The Difference Between CBD Isolate & Full Spectrum CBD - What to Know

Cannabidiol (CBD) products continue to skyrocket in the medical world and dietary supplement market due to its wealth of healing properties. Different products are emerging left and right as the herb’s therapeutic benefits put cannabis under the spotlight - from oil, edibles, creams, isolates, and more.

While it is not an all-cure medicine, many people from different parts of the world want to reap its health benefits and various applications. With extensive options available in the market, finding the right CBD product to take can be a daunting process.

The best steps to take is first to understand the first terms you need to familiarize yourself with when shopping for CBD products: full-spectrum and CBD isolate.

What is CBD Isolate?

The most common type out of all the bunch, CBD isolate sounds precisely what its moniker suggests. It is a product that contains pure, isolated CBD with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. Isolates are typically seen in the form of powder, crystals, wax, resin, shatter, and other mediums used in dabbing.

While CBD isolate seems simple upon first glance, the process behind the product’s extraction is anything but elementary. It’s a complicated procedure that involves carefully removing all other cannabinoids, chlorophyll, fats, and terpenes found in hemp plants.

What Happens if You Take CBD Isolate?

Keep in mind that CBD may have higher potency, but that means the process also strips the CBD of its other benefits. It does not engage with the CBD’s entourage effect, which only happens to full-spectrum CBD. Products are typically seen as a white, crystalline substance that offers 99% purity, making it a healthy addition to foods, drinks, or straight under the tongue.

Recreational and medical users enjoy CBD isolate products due to its encompassing relaxing and clear-headed effects. It also travels faster to the bloodstream as the extraction process called chromatography breaks down the CBD isolate into smaller molecules.

What is the Entourage Effect in CBD?

No matter what type of CBD extract it is - from its buds to oils, creams, tinctures, or edibles - all types contain the full spectrum of therapeutic benefits from the hemp plant. The fusion of these compounds, also known as the “Entourage Effect,” provides the species with a catalog of benefits; it also makes it more potent.

To put it, while CBD is beneficial on its own, merging it with other components boosts the herb’s overall efficacy. Although CBD has no psychoactive effect, the compound can lower anxiety.

If merged with the terpene limonene, also known for its anxiolytic effects and ability to regulate serotonin and dopamine, their fusion can elevate mood and induce an uplifted mental state, which some may mistake as a subtle high or buzz.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

By definition, full-spectrum CBD means that products contain a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients that all work together to provide a wealth of benefits.

Because of the entourage effect, full-spectrum CBD is highly recommended as it promotes good mood, improves the quality of sleep, and more. Because of the presence of other compounds, the potency of full-spectrum CBD products may not be as high as CBD isolate.

In Conclusion

Choosing between full-spectrum or CBD isolate is not about thinking about which products are "better". Both offer their advantages. CBD isolate may promise to provide the undivided benefits of pure CBD, while full-spectrum products deliver the full experience. The choice all boils down to your preference.

Whether you are looking for full-spectrum CBD or CBD Isolate, Wellspring CBD is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.

Croptober 2019

Did you know...

...that naturally grown outdoor hemp is an annual plant? Every year, millions upon millions of plants are finishing their life cycle come Autumn. That includes the cannabis plant.

The 'buds' are actually female flowers that, when pollinated with a male, would produce seeds for the next generation. When grown without the intervention of pollen, the female plants are left to be able to focus on attempting to attract the pollen, which is why the plant produces sticky resin glands called trichromes, and those contain the precious cannabinoids and terpenes, like CBD and caryophyllene, that our industry works so hard at extracting for our health.

One of my favorite things about the cannabis plant is that for many genotypes, cooler temperatures draw out some amazing colors, like purple, orange, red, and yellow, in the leaves of the plant. Above is a picture of a cannabis plant whose leaves had purpled due to the drop in temperatures during September.

It is in honor of what is dubbed Croptober, we are offering a 15% discount on some of our bestselling brands through October 15th.

Medterra, PlusCBD, CBDHempIndica, Highland Pharms, CBD For The People, Dixie Botanicals, and Mary's Nutitionals, are all discounted 15% by using the coupon code below upon checkout:

Croptober2019

Thank you so much, and have a great one!

-Jason

Croptober Savings!

Labor Day 2019 Sales Events

The first Monday of September each and every year has been dedicated as Labor Day here in the US. It was originally organized as a celebration to various labor unions' strengths and their contributions to our economy and to human rights.

It is a public and federally recognized holiday, which means that on Labor Day this year, which is September 2, we will not be delivering boxes to the post office, giving us a 3 day weekend!

This is also the unofficial end of summer, marking the last weekend for many to get out and enjoy a trip. Camping, theme parks, and the highways in between will be bustling with activity.

To help you celebrate Labor Day, we are compiling all of the sales each of the brands we carry are putting on, and if a brand does not have a sale going on that we are aware of, use coupon code: laborday15. This code is not good for products that are already on sale.

