Of the dozens of cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana plants, the two that are most widely known are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While marijuana and hemp plants are both part of the cannabis family, they are quite different when it comes to THC levels. THC levels in marijuana range from 3 to 30 percent, while hemp plants containless than 0.3 percent, meaning that CBD derived from hemp plants is not psychoactive and is safe for everyday use. In fact, research has shown that CBD actually has anti-psychoactive properties.

Cannabinoids are varied chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. While their effects can vary - THC being a psychoactive cannabinoid while CBD isn’t, for instance - they both act on cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system - or ECS for short - is a complex cell-signaling system found in our bodies that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes including sleep cycles, appetite, mood, memory, pain sensation, and immune response. Endocannabinoids are made by the body to help keep internal functions running smoothly by binding to endocannabinoid receptors, found throughout the body, to signal when the ECS needs to take action to maintain “homeostasis.”

Homeostasis - or “body balance” - refers to the internal stability of the human body, and it is the primary function of the ECS to maintain this homeostasis. If homeostasis is interrupted by injury or illness, the ECS is signaled to bring all of the body’s major systems back to normal.

Researchers believe CBD works by either preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down, or by helping our bodies produce endocannabinoids naturally, leading to a better functioning ECS. In any case, research shows that CBD interacts with the ECS in a way that can help with pain, nausea, and many other symptoms related to numerous conditions.

While research into the effects of CBD on the human body and the endocannabinoid system are ongoing, current studies show that CBD has positive effects on common ailments such as pain relief, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more serious afflictions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

CBD can be taken in a variety of ways, from edible options such as pills or gummies, to vapable products, to tinctures that can be taken sublingually (dropped under the tongue) or added to food and beverages. Since each option has a different bioavailability (the proportion of a substance that enters the bloodstream depending on the individual and the delivery system), you have to find the method that is best for you.

As you should always practice when considering taking any supplement, please contact your physician before taking CBD products as there could be an interaction with certain medications.

Since CBD extracted from hemp contains less than 0.3 percent THC, levels are not strong enough to cause a psychoactive reaction or show up in the bloodstream, and due to the passing of the Farm Bill, CBD is legal in all 50 states.

Delta 8 THC, or Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a hemp derived cannabidiol that shares some similarities with Delta 9 THC - the psychoactive compound in marijuana that creates a euphoric feeling. However, while Delta 8 does cause a relaxed feeling, it is much less intense than that of Delta 9, and doesn’t include the feelings of anxiety that some associate with using traditional marijuana.

While Delta 9 THC is federally illegal, and illegal in most states, Delta 8 is federally legal, and legal in most states. Since our Delta 8 products are derived from 100% hemp extract and contain less than 0.03% THC, they are protected under the 2018 Farm Bill. 

We like to think of Delta 8 as a far more functional version of its cousin, Delta 9 THC, especially for those who have had negative experiences using marijuana. While the effects of Delta 8 vary from person to person, it is reported that its use can cause feelings of relaxation and an increased appetite at higher doses, but also foster motivation and boost your mood at lower doses. This is why we suggest that our customers always start with lower doses to determine what will provide them with the best experience.