A Breakdown of the Different Types of Cannabis - Cameron Forni

 

Often, people’s opinions about cannabis are based on information gleaned from the media, TV shows, movies, or simply in their everyday lives. When people talk about terms like cannabis, hemp, and marijuana, they tend to either use them interchangeably or apply their own meanings to them based on their own assumptions or observations. 

All of the plants within the cannabis genus contain different amounts of the phytocannabinoids THC and CBD. THC, which is found in higher increments in marijuana, is the molecule that binds with our own body’s endocannabinoids, causing different feelings of euphoria. The higher the amount of THC, the higher the hallucinatory effect. People have also used THC to aid in many medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, and seizures, as well as making chemotherapy much more tolerable. On the other side, Hemp plants have higher levels of CBD and are used ina variety of non-hallucinatory medical practices, such as soothing oils and soap products. 

Cannabis is the name of one type of flowering plant within the Cannabaceae family, but there are multiple species of it within that genus. Two species of cannabis are Hemp and Marijuana. Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis are subspecies and each has its own purpose in the health and wellness industry. It goes way beyond just a simple plant with leaves and stems. 

Sativa

Sativa strains of cannabis have high levels of THC and typically cause feelings of euphoria and a high when consumed. In smaller doses, they can also increase energy levels and creative thinking. The recreational food and drink market is the preferred choice for Sativa use.

Indica

In raw form, Indica plants tend to resemble a small Christmas tree. This is a more sensitive strain that needs to be tended to since they are susceptible to mould. The effect produced by this strain is a soothing one, mainly for sore muscles and as a sleep aid. This strain is quite popular for medicinal use.

Ruderalis

Ruderalis strains have low levels of THC so they are not generally sold as a recreational drug. They can be cross-bred with either Indica or Sativa strains to create a hybrid product. Since there are higher levels of CBD, the medical field has more uses for Ruderalis, as long as the proper extraction techniques are implemented. The fibrous stamps also make it useful in the hemp textile industry.

This article was originally published on cameronForni.co

The Differences Between CBD and Hemp

 

The Cannabaceae family of plants is made up of different strains. Unlike the marijuana classification of the plant, the hemp plant is a non-intoxicating Cannabis that is harvested for the industrial use of its derived products. It was made commercially viable after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, and hemp products in today’s society are now associated with multiple industries. It has since been recognized as the strongest natural fiber in the world. After becoming an agricultural commodity, farmers began growing it and various industries began using it for biofuel, soap, building materials, as well as medicinal products. CBD oil is an example of a medicinal product that is extracted from hemp. While CBD can come from either hemp plants or marijuana plants, the end product is not exactly the same because of the THC levels within each plant.

All mammals naturally produce endocannabinoids (endo = within) that keep their bodily systems functioning normally. It’s part of an interconnected network called the Endocannabinoid System that aids in the body’s immune response, cell communication, appetite, metabolism, and memory, among other functions. CBD is a phytocannabinoid (phyto = plant), and studies have shown that these similar receptors in CBD oil can help replenish our internal systems. Some of the conditions that CBD has been touted to improve include anxiety, PTSD, addiction, epilepsy, and arthritis, among others. 

Marijuana-derived CBD products contain small amounts of THC and they may be more effective than hemp. However, even though hemp-based CBD is legalized, the same cannot be said for every state in the US. There are currently federal laws in place, but if you live in a state that hasn’t yet legalized medical marijuana or these strains are unavailable, you may still benefit from products containing industrial hemp-derived CBD.

Contrarily, the hemp extract oils that are the basis of all hemp CBD products are made from the flowers and the leaves of the hemp plant. Also known as the source of all the beneficial phytocannabinoids. On the other hand, Hemp seed oil, also sometimes known as “hemp oil”, is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant only, no phytocannabinoids are extracted. While it is true that this oil is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and can improve skin, it doesn’t have the same benefits as marijuana-based CBD oil.

This article was originally published on cameronforni.co