Here is a list of brands that are on sale through the end Labor Day!

1) Happy Buddha Hemp Co - 30% off - View Here
2) Gold Standard CBD Hemp Stix - 30% off - Single Stix / 10-Packs of Stix
3) Made By Hemp - 20% off - View Here
4) Abinoid Botanicals - 20% off - View Here

More Sales Incoming!

6 Helpful Tips for Cooking With CBD Oil

Ah, the life of a foodie.

There are so many great dishes to cook and taste but what about when you want to experience the benefits of CBD?

If you're going to a regular restaurant, you're probably not going to find menu items with CBD in it. What do you do?

Well, you start cooking with CBD, of course!

Continue reading this article to learn about CBD cooking and tips for cooking with CBD oil.

Must-Know Tips for Cooking with CBD

There are a lot of frequently asked questions about CBD such as "Will it get me high?" or "Is it going to taste funny?" We're sure you have a lot of questions before you start eating food cooked with CBD and feeding it to friends and family.

Use the following tips to become a CBD cooking pro.

1. Start out with the Sweetness

If you aren't sure what you want to cook first, you should try cooking sweet foods. Sweet foods allow you to mask any CBD flavor you might taste which will allow you to get accustomed to cooking with CBD without feeling like you're compromising taste.

We all know that brownies are a popular dessert and don't forget the chocolate chip cookies. Any sweets with chocolate in them make it pretty easy to get over any tastes that might come from the CBD.

2. Pay Attention to Temperature

When you're cooking with CBD, it is important that you pay attention to the temperatures you're using to cook.

If you warm the CBD oil, this can increase the effectiveness but if you use extreme heats, you can kill some of the active components in CBD. Make sure you don't heat your CBD on direct heat.

3. Don't Go Overboard

When you're starting to cook with CBD, you might want to get the most you can. If you go overboard with your dishes, you might find that you aren't too keen on the taste.

Using too much oil may not only make your CBD taste bad but it could also lead to too much of the compound effects and the wasting of CBD oil.

4. Store Well Between Cooking Sessions

Between your cooking sessions, make sure you're storing your CBD oil properly. Find a dark, cool place to put your CBD in between uses. If you don't store CBD oil properly, it may reduce in effectiveness and become bitter which will put a damper on your recipes.

5. Keep Stirring

While you're cooking, don't let the CBD oil set. You want to make sure that you stir everything so that it distributes evenly in the recipe. If all of the CBD oil is in one spot that will make it taste off and some people that eat the recipe won't get any of the benefits.

6. Cooking vs Sprinkling

If you forget to put your CBD oil in your food while you're cooking, you can always sprinkle it on top of your food. While it isn't as tasty as cooking it in your food, it will allow you to get the benefits of CBD.

We do highly recommend that you cook it in vs sprinkling it on your food though.

Top Benefits of Cooking with CBD

If you've been reading up on the benefits of CBD, you'll find many stories of people that have experienced varying levels of benefits. You likely know someone that has told you an amazing story about how CBD oil has changed their lives.

Some of the benefits people say they have experienced from using CBD oil in their diets are:

Relieved Pain
Reduction of Anxiety and Depression
Alleviation from Cancer Symptoms
Reduction in Acne
Increase in Heart Health

And the list of benefits people have reported goes on and on.

The best thing to do is try it yourself and see if you notice that you feel any different. Most people do notice they start to feel different after the use of CBD oil. As more research is being completed, people will know more about the benefits of using CBD oil.

Great Recipes for CBD Oil Cooking

There are plenty of recipes you can use to cook with CBD oil but we wanted to give you a kick start so you can get started right away. Use these recipes and start experiencing the benefits of CBD today.

CBD Oil Pancakes

If you're worried about tasting CBD oil in your pancakes, grab the jam, syrup or whip cream and put it on for a tasty treat.

Use your favorite pancake mix or whip it up from scratch, put the CBD oil in the mixture. Make sure to stir it before you put the mixture in the pan to cook so it doesn't all go to one area.

CBD Oil Spaghetti

Spaghetti sauce has a strong taste so adding a little CBD oil to the sauce isn't going to make too much of a difference.

CBD Oil Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

The cheese can hide the taste of CBD oil in your mashed potatoes. It's easy to fix and a great side to put with any meal that you want so you can get your CBD benefits any night of the week.

Ready to Start Cooking?

Now you know more about cooking with CBD. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for your family, you want to make sure that you're getting all of the nutrition you need.

If you're ready to add CBD oil to your menu, hop over to our shopping section today and get started.

Synthetic Vs. Natural CBD: Know the Difference

Hemp CBD is becoming a go-to for many people for a variety of reasons. CBD comes is several forms such as tinctures, bath bombs, essential oils, capsules, and even dog treats.

However, as CBD use is growing in popularity, companies are beginning to produce synthetic CBD oils. There is still a significant resistance against genuine CBD. Mostly, the resistance is based on a lack of knowledge and the idea that hemp CBD and marijuana are one and the same.

