The Federal Hemp Farming Act of 2018 became law on December 20, 2018. Provisions in this legislation defined hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) and removed hemp from Schedule I controlled substances classification. This makes CBD an ordinary agricultural commodity as opposed to a drug or a controlled substance, allowing hemp-based CBD to be grown and sold in the United States.
What are the Main Types of Hemp-Based CBD?
There are three main types of hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol) products:
- Broad-spectrum CBD containing low or no traces of THC
- Full-spectrum CBD containing other cannabinoid compounds of the cannabis plant, terpenes, flavonoids and THC ([ess than 0.03%)
- CBD isolate, the purest form of CBD
What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD contains no or very low amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It can contain a range of naturally occurring compounds, such as other cannabinoids. The main use is to obtain the benefits of CBD and not get “high”.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the natural chemicals found in the whole plant, which include various other cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids and terpenes. It does contain a low amount of TCH (0.03% or less) to enhance its effectiveness and enable an “entourage effect”.
NOTE: The low amount of THC in hemp-based CBD is usually not strong enough to have any significant psychoactive effects.
What is the Entourage Effect?
Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids and terpenes, which interact with each other as well as the brain’s receptors. This interaction has been labeled “the entourage effect.” There’s evidence that the entourage effect makes taking a low amount of THC and CBD together more effective than either alone. Users have also found the entourage effect treats more than one symptom or ailment.
What are Flavonoids and What are They Good For?
Flavonoids (Phytonutrients) have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. They protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease. Sold as a dietary supplement, they have antioxidants reported and are used to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
What is the Difference Between Full and Broad-Spectrum CBD?
The main difference is the amount THC that the hemp-based CBD product contains. Broad-spectrum has no or low amounts of THC, while full-spectrum can contain up to 0.03% THC.
Are All Full-Spectrum CBD Oils the Same?
The main difference is in how the full-spectrum CBD oil is made. The extraction process can be steam distillation or carbon dioxide, solvent or lipid extraction. Naturally, there is much discussion on which process is best as they each have their own pros and cons. The Maxxam CBD oil products use ethanol for their extraction process.
Some full-spectrum CBD products can contain other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, as well as other legally-approved medical supplements like melatonin (to aid with sleep).
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD and may also be called CBD crystals. Normally it is sold in a crystal form, and it is often ground up and sold as a powder. It contains no other cannabis plant compounds. It usually comes from hemp plants, which typically contain very low amounts of THC.
Is There a Difference Between Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?
The main difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is that hemp oil has little to no CBD content. Hemp oil is made by cold-pressing the hemp seeds into an omega-rich culinary oil. CBD oil is made by extracting the compound CBD from the leaves, flowers and stalks of a hemp plant.
What is the FDA’s Position On CBD?
CBD and products containing CBD have not been approved by the FDA for treatment of any medical conditions. However, there is clinical and scientific evidence that CBD can help with some symptoms associated with many medical conditions. The FDA does not provide medical or treