CBD is also known as Cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid found in hemp. Agricultural hemp can be legally imported and grown for research. Agricultural hemp comes from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, which looks like bamboo. CBD oil is not the same as marijuana-derived CBD, which contains THC. Hemp-derived CBD oil offers myriad health benefits. It is best to look into all the benefits when deciding what may work best.
Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana CBD
There are some key differences to note between hemp and marijuana CBD oil. With CBD hemp oil, there are high levels of CBD and may be purchased online or in stores. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains high levels of THC, is intoxicating, and available only through dispensaries. Here are some other differences:
- Marijuana: the cannabis plant is manufactured for euphoric properties and are cultivated for its flowers. They contain high amounts of THC. Varieties of strains of marijuana can have THC concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 percent. This is more highly regulated at the federal level for use
- Hemp: a cannabis plant harvested for seeds and stalks. Used to produce a number of products from food to medicine, paper to textiles. This plant thrives under natural conditions and is grown outside. The plant can be used legally when under 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per dry weight
Benefits of Using CBD Oil
There are many benefits to look for when using CBD oil over marijuana. The following are a few to consider when thinking about the ways the product brings maximum health benefits to its users.
Skin
Oil from the hemp seed has lots of benefits. It may also be nutritious for the skin. Looking at hemp-derived CBD oil, it contains fatty acids and vitamins which help the skin stay healthy. Hemp seed oil may be a helpful treatment for things like psoriasis, eczema, and various other conditions.
Brain
Many articles don’t discuss the brain benefits of hemp-derived CBD oil, even though there are many. The fatty acid in the oil may help protect the brain. Hemp extract has active compounds to protect the brain against inflammation. More studies are needed, but early signs show there may be promising benefits to boost brain power with hemp-derived CBD oil.
Mental Health Benefits
Depression, anxiety, and inflammation can be difficult for some people to deal with. They turn to CBD as a way to mitigate the effects. CBD oil has been found to help treat and reduce these ailments in some people. The possibilities are there and need further exploration to see just how they work on a broader scale to help people with mental health conditions thrive. CBD has also been found to help with symptoms of other conditions such as ADD and ADHD.
- CBD for ADD and ADHD. A 2017 research mentions that both ADHD and marijuana use can cause attention problems, as well as changes in cognitive performance. A logical conclusion would be that cannabis can only make ADHD worse. However, it is interesting to mention that the same research admits there is no evidence to support this claim.
Two years earlier, a study on cannabis use to treat depressive symptoms was published. Undergraduate students participated, and some of them admitted to using marijuana to feel better and cope with symptoms of depression. However, no clear evidence was made to confirm the effectiveness of the plant.
Finally, research done in 2013 established that recreational users of cannabis reported that they felt hyperactive-impulsive when they weren’t using marijuana. It is vital to note that more than 2,800 cannabis users took part in the study.
Is There a Risk of Developing Substance Abuse?
There was a study conducted in 2014 that discovered ADHD might be related to a higher dependency and use of cannabis. The same research noted that adults who had attention deficit disorder when they were kids were more prone to using cannabis.
However, that is not enough to claim that there is a risk of developing substance abuse when using cannabis. After all, the risk exists when you use any other medication or drug, too. It is vital to stick to the recommended dosage and listen to your doctor. As long as you are a responsible user, there is no danger that you will become addicted to cannabis.
Shelf Life of Hemp-Derived CBD
On average, a bottle of CBD oil will be good for approximately 14 to 24 months. If you have some CBD that’s older than this, though don’t worry. CBD that’s past its prime won’t typically spoil or make you sick; however, it may begin to lose potency once it’s expired. Over time, the CBD can begin to oxidize and break down, making it less effective as compared to when it was first purchased.
Storing your hemp-derived CBD properly will allow you to keep it effective longer. To do this, avoid light, heat, excess exposure to air, and moisture. Store CBD in a cool, dark place like a drawer or cabinet. If using capsules or softgels, continue to store them in the original, airtight container. Store tincture bottles upright and don’t leave your bottles open, as air can also contribute to faster oxidation. Don’t store your CBD near the radiator, oven, stove, or windowsill. Lastly, It’s best not to keep CBD in your car, especially if you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures and/or intense sunlight.
CBD oil may be controversial to some, but there is more to learn about how this can help people in many areas of their lives. From the brain to muscle health, and even mental wellness, there are myriad benefits. It is always a good idea to visit a dispensary to chat with people who are educated and know how to help an individual find the right mix of materials for them to feel healthy and find support for their specific conditions.
Mary & Main is an accredited and fully licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Maryland promising high quality products and a relaxing, informative atmosphere in our store. If you’d like to reach out to Mary & Main with any question, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact us at 240-838-3660.