It should be known, however, that while CBD and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant, hemp CBD does not have enough THC in it to create a high. It is not, therefore, a psychedelic drug.

The question is, what is the difference between natural and synthetic CBD?

Follow along as we answer all of your questions about natural and synthetic CBD.

1. Why Have Companies Started Producing Synthetic CBD?

Why does any company do anything?

The simple answer is, for money.

While capitalism is certainly not a bad thing, some companies take a good, useful, amazing thing and make it bad.

Aside from money, there are two important points to understand about why synthetic CBD is being pushed by pharmaceutical companies, the FDA, and our government.

Big Pharma Prescriptions

Due to it's overwhelming and incredibly compelling results, CBD has grown into a miracle supplement of sorts. Big-Pharma companies see that as an enticing opportunity to make some cash. It's not wrong, it's smart.

What is wrong, however, is that in order to do so, they must make their own brand of CBD, a synthetic version. This dances around the legalities of CBD use in some states and also gives them all rights to said version. The problem lies in anything synthetic, it doesn't always react well within the human body.

Villification of Hemp CBD

Secondly, because there is still a prominent negative stigma surround hemp CBD, Big Pharma companies take advantage of those on the opposing side or still sitting on the fence, producing a "non-illicit drug" form of CBD.

Even though educated people know hemp CBD already is a non-illicit, no-high supplement.

2. Which is Safer, Natural or Synthetic CBD?

A legitimate question surrounding CBD use, both natural and synthetic, concerns its safety. What kind of side effects can you expect from both types? Does it matter how much you take?

Keep in mind, any time you're using a supplement or medication, there will be some side effects, most good, some bad. The question is, what negative side effects are you willing to put up with to achieve your desired result?

Hemp CBD Side Effects

Natural Hemp CBD side effects are pretty well limited, and the people who report negative side effects are few. However, to be fair, we will list the most common side effects.

Lightheadedness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
A drop in blood pressure
Changes in mood and appetite
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting

Finally, remember that any medication or supplement may have negative side effects when mixed with others. Consult your doctor before you cocktail CBD with any other medications.

Synthetic CBD Side Effects

Because synthetic CBD compounds are designed to replicate hemp CBD compounds, their side effects are somewhat similar. However, synthetic CBD side effects can be much more potent and dangerous.

These side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain and diarrhea
Fainting
Low blood pressure
Feeling high
Psychiatric symptoms
Tachycardia
Weakness, loss of coordination
Anxiety and confusion
Lack of concentration and dizziness
Death

Now, one thing you should note about synthetic CBD side effects is that they promote symptoms that closely mimic those of marijuana. Remember that marijuana is the "bad" part of the cannabis plant that synthetics are supposed to replace. Ironic?

3. Is Natural or Synthetic CBD More Effective?

Synthetic CBD is engineered to replicate the effects of hemp CBD. Scientists take advantage of this engineering process to make synthetics more effect at what they do, sometimes successfully, sometimes not.

However, playing God with chemicals and reproducing natural substances in an unnatural way generally comes at a cost. In this case, the cost is more severe side effects.

That's not to say genetic engineering and science is bad. Without it, our world would be completely different. However, introducing synthetic substances to the human body always has risks.

It's important to note, however, that natural CBD studies suggest a possible link between cancer prevention and suppression and CBD.

The bottom line is yes, synthetics can be more effective at what they treat, but generally with a higher risk of negative side effects.

4. Is Synthetic CBD More Legal Than Natural CBD?

Although the FDA and CDC continue to publish the amazing benefits and low side effects of hemp CBD, the government at large is still sending mixed signals about whether or not its citizens should be using it.

The short answer is that hemp CBD is legal while marijuana CBD is not. Therefore, as long as CBD is produced within federal regulations, it's legal.

Alternatively, marijuana CBD is freely legal in a few states as is recreational marijuana use. Marijuana CBD is legal in other states only under certain circumstances such as prescription medicinal use.

Finally, three states, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota have remained firm in a zero-tolerance stance regarding marijuana CBD. In those states, hemp CBD is still a gray area.

What Are the Most Popular Synthetic CBDs?

Illegal forms of synthetic CBD, such as "spice," is sold over the counter at several types of smoke and vape stores under the guise of air fresheners and herbal blends. However, consumers should use caution with spice as it is incredibly dangerous, unregulated, and unpredictable.

Shop owners get away with selling these products by using the disclaimer "not for human consumption."

FDA approved synthetics on the other hand, such as Epidiolex, work well in cases of epileptic seizures but do little for chronic pain relief. They also come with a whole host of side effects not dissimilar to traditional CBD, but more severe. They also have side effects unrelated to natural CBD.

Your Source for Authentic CBD From Hemp

We know how important it is to use natural rather than synthetic CBD.

At Wellspring CBD, we offer a whole assortment of natural CBD. Depending on what you're using it for, different forms and applications of CBD may be better than others.

