Hemp CBD vs Marijuana CBD: What’s the Difference?

As CBD has become more popular within the last year, one thing has remained certain: many people still associate marijuana with CBD. While it’s true that CBD can be extracted from marijuana plants, many CBD products now widely available are extracted from industrial hemp. Knowing this difference is important because you can experience unique results from hemp-derived CBD products compared to marijuana-derived CBD products. Here’s what you need to know about CBD and where it comes from.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol—or CBD as it’s more commonly known—is an all-natural compound found within cannabis plants. It’s one of over 100 cannabinoids, which includes THC, CBG, and CBN. It interacts well within our bodies, thanks to our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps to regulate bodily functions and maintain homeostasis within our bodies.

The reason CBD has become so popular is because the production and cultivation of industrial hemp became legal with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, making it easier for manufacturers to create and sell CBD-rich products like oils, gummies, and topical creams.

How Is CBD Extracted?

Most labs that extract CBD from both hemp and marijuana plants primarily rely on two methods for extracting CBD and other nutrients from the plants. Those options are:

• CO2 Extraction, which utilizes a supercritical CO2 substance that passes through the crushed-up plant and pulls with it the viable CBD and THC.
• Ethanol Extraction, which uses alcohol passed through the crushed-up plant to pull the CBD out. This option is typically used more often because it’s less expensive and more effective at bringing out additional nutrients like THC and other cannabinoids.

Is There a Difference?

For all intents and purposes, CBD is CBD. Whether it comes from a hemp or marijuana plant, the genetic makeup of the substance and its effects are the same.

For marijuana-derived CBD products, which offer higher concentrations of THC per dosage, you’re most likely going to experience a high, as THC adheres to CB1 receptors in our bodies and creates the “high” sensation associated with marijuana use. With hemp-derived CBD, however, you won’t experience a “high” feeling, as no more than 0.3% of THC is allowed to be in a hemp CBD product.

Additionally, the legality of both hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD products varies. While almost all states have recognized CBD from hemp as legal, many states still see marijuana derivatives as illegal, so it’s important to check your state’s laws before purchasing a CBD product.

Which CBD Should You Choose?

Depending on what you’re looking for, both hemp and marijuana-derived CBD products may be of benefit to individuals looking for more natural ways to treat everyday ailments like sleep issues, pain and inflammation, anxiety, and more. But even with similar benefits, there are drawbacks to both options.

Marijuana-Derived CBD

Pros

• Typically contains a higher concentration of CBD per milileter of oil
• Contains higher levels of THC
• More medicinal uses available that are widely known

Cons

• May cause an undesired high due to higher levels of THC
• Not legal in every state
• May cause feelings of anxiety or paranoia
• THC can show up on drug screens

Hemp-Derived CBD

Pros

• More widely available across the country
• Considered safe for almost anyone, including pets
• Can be purchased online
• Few reported side effects

Cons

• Benefits of Hemp CBD are still being researched
• Some state laws are unclear on legality of Hemp CBD

At the end of the day, it’s truly up to the consumer to determine which CBD products they want to try. If what you’re looking for is an all-natural alternative that won’t produce any high-like feelings, Frontier Jackson is here for you. We offer hemp-derived CBD products—including oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals—that have been lab tested and come with a certificate of analysis, showing you that what you’re buying is a true hemp-derived CBD product.

Not sure which item to try? Check out our CBD starter pack to test a few products before deciding on the product that’s best for helping you live a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.