CBD Vs. Raw Cannabis
The popularity of CBD continues to grow, and so too does the number of related quality CBD products for people to enjoy. CBD popularity in the United States has never been “higher,” that is because people are starting to understand the difference between THC, CBD, hemp, cannabis, and the different health advantages these products offer.
Today we are going to take a look at two specific types of products: CBD oil, and raw cannabis. We are highlighting these formats to showcase the range of ways people use cannabinoids to improve their quality of life. Both products offer tremendous health and wellness benefits in different ways. Below is an explanation of the differences, where to find them, and why one might be more ideal for you.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is a type of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It is extracted from the cannabis plant as an oil and is often mixed with creams, tinctures, food, and beverages. It is commonly consumed via a dropper beneath the tongue. Since CBD’s resurgence in popularity in recent years, CBD oil has become a very easy-to-find, commonly-used product. It is enjoyed by millions of Americans for its health benefits.
Some of the biggest reasons people use CBD is to help ease symptoms related to anxiety, sleep disorders, pain, and some neurological disorders.
What separates most CBD oils from “raw” cannabis products is a process called decarboxylation. This is a chemical reaction that removes a group of carboxyls and releases carbon dioxide. The process is relatively simple and involves basically just various amounts of heat and time. Decarboxylation is necessary to activate the trace amounts of THC found in most CBD products.
While there is boundless evidence that CBD can improve our health, scientific research is still limited. The body of published research that does show actual health benefits is growing almost by the day. It is extremely safe and easy to use, which is another reason many people prefer CBD oil. A side effect that can occur when using CBD is fatigue, so don’t use too much especially if you are a new user. Let your body adjust to the presence of CBD and give yourself time to make sure you aren’t too sensitive to it.
What is raw cannabis?
Cannabis in its raw form is an absolute powerhouse of a plant. And in terms of nutrition, it is a very excellent food source. Raw cannabis is simply cannabis that is non-activated, or unheated. It has not undergone any manufacturing processes such as decarboxylation. Raw cannabis is an excellent source of fiber, calcium, iron, and contains more than 100 other types of cannabinoids. Other compounds in raw cannabis include omega fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E. It also contains complete proteins, which provide essential forms of amino acids. This includes unprocessed versions of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol acids.
Since none of the cannabinoids in raw cannabis have been activated, this means the THC and CBD compounds are not psychoactive. They won’t give the user a “high” sensation while using them.
Unlike CBD oil, raw cannabis can be a little tricky to find. The easiest way to get it (depending on which state you live in), is to grow it yourself. Since that likely isn’t an option for everyone reading this, the next best option is to look for CBD products with raw cannabis listed as an ingredient.
Raw cannabis is an excellent source of nutrition, but shouldn’t necessarily replace the use of processed CBD products. Although some nutrients are lost during the manufacturing process of CBD, other enzymes are more bioavailable. Specifically, processed CBD is more accessible to the human body. This means our endocannabinoid system has faster, better access to the CBD in the system. Additionally, because of your age, body type, weight, gender, level of health, etc., processed CBD may be more beneficial for you.
Which one should I use?
If you are at all curious about what type of product is best for you, it is usually best to simply try both. This may take time and patience, but only you know your body best. It will ultimately be up to you as to what product is the right choice based on your health goals. To determine which product is best for you, it is important to not use them both at the same time. If you would like to use raw cannabis and CBD oil simultaneously, use small amounts of each. Give your body plenty of time to adjust.
We always recommend consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider when considering the use of any type of cannabis product. This is especially true for those taking prescription medications. Using CBD products may affect your prescribed treatment, and can potentially cause side effects.
Both raw cannabis and CBD oil provide many of the same health benefits. These include reduced inflammation, improved digestion, reduced stress and anxiety, reduced pain, better skin health, better digestion, improved immune system, and much more.
Don’t be concerned about missing out on the health benefits of one product because you are using the other. Use a little bit of each, or try one for a time before the other to get a feel for what really benefits your body type.
Conclusion
Both CBD oil and raw cannabis offer users tremendous health advantages. The only difference between these products is how they have been processed after harvesting and the specific benefits they offer. As explained, raw cannabis has not gone through any decarboxylation processing or heating. CBD oil has and will provide more direct relief to pain, inflammation, etc. Raw cannabis is a fantastic superfood.
Whether you decide to use raw cannabis or CBD oil, you are about to experience major health improvements. Consult with your doctor, use organic, non-GMO CBD products, and do plenty of research. Eventually, you will find something just right.
If you have questions for us, please don’t hesitate to call us at (541) 316-0603. You can also visit our FAQ page here: https://rootedhempco.com/faq/. It is loaded with in-depth answers to many common questions people have about CBD.