However, regardless of your desired form, we have it! Take a look at our inventory or learn more about CBD here!

Everything You Need to Know About Flying with CBD Oil

CBD oil is a health supplement godsend for many of us. it's still not easily available all over, so you'll want to take it will you when you travel. To have all the health benefits of CBD without facing expensive confiscation or legal concerns, read our guide on flying with CBD oil.

Traveling with CBD Oil in 2019

It's easier to buy CBD oil than ever. Perhaps you use it for a medical concern or to relieve daily stress. Now, CBD is derived from hemp instead of cannabis, but the law isn't as clear on this distinction as many of us might like it to be.

Technically, being a hemp derivative, you should be allowed to take it across state lines. Even if marijuana isn't legal in your destination.

Traveling by Land

If you're driving within state lines, you shouldn't have a problem taking CBD in a car, bus or train. States only recently saw a change in 50 states to allow hemp and hemp products, so law enforcement officers in more conservative states might still give you a hard time. You may want to take a printout about the law with you, and some other documentation we'll look at in just a minute. Consulting with a hemp and cannabis law firm, like Hoban Law, will be the most effective way to get up to date information.

Keep in mind, that while many states permit CBD, under federal law possession of THC dominant cannabis products is still illegal and this confuses some authorities. In short, intrastate travel by car, bus or train should be doable. Crossing state lines can get tricky and might require a bit of educating about CBD oil being a hemp derivative.

Flying with CBD Oil

If considering flying with CBD oil, there are two types of travel to consider: domestic and international. The recommendation for each is slightly different.

Flying Domestically with CBD Oil

To know just what you can and can't do with CBD if flying, let's defer to the TSA. On their website, the TSA says that possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products like CBD is 'illegal under federal law'. That means TSA officers are required by law to report any activity they suspect to be a violation.

They also have to inform local law enforcement if they've found these products as part of the screening process. From there, it can depend a bit on luck and a lot on that state's attitudes to cannabis products. If you're not breaking state laws, police will generally just ask you to dispose of the products before passing screening.

If it's a state where cannabis still isn't legal, you can be charged for the crime.

Flying Internationally with CBD Oil

For the moment, it's best to not even contemplate flying internationally with CBD. You're no longer dealing with fellow-American law officers and you may be far from the embassy. Some countries have zero tolerance for cannabis possession.

You could get jail time for even a tiny amount of CBD oil.

How Can I Prepare to Travel with It?

If you're traveling within state lines by bus, car or train, keep your CBD oil in your hand-luggage so you can care for it. You've seen attendants throw luggage without a lot of care and that could result in broken packaging. Roll some soft clothing or a small towel around your products to help absorb impact.

You can even reuse packaging from a recent delivery to help you out.

If it's a flight, we've seen it's better to err on the side of not taking it. You can take your CBD oil right before passing security, so you still get a calming benefit for your flight. If you absolutely cannot be without your CBD while you're away, do some rigorous research before you go.

Check out the state laws for where you are traveling to. If the state you're traveling to has dispensaries you could buy from on arrival, get in contact to find out what documentation they'll need from you. It's a good idea to make a note of who you spoke to so you can refer to the call should any issues pop up once at the dispensary.

They may need something specific from your doctor. Give yourself time before the trip to have all this organized and in place. If there are no dispensaries where you're going, some people opt to mail their CBD to the destination ahead of them.

This has its own risks, but some see it as far less risky than transporting it with them if flying.

Picking Your Product for Traveling

If you decide that traveling with CBD is low-risk or legal for your travel route, there's still some more things to keep in mind. Choose edibles like gummies over big containers of liquid. If you vape, remember you'll need to keep it in your carry on as these can't be stored in checked baggage.

Storing CBD While Traveling

You might be traveling to a location that's warmer and sunnier than what you're used to - let's hope so! Store your CBD in a cool, dark place, preferably away from humidity or other moisture. If it's left in the sun or direct heat it can harm the natural ingredients and that may reduce their effectiveness.

Have Documentation on You at All Times

No matter where you're traveling, it's smartest to have documentation with you. A prescription, a doctors' letter, or anything that supports your use of CBD. Anything that supports your use of CBD for health or medical issue is likely to work in your favor.

Also, take any ingredient list or company report that proves your CBD is derived from legal hemp, not marijuana. This can be especially helpful to argue that it's legal to transport it.

Stay Calm

It's a bit nerve-wracking being questioned by law officers or TSA officers. Remember to breathe, stay calm, and answer their questions clearly and politely. It's not personal, they're just doing their job.

Your job is to help them understand why you need it and how you use it. They're just trying to uphold the law, and protect the community. If you make it clear you're not doing anything illegal or unsafe, that this is a supplement that helps you relax and reduce pain, they'll be likely to wave you through.

They may ask you to dispose of the product even if they do take kindly to your reasoning, so be prepared for that.

Now You're Ready for Flying with CBD Oil!

