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Although it's derived from the same plant, cannabidiol, or CBD, is significantly different from its cannabinoid counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Since the Texas Legislature legalized hemp and CBD during last year’s session, Southlake and its surrounding cities have seen a surge in new CBD businesses. As interest in CBD continues to grow, area experts want to ensure the public knows the truth about these infused products.
Where CBD Comes From
CBD can be derived from two plants — hemp and marijuana. While hemp and marijuana are both different species of the cannabis plant, they have key differences. For one thing, marijuana has a higher THC concentration, with the average strain containing 12% of THC, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Hemp, meanwhile, contains less THC and a higher concentration of CBD, making it the most ideal plant for CBD production.
“What’s legal right now is CBD derived from the hemp plant,” Noli Oil owner Heather King says. “You can have up to 0.3% THC legally in CBD products. Broad-spectrum products have zero THC, whereas products that have THC in there are called full spectrum.”
How CBD Is Different From THC
The psychoactive compound in THC produces the “high” associated with marijuana. American Shaman owner Lance Griffin says the body has cannabinoid receptors all through the central nervous and immune systems that respond differently to the two compounds.
He goes on to say CB1 receptors, which respond best to THC, are most associated with movement, appetite and mood. CB2 receptors, meanwhile, respond best to CBD and help regulate inflammation, sleep cycles and pain.
“The biggest misconception [about CBD] is that it's still weed,” Lance explains. “The cannabis plant has been stigmatized since marijuana prohibition in 1937, so anything associated with it can be misunderstood.”
However, CBD is not completely risk-free. FAANT's Dr. Paul Steinke says case reports from the National Library of Medicine suggests CBD prolongs the breakdown of blood thinners such as warfarin. He recommends consulting with your physician and doing your own research to see if CBD will conflict with any medication you take regularly.
What CBD Is Used For
CBD can be consumed orally or topically. As far as its uses, studies from the NIH demonstrate CBD can help with conditions like anxiety, depression, nausea, migraines, arthritis and ADHD.
“I believe most people can benefit from taking CBD regularly when it is a good quality broad or full-spectrum product,” Matthew Ireland, Your CBD Store Southlake owner, expresses. “Bringing our body back into homeostasis allows it to function better. If CBD can aid into doing that, then we all may benefit.”