The popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) products has exploded in recent years. This is largely due to the deregulation of its consumption. It’s also due to the energy and passion of entrepreneurs seizing the opportunities of this new world. In spite of all the buzz surrounding CBD, many misconceptions still exist about using it, its effects, and its helpfulness as an alternative form of healthcare. We have discovered that there tend to be five very common hemp questions. 

 

We have laid out answers to these five very common questions we hear about hemp and CBD-related questions almost on a daily basis. Our team worked to give the most thorough and informative answers we can offer. Hopefully these answers will help shed some light on how CBD products can have a dramatic impact on the quality of life for those who use it responsibly. We hope you will be encouraged to dig deeper and learn more about how CBD usage is changing the world.

5 Common Hemp Questions:

1. Is hemp the same as marijuana?

Absolutely not. Before the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, hemp lived on a list of federally controlled substances and the word was used interchangeably with marijuana. Since the passing of the Farm Bill, however, the word “hemp” now legally refers to any part of the hemp plant. These include “all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids (CBD), isomers, acids, salts…” etc. Hemp products specifically refer to farm-grown, plant-based items that are federally legal to produce and sell.

 

This means there is a very clear distinction between hemp and marijuana. Specifically, when people refer to hemp, they are referring to Farm Bill compliant hemp, or “industrial hemp.” Industrial hemp contains no more than .3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

 

Marijuana is still illegal at a federal level. It usually contains a higher concentration of THC, and/or was not grown in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

2. Will CBD make me high?

Although CBD and THC naturally occur within hemp plants, CBD does not deliver the same effects as THC. Once isolated and extracted from the hemp plant, the CBD extract is then infused into different types of products. These serve as a way to make you feel relaxed, more calm, and reduce the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Higher doses of CBD can deliver a more uplifting effect that can improve your mood and bring a greater sense of happiness. These experiences are not the same as the psychoactive euphoria brought on by using THC.

 

When people consume THC, they will find that it over-activates chemical reactions in the brain. Thus, delivering a whole suite of effects. These include: altered sense of time, impaired body movement, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and difficulty with problem solving. Some of these effects happen only when stronger doses of THC are used. Nevertheless are far different than the uplifting benefits of CBD.

3. What are the health benefits of CBD?

In short: many. One of the most popular uses for CBD is to relieve pain in joints, muscles, or pain caused from other chronic conditions. CBD achieves this by binding to neurotransmitters in the body called endocannabinoids, or endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a driving force for regulating a range of functions of the human body. These include: pain and immune system response, sleep, appetite, and mood.

 

By impacting the ECS with CBD, people can have a greater degree of control over the pain they experience and also enjoy a variety of other health benefits. This includes management of anxiety and stress, as well as symptoms related to cancer treatment side effects. CBD can also have a positive impact on skin health, and is a popular tool for fighting acne, irritable dry skin, and for maintaining a younger, youthful appearance.

 

Athletes and weightlifters enjoy using CBD for its anti-inflammatory properties. This allows their muscle tissues to heal more quickly after a rigorous exercise or athletic activity. These are all just some of the benefits of CBD, and more are being discovered frequently.

4. Is CBD safe to use?

CBD is considered to be extremely safe to use. When used responsibly and in smaller doses, there are few health risks to consider regardless of how it is consumed. For those just starting out on their CBD journey, consider using smaller doses. Then you can work your way up to a more comfortable level until the desired effects are achieved. By consuming a higher dose of CBD quickly, especially if the body is not adjusted to it, people can experience some adverse effects such as dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and more.

5. Where should I start?

If you are unsure of how much CBD to use, what types of products to use, or are concerned about potential side effects, never hesitate to contact your family’s health care provider to talk more. Of course, we recommend using organic hemp products grown locally here in Bend, OR. Also, we strongly urge you to reconsider gas station CBD products, or any product not responsibly made. There are a glut of CBD companies competing for your dollars, and not all of them have your health and quality of life at heart. Do your research before buying to ensure safe use. 

 

For anyone suffering from mental illness, or taking prescription medication, please consult with your doctor before using CBD. Please ensure the effects of CBD will not interfere with your mental condition or interfere with your medication.

We hope that we were able to answer your common hemp questions to help keep everyone informed.

Otherwise, feel free to explore any CBD products that pique your curiosity, and do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have.