Both hemp-derived CBD and medical cannabis CBD have become increasingly popular in recent years as people recognize the general health benefits of cannabis and CBD products. While both of these products offer certain benefits, some may benefit from one more than the other, making it important to understand the differences between them.

People often confuse hemp CBD with medical cannabis CBD. Medical marijuana has been around longer than CBD, leading many to believe that CBD is merely another type of medical cannabis product. However, there are a few key differences between them that can help people select the right product.

What Is Hemp CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a specific type of cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. It’s among the two main components of marijuana, with the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis also contains more than 100 other cannabinoids that have different effects, but CBD and THC are the ones used for recreational and medicinal purposes.

Different types of cannabinoids produce different reactions. CBD, specifically, interacts with certain receptors in the brain, including the opioid receptor that controls pain and the glycine receptor that regulates serotonin levels to relieve depression and anxiety.

Unlike THC, CBD isn’t non-intoxicating and doesn’t produce any intoxicating effects. As such, it’s primarily used for its health benefits. Everything from depression and sleeplessness to chronic pain and glaucoma is treatable in many people using CBD. People may also take this substance in a variety of forms, including oil tinctures, capsules, waxes, topical creams, and gummies.

The production of hemp CBD involves extracting the compound from the leaves, buds, and stalks of cannabis plants with a high amount of CBD. The process then leaves little to no THC behind, but some CBD products may still contain limited amounts of the THC compound. No more than 0.3% THC is allowed in an entire product by law. 

What Is Medical Cannabis CBD?

Medical cannabis CBD tends to contain THC in addition to CBD, which means it’s essentially the same as recreational cannabis but intended specifically for medical use. It’s derived from the dried leaves and flowers of cannabis plants. 

Medical marijuana products tend to contain THC, which is responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Some of the effects of THC include a euphoric high, along with an altered sense of time, and decreased coordination. However, like CBD, THC also has certain medical benefits, including the ability to help reduce chronic pain and alleviate nausea.

In the case of medical marijuana, people may smoke these products or consume them in the form of edibles. Typically, medical cannabis contains lower amounts of CBD compared to hemp CBD products.

Choose the Product That’s Right for You

With a better understanding of the difference between hemp CBD vs. medical cannabis CBD, you can determine which product is best. The biggest difference tends to come down to whether individuals want to experience or avoid the psychoactive effects of THC, which is still federally illegal in certain amounts despite approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the medicinal use of some products.

With CBD products, individuals can enjoy the medicinal properties of cannabis without experiencing intoxication. Meanwhile, medical marijuana offers the benefits of THC with lower amounts of CBD.

If you’re interested in trying a range of hemp CBD products, consider ordering Hempra. Based on our customers’ personal preferences and needs, we offer a monthly subscription box that contains a hand-picked selection of top-quality hemp CBD products of all kinds, which are delivered straight to your door. To learn more about what comes in our subscription boxes and to get started on your next order, reach out to us today.