Now you know the answer about flying with CBD oil. If it's international, leave it at home. If it's a domestic flight, take it beforehand, or take precautions and documentation.

Traveling by land can be easier. In any case, remember documentation that supports its use for your health, and that underlines the key ingredient as a hemp derivative not a cannabis one. If you're ready to buy some high-quality CBD - for traveling or home, check out our website today!

Can You Overdose on CBD Oil? Everything You Need to Know but Don't Want to Ask

From the wellness world to the beauty industry, it seems like CBD oil is everywhere you look these days.

Perhaps you've even thought about trying it out for yourself.

CBD oil works with your body's natural endocannabinoid system, and many people swear that it's helped them to feel calmer, manage their pain, and much more. Maybe you even know someone that uses CBD regularly, and they've convinced you to give it a shot.

However, you also want to understand more about the safety of CBD products.

Can you overdose on CBD oil? How much CBD oil should you take? Is CBD addictive?

These are all valid questions, and knowing the answers to them will help you to have a better and more relaxed experience with CBD.

Read on to get the truth about CBD.

Can You Overdose on CBD Oil?

Drug overdoses from dangerous street drugs have been steadily on the rise for the past few years.

So of course, if you're thinking about taking CBD oil, it's only natural for you to ask, "Can you overdose on CBD oil?"

In short: no, just as you cannot overdose on marijuana (though it's important to note that CBD oil and marijuana are not the same thing, as we'll discuss later on in this post.)

Why is overdosing impossible?

Because of the location of your endocannabinoid system, which is the part of your body that CBD oil interacts with directly.

People overdose on street drugs like opioids for many reasons, but mostly because the opioid receptors in your body are located directly in the part of your brainstem that controls your breathing.

Your endocannabinoid system lives in another part of your brain, meaning that you're completely safe.

Of course, it's important to follow dosing instructions when you use CBD oil. But in most cases, this is mainly because CBD products can be expensive! Taking more than directed won't improve your experience in any way, but it will waste the product.

Is CBD Oil Addictive?

In addition to questions about a potential CBD overdose, many people interested in taking CBD also have concerns about possible addiction.

The good news is that CBD oil is not addictive.

Why?

Because, unlike marijuana, it doesn't contain THC, which is the psychoactive property in marijuana that is responsible for creating that "high" feeling. It's no secret that there are all kinds of differing opinions about whether or not the THC in marijuana makes it truly addictive.

But because CBD oil contains only trace amounts of THC, you don't have to worry about becoming addicted to the feeling of being "high." CBD oil helps many people to relax and manage the symptoms of other health conditions, but it's not addictive.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?

Finding the right dosage of CBD isn't always as straightforward as it seems.

Many different factors influence the right dosage.

These can include the way in which you're taking it; (tinctures, edibles, or vaping it, for example) the desired effect, the strength/spectrum of the CBD product, and even your weight and height.

The truth is that there is no "ideal serving size" that's magically right for everyone. But because you don't have to worry about overdosing on CBD or becoming addicted to it, you can feel free to use a little trial and error here.

In general, start with this dosing method: for every ten pounds of your body weight, try to take between 1-6mg of CBD.

If you're looking to get the most accurate dosage possible, we suggest that you give CBD capsules a try. They make it easy to know exactly how much CBD oil you're taking per day.

Keep a "CBD journal" when you first get started. Write down how much you've taken and the effects you've experienced.

CBD Oil: Other Considerations

Whether you're taking CBD oil for anxiety, to help you manage pain, or for another reason, there are a few other important details to keep in mind.

First of all, especially if you're currently taking any prescription medication (or if you're still confused about dosing) you may want to talk to your doctor. They've likely had other patients ask them about using CBD oil, and may be able to offer excellent advice.

Additionally, it's incredibly important to buy only high-quality CBD products from trusted companies. The last thing that you want is to buy synthetic CBD. In addition to being ineffective, synthetic CBD may also be dangerous.

Finally, remember that CBD can be taken in many different ways. In addition to orally ingesting CBD oil and other edibles, many people use salves, balms, and lotions that contain CBD.

You can apply it directly to your pain points in order to get the relief you need. You can put these oils and creams anywhere on your body, including your face.

Where Can You Find Quality CBD Products?

We hope this post has helped you to feel much more confident about trying out CBD products for the first time.

Many people have questions like, "Can you overdose on CBD oil?" But, the reality is that it's next to impossible.

Still, to have the best and safest experience, you need to get the best products.

That's where we come in.

Browse through and shop some of the top CBD products -- whether you're into capsules, tinctures, or more -- with us. We know you'll love the results, and the high quality of the products we'll connect you with.

We can't wait to turn you into a believer.

Is CBD Different from Marijuana? Understanding CBD vs THC

CBD is rapidly growing in popularity. In fact the CBD industry is expected to climb to $22 billion by 2022.

But there's still lots of confusion surrounding CBD. Despite its popularity, many still have common questions, like "Is CBD marijuana?" or "What's the difference between CBD and THC?"

We're here to clear the air around CBD vs THC. Here is a CBD guide to understanding this in-demand compound.

Why Are People Turning to CBD?

Many people are picking up CBD to treat themselves to a healthy alternative to over the counter medications. Some studies show CBD could be a positive counter to problems like feeling uneasy and stress.

It has caught on because of the numerous anecdotal stories about seizures, and research indicates it could be a powerful combatant of the ailment. It's also being researched in some circles regarding cancer.

CBD is also catching on as a product of choice for more general problems, like daily pain and better sleep. And some studies suggest it could be an effective way to curb the United States opioid crisis.

Still, this new craze leaves much of the public confused. Many wonder: Is CBD weed? What is CBD?

Here's a breakdown of CBD vs THC:

A Microscopic Look at CBD vs THC

CBD and THC are just two of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp.

CBD is fully known as cannabidiol, and THC is tetrahydrocannabinol. And the similarities in their names is no coincidence. They actually have the same chemical makeup.

But the way their molecules are arranged is slightly different. This means they react with a person's body differently.

THC is a psychoactive compound. Simply put, that means it can make a person feel high. But CBD is a non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce this same effect.

Why?

This all has to do with the body's cannabinoid receptors and how each compound interacts with them.

CBD vs THC: How They Interact with the Body

Both CBD and THC work in the body's Endocannabinoid System, or ECS. This is a bunch of receptors that work with cannabinoids and body functions.

Two receptors that interact with these compounds are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 tends to live in the brain, while CB2 receptors are in the immune system and central nervous system.

These two receptors work with CBD or THC to kick on the reactions people feel in their bodies.

Both of the compounds, CBD and THC, connect with CB2. But they interact with CB1 in different ways.

THC bonds with CB1, and that causes a person to feel a high, psychoactive effect. But CBD doesn't bond with the receptor, so it doesn't create a high. In fact, CBD can actually cut off some of the connection between THC and CB1.

That means CBD doesn't have THC's psychoactive effect, and it could even reduce it.

CBD vs Marijuana: A Look at the Source

It's a common question: Is CBD marijuana? The simple answer is, "Yes and No".

Marijuana is a plant that contains both CBD and THC. But not all CBD comes from marijuana. That's because marijuana is one variety of the plant species Cannabis sativa.

Another variety of this same Cannabis sativa species is hemp. Hemp also contains CBD. So, if CBD comes from hemp, it isn't associated with marijuana at all.

In either case, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that can be pulled out of each plant.

The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

Both plant varieties belong to the same family. But marijuana tends to be much higher in THC. It often can contain 10 percent CBD and more than 20 percent THC.

Hemp tends to contain almost no THC and closer to 20 percent CBD. Its THC levels are often below 0.3 percent.

People seek out both plants for health benefits, but marijuana is usually also known for its psychoactive effects. That's because of its high THC content.

Hemp doesn't have this same reputation. That's because its tiny THC content doesn't make the consumer of pure hemp products high.

How People Consume CBD

CBD can come in a bunch of different forms. So, a person can consume it in different ways.

One common method is through smoking or vaping. This usually means someone will vaporize CBD and breathe it in. From there, the compound hits the bloodstream fairly quickly.

But vaporizers are made for different uses. A person can choose to vaporize a dry herb. Another option is to use a dab, wax, or oil.

When CBD is inhaled, it usually has faster effects. But some people can experience lung irritation. And many simply don't like stigmas that can be associated with smoking.

Many people also consume CBD as edibles. That means CBD is packaged in gummies, treats, or baked good.

When a consumer eats CBD as an edible, they usually say it takes a bit longer to feel effects than in vaporized form. But the effects also have been reported to last longer. That makes this method popular with people suffering from chronic pain.

And others apply CBD directly to their skin. They can use CBD creams and oils to rub the compound on specific points on the body. Some popular uses for oils and creams include skin problems and arthritis.

CBD vs THC: Is it Legal?

In the United States, the laws around CBD can be hazy. That's because many people still associate CBD simply with marijuana.

Laws for marijuana and CBD can vary at the state level. At the federal level, marijuana is illegal, and CBD from hemp is legal. That's because hemp that contains less than 0.3 percent THC is legal in the United States.

That also means as long as CBD comes from hemp and is pure, it's legal in the United States.

More in CBD Products

This guide should clear the confusion when it comes to CBD vs THC. And we have more information about CBD on our frequently asked questions page.

But we also have everything from CBD creams and oils to edibles and dabs. We even have CBD for pets. Check out our online CBD shop here to choose from all of our top CBD products.

Is CBD Oil Legal? Understanding the Laws

Effective in 2018, hemp became legal on a federal level. Until now, many have thought that hemp and marijuana are interchangeable. That's actually not true; marijuana is quite different and still federally illegal.

Maybe you've heard of CBD oil and are aware that it is extracted from these plants. Since hemp is now legal, what does that mean for CBD oil? Is CBD oil legal?

Well, that question can't be answered unless we explore the various conditions and laws by state. Read on to learn more about CBD legality and how it affects you.

The 2018 Farm Bill

Every five years or so, Congress passes a new bill called a "Farm Bill" that defines the legal practices of food, trade, agriculture, and more. This practice originated during the Great Depression and is still going on today.

Also known as The Agricultural Improvement Act, The Farm Bill that was passed in 2018 made hemp and its products legal. This made hemp a legal agricultural product, which is huge for CBD oil.

Since hemp is legal, is CBD oil legal? Well, there are some conditions to review. Not all sources are created equal.

Hemp is now a farming commodity. Once the new law was signed, it was removed from the list of controlled substances on a federal level. There are still some laws to navigate on the state level.

Hemp vs. Marijuana Legality

Cannabis refers to a group of plants, classified as either indica or sativa. Hemp and marijuana both belong to this family of plants. However, with the passing of the Farm Act, hemp is now legal while marijuana is still illegal on a federal level.

Marijuana contains a high concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what gives the plant its psychoactive properties. Although some states have made it legal for recreational use, most have only approved it for medical use. On a federal level, the marijuana plant is illegal for both purposes.

Hemp, the plant from which most CBD oils are extracted, is a different plant. It has a very minor amount of THC and is thus used primarily for industrial products such as paper, rope, clothing, oils, and building materials.

What is Hemp?

The Hemp plant includes all varieties of the Cannabis family that contain little or no THC, which is the substance that makes the plant have psychoactive effects when ingested by smoke or through edibles.

Contrary to what many believe, the hemp variety of Cannabis plants is actually typically cultivated on an industrial level. The seed, hurd, and fibers are all used to create a variety of products.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is an entirely different plant (at least legally) from hemp, while still belonging to the Cannabis family of plants. It is the most commonly used illegal drug.

Marijuana has a lot of ways it can be ingested, such as smoking, vaping, oils, dabs, and edibles. Its primary purpose is the get the user high. It has also been said to provide a number of medical benefits, such as treating glaucoma and even cancer. However, these claims are still under debate and require much more research.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is another name for Cannabidiol, which is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. When compared to the recreational marijuana plant, it has a negligible amount of THC.

While CBD oil does contain trace amounts of THC, it does not offer a "high" as traditional marijuana does. Also, If you are taking a drug test, the amount of THC is untraceable and will not show up in your results.

Although federal restrictions have prevented extensive research on the subject, users of CBD oil have reported a number of medicinal benefits from its use. These include relief from certain types of bodily pains and mental conditions, such as anxiety and even seizures.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

Provided that it is extracted from the legal hemp plant, the short answer is yes. This means that all products made from this type of oil are totally legal, such as supplements, creams, balms, and edibles.

However, CBD oil may be illegal if it is derived from the marijuana plant, unless it has been legalized for recreational use in your state.

There are currently 11 U.S. states and DC that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana:

Alaska
California
Colorado
DC
Illinois
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Nevada
Oregon
Vermont
Washington

If you are outside these jurisdictions, the CBD oil legality may vary depending on the type of CBD oil you are using. Hemp-derived CBD is legal, whereas marijuana-derived CBD oil may not be.

Most other U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use. Only three states are left that still have laws against using marijuana for any reason.

Especially if you live in the following states, be sure you are purchasing hemp-derived CBD oil:

Idaho
Nebraska

CBD Oil Legality: What's Illegal?

So, is CBD oil legal? Yes, provided it is extracted from hemp, which is now legal. But where is the line drawn?

The 2018 Farm Bill was primarily intended to legalize hemp for industrial purposes. Because it does not specify nor exclude the oils extracted, you can legally purchase hemp-derived CBD online or from any source.

If you are looking to purchase marijuana-derived CBD oil, you can only do so if you live in one of the states that allow legal marijuana use, which include Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, or Washington.

Because marijuana is still federally illegal, you can only purchase the CBD oils in-state. Marijuana-derived CBD oils cannot be legally transported across state lines. These oils are still recognized as illegal wherever recreational marijuana is illegal.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil won't get you high and doesn't always come from the marijuana plant. However, claims have shown that there may be a lot of benefits for its use.

Now that hemp is federally legal, it makes hemp-derived CBD oil legal as well. You can now purchase, ship, and possess it without worrying about getting into any legal trouble.

As marijuana is still illegal, marijuana-derived CBD oil legality still varies by state. As more states legalize recreational marijuana, that can always change.

For a variety of hemp-derived CBD oil products, check out our shop page.

Can Smoking CBD Help You Quit Nicotine?

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. Over 50 million Americans are addicted to tobacco products, cigarettes reigning them all.

Even though many try to quit their cigarette addiction, many also fail. This is why quitting a cigarette addiction is difficult to achieve: quitting cigarettes is even harder than quitting many drugs.

