-free CBD products in the market, users can immediately feel the soothing effects of CBD without feeling high.

Aside from CBD’s benefits for the endocannabinoid system, here are more wellness advantages that a CBD user can reap:

• It relieves pain and inflammation, especially in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
• Promotes a better night’s sleep.
• Aids in better digestion.
• Reduces stress and anxiety levels, improving mood.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the appearance of acne. 

On the other hand, hemp products, like hemp oils, are utilized as a superfood due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Their great nutritional value puts them in a spot in kitchens and recipes. Hemp is also incorporated in cosmetic products, such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions because its seed oil form has the ability to retain the skin’s moisture.

Conclusion

By identifying how CBD differs from other marijuana or cannabis compounds, people who are new to CBD consumption can choose better products to fulfill their varying health needs. These differences set CBD apart from others, accountable for its amazing health advantages that every member of the family can rely on. 

When trying a CBD product for the first time, make sure that you’re educated enough and well aware of these differences.