The rising popularity of CBD has left many people wondering what it is and how it differs from marijuana. Some consumers avoid CBD products because they are afraid they will cause an altered mental state, while others misunderstand the array of health benefits CBD has to offer. So how do CBD and marijuana compare? Continue reading below to find out!
What is marijuana?
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug composed of dried stems, leaves, and flowers of the cannabis plant. As you probably know from your college days or perhaps the party you attended last weekend, marijuana can be taken in many different ways, including inhaled or ingested orally in the form of edibles, capsules, oils, or tinctures. Marijuana contains CBD and large concentrations of THC, which is the component responsible for producing an altered state of mind.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most common active ingredient in cannabis. Though CBD is found in marijuana, it is actually taken directly from marijuana’s close cousin, the hemp plant, which naturally contains less than .3% of THC. CBD can help you feel relaxed, but it will not give you the same “high” feeling as marijuana. CBD can be taken orally as an oil or capsule or applied directly to the skin.
What are the benefits of marijuana?
Marijuana has been used for centuries as herbal medicine, starting as early as 500 BC in Asia. Besides the state of euphoria it provides, marijuana has an array of therapeutic benefits, including relief from chronic discomfort and nausea.
What are the benefits of CBD?
CBD is one of the most celebrated holistic products on the market and for good reason. It has been shown to relieve chronic discomfort, reduce stress, encourage sleep, and improve workouts among other things!
Does marijuana have any side effects and is it legal?
Though marijuana does have healing qualities, there are some potential downsides. Studies have shown that its euphoric properties can negatively affect the moods of people with mental health disorders. It also can inhibit reaction times, which affects athletic performance and driving ability. Some believe that marijuana can cause memory and IQ loss.
Recreational marijuana is illegal at the federal level, but it is now legal in seventeen states.
Does CBD have any side effects and is it legal?
CBD is well-tolerated and usually does not cause any side effects. Some people have reported mild complaints of dry mouth, fatigue, and diarrhea, but those were mostly attributed to interactions with medication, which is why it’s always important to talk to your doctor before starting something new. It is essential to purchase CBD from a reputable source, as the purity of the product can affect how it makes you feel.
CBD with a quantity below .3% THC is legal in all but three states – North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. In a few states, it is legal but has some restrictions.
So, some types of CBD do have THC in them?
Yes, there are two types of CBD – full spectrum, which contains less than .3% THC, and broad spectrum, which is THC-free. Full spectrum CBD contains small amounts of flavonoids, terpenes, and THC, which are all cannabis compounds, but it does not have enough THC in it to cause a high feeling. Both full-spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products offer an array of benefits to the user.
CBD provides the benefits of cannabis without the risk.
While CBD is found in cannabis, the CBD products on the market today are very different than recreational marijuana. CBD is a safe, holistic way to not only achieve better athletic results but overall well-being.
Vigilant CBD is an award-winning natural solution that is lab-tested to ensure purity. We use American-grown, non-GMO, CO2 extracted hemp isolate to ensure you receive the best results. Shop our most popular products now!
