What is CBD? The difference between hemp and marijuana?

CBD has been around for thousands of years, but it’s recently experienced a second wave as we’ve rediscovered its benefits for quintessential health and wellness in the modern day.

But what is CBD or hemp and how does it differ from marijuana? Keep reading to learn more about this powerful (and 100% safe) natural ingredient. 

Classified as a Novel Food by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), CBD is the latest buzz word in the health industry but what is it, really?

In short, CBD stands for cannabidiol [cah-nuhbih- dye-ohl], a compound that naturally occurs in the Cannabis sativa L. plant, otherwise known as hemp. CBD is found in larger amounts in the Cannabis sativa L. species and unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive so you can take it with ease.

Here are the main differences between hemp and marijuana: 

Cannabis sativa L. and Cannabis indica are two species of cannabis. They share many similar features but have specific and distinct differences.

Cannabis indica (marijuana) is a short bushy plant with dark leaves. It has higher levels of THC, approximately 35% mix, found naturally in the plant.

On the other hand, Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) is a tall, thin plant with light green leaves. It has minute levels of THC <0.3% naturally in the plant, meaning it is non-psychoactive so you can take our CBD with ease.

The hemp plant has minute levels of THC (less than 0.3%) which means it's not psychoactive so it won't make you feel high or negatively impact cognitive function.

• Calming, relaxing sensation
• Sleep aid
• Alleviates pain
• Stress relief
• Anxiety busting

Marijuana, on the other hand, contains higher levels of THC - 20-30%) and has psychoactive properties. 

• Stimulating, euphoric sensation 
• Focused
• Creativity
• Head high

While marijuana is usually taken during the day, you can enjoy CBD anytime throughout the day or the night, depending on what you are taking it for (sleep, anxiety, etc). 

The hemp plant has some incredible natural properties, and different parts of the plant has different benefits and uses: 

• No CBD, THC or any cannabinoid
• Nutritional foods
• Hemp seed oil

The rest of the plant is used for: 

• Paper
• Textiles
• Fuel
• Our packaging

CBD, THC and the other phytocannabinoids are made in the trichomes of the flowers (the inflorescence). At CBII, we use the inflorescence which contains the richest source of CBD and the lowest levels of THC to make our exclusive extract. 

• Medica;
• Nutraceutical