WAIT, Is This Legal? A conversation about CBD
Over the past few years, the popularity of CBD products has increased exponentially due to its medicinal properties. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a compound found in the hemp (cannabis sativa) plant. Both CBD and THC come from the Cannabis plant. Historically, Cannabis and jail time went hand in hand, which caused consumers to be weary of the plant altogether. In 2018, Cannabis was given a second chance. Federal and Texas legislatures defined “hemp” as cannabis with a THC concentration of less than 0.3% by dry weight and removed it from the federal controlled substances schedules. This action taken by the federal government caused CBD, the second most prevalent of the active ingredients in Cannabis, 100% legal to consume.
What is the difference between Marijuana and Hemp?
Think of Marijuana and Hemp as first cousins. Hemp flower (well, a much older version of hemp flower) was grown and consumed by our founding fathers. While it does contain a small amount of THC, it will not cause you to feel “high.” The World Health Organization states that "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."
Marijuana is a different story.
This plant has a much higher concentration of THC, typically around 27%, and is federally scheduled as a controlled substance. THC has psychoactive properties that cause consumers to feel “high.” However, it is now legal for medical and/or recreational use in many states (most notably California and Colorado).
What can CBD do for me?
CBD is known to ease symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation. In the 1990’s, scientists researched how THC affects the body. This research led to the discovery of the complex network of cannabinoid receptors found in the human nervous system. While this discovery was made almost 25 years ago, the system is still in the process of being understood by scientists. At this time, we know that the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, memory, appetite, fertility, and reproduction. This does NOT necessarily mean that CBD can support our body’s ECS within these functions. This means that our body’s natural cannabinoid receptors can be utilized by consuming CBD to assist this system in its efforts to bring the body back in balance.
CBD has also been shown to reduce scarring and inflammation in patients with psoriasis, dermatitis, as well as regulating oil production of the sebaceous gland, when applied topically. This is because our body’s ECS plays a huge role in our skin’s health.
Conclusion: So what now?
CBD is a wonderful tool that can support our bodies in so many ways and it is completely legal. Whether you roll it up and smoke it, put some oil under your tongue before you go to bed, or apply a cream on your face, hemp is a great addition to your routine. Here are some ways we use it:
- Tara LOVES taking CBD tincture in the morning to combat anxiety
- Evey enjoys smoking CBD and CBG especially when it’s that time of the month.
Tag us on Social Media using the hashtag #Juicyhempco and show us how you experience CBD!
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