It's almost impossible to quit cold turkey. Former cigarette smokers turn to a myriad of products to help them rid of their nicotine addiction. One of the most effective products is CBD, a cannabinoid from the cannabis plant.

Can vaping and smoking CBD help you with your nicotine addiction? Continue reading and find out why.

Why Is Nicotine so Addictive?

Nicotine is the most addictive substance in the world, even though cigarettes and other tobacco products are sold legally. When a user consumes nicotine, they experience a brief euphoric sensation.

This euphoria comes from the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine controls the reward circuit of the brain. Users continue craving this reward sensation, which is how they get hooked.

As the user smokes cigarettes, their dopamine levels become irregular. They experience stress and lack of self-control when they don't experience a nicotine rush.

This is when addiction forms-the user doesn't feel that same sensation unless they smoke cigarettes.

Quitting cigarettes becomes even more of a struggle. The user craves cigarettes and often gets irritable and stressed out. They may even suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

What Is CBD?

The cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids are more potent than others and not all of them are as bioactive. But there are two major cannabinoids anyone can recognize: THC and CBD.

THC is the most famous cannabinoid. This is the cannabinoid that causes the famous marijuana "high."

CBD is different. CBD does not cause any high. Rather, CBD boasts many health benefits.

All living beings have an endocannabinoid system.

When you consume cannabinoids, they react with your cells using cell receptors. This process causes cannabinoids to control your cells, communicating with different areas of the body.

CBD controls the CB2 cell receptors. CB2 cell receptors are found in just about every major organ in the body. For nicotine addiction, we'll focus on CBD's benefits on the brain.

CB2 cell receptors are found in the brain, but they don't cause the high the way THC does. Instead, CBD benefits the brain.

Why CBD Reduces Cigarette Consumption

There's been talk of CBD reducing nicotine addiction, but no research proved this until 2013.

Researchers from the University of London conducted an experiment where 24 cigarette addicts were given vaporizers.

Half of the participants vaped CBD and the other half vaped a placebo. The participants were instructed to vape when they felt the urge to smoke a cigarette.

After the week was up, the ones vaping the placebo showed no difference in their cigarette cravings. But those vaping CBD reduced their cigarette cravings by 40%!

More Studies on Controlling Cigarette Cues

After their first study, the University of London conducted another study on the effects of CBD and cigarette use. This study was devoted to cigarette cues or reminders of cigarette use. These cues include other seeing people smoking.

In this study, 30 smokers were given two pills-some were given a CBD pill and others were given a placebo. The smokers were instructed to not smoke during the evening and took the pill first thing in the morning.

The participants were shown cigarette cues and their reactions were monitored.

Their heart rate and blood pressure were measured, and they were monitored for any withdrawal symptoms, craving signals, and other side effects of no cigarette use.

Those who took the CBD weren't as affected by the cigarette cues compared to the placebo takers, who were affected.

Unfortunately, CBD doesn't help withdrawal and other side effects. But it does decrease cigarette cravings and cues.

A Theory as to Why CBD Helps Nicotine Addiction

While it's not fully understood if CBD can treat nicotine addiction, there are a few theories. One theory is the release of dopamine.

As stated previously, consuming nicotine causes the release of the reward-inducing neurotransmitter dopamine. Your brain starts relying on nicotine to release the dopamine in the brain, causing nicotine addiction.

Marijuana also impacts your dopamine production, but the process is a little complex.

Let's refer back to THC and CBD and their differences in the brain.

THC and the marijuana "high" boost your dopamine levels in the short-term. But continued THC consumption decreases your dopamine levels, causing the stress and irritability when you're not high.

CBD is different. CBD doesn't affect dopamine levels. Rather, it affects a different neurotransmitter: serotonin. CBD interacts with serotonin's 1A receptor, resulting in many therapeutic properties.

Serotonin regulates many hormones, including cortisol and oxytocin. This helps regulate feelings of stress, social behavior, mood, cognition, and even your appetite.

In short, CBD use results in a healthy brain.

It does this without causing dependence and withdrawals. Your brain activity is regulated, and you won't need to restore your dopamine, meaning you don't get cravings for addictive substances such as cigarettes.

How to Use CBD to Quit Smoking Cigarettes

While more research needs to be done, there are signs that CBD can help you quit smoking cigarettes. In order to receive the most benefits, you need to take CBD a certain way to get the most benefits.

You can take CBD how you wish, however, former cigarette smokers tend to benefit the most from using CBD, and even smoking hemp CBD first thing in the morning. When you feel the urge to smoke a cigarette, start using CBD.

As you smoke more CBD, you understand different serving sizes and how to replace nicotine with hemp in your situation.

Vaping and Smoking CBD Can Help You Quit Smoking!

With hemp, you just might be able to finally quit smoking cigarettes and live a healthier life.

Are you ready to start vaping or smoking CBD to curb your nicotine cravings? Shop now for CBD hemp flower!