What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD is an abbreviation for the phytocannabinoid called cannabidiol. This compound has been covered in the media for the better part of a decade. You may have also seen it touted as a universal panacea for all that ails you. But exactly what is CBD? And why has it become so popular?

Cannabidiol is the second most common active compound in the cannabis plant. Let’s start by clarifying Cannabis.  Most people think Cannabis is what you smoke to get ‘high’ and is illegal in most states.  But, this needs to be clarified. Cannabis is a family of plants which includes two individual plants:  Hemp and Marijuana.  And, Cannabidiol, or CBD, is present in both plants.  CBD from Marijuana is what is heavily regulated in the U.S. and is illegal in most states.  But, CBD from hemp is legal in all 50 states.

While the Hemp plant can now be grown in most places of the U.S., phytocannabinoid rich oils that have been extracted from hemp, say in Europe or Colorado, is, in fact, legal in the U.S. and is commonly infused into hemp oil, which is also legal in the U.S. and sold in this form.  An extract whose primary cannabinoid is cannabidiol is what we call CBD Hemp Oil.  However, this term is more frequently being used generically for most all products using CBD that has been extracted from hemp.

With all that being clarified, CBD, regardless of whether it is from Marijuana or from Hemp is the same compound.  Now, let’s dig in.

Cannabinoids (one of which is Cannabidiol) are present in both Marijuana and Hemp.  There are over 85 cannabinoids in Marijuana and/or Hemp.  Two of which that are frequently discussed are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).  By this statement, we see that THC and CBD, while similar, are not the same.  THC is “psychoactive”, thus causing a ‘high’, while CBD is not.  CBD is generally thought to have more medicinal uses than THC does.

So, CBD from Hemp is legal in all 50 States and, as many people believe, seems to have many healthful benefits to humans and animals.

We talked earlier in this text about CBD being infused into hemp oil to make CBD Hemp Oil.  Know that a few manufacturers have experimented with infusing CBD into coconut oil and even  apricot oil to create a slightly different health aspect.  Also, know that hemp oil extract is sold on our site which allows you to purchase the gel in syringes or small jars for various different applications.  Various edibles are being produced, as well, and even gummies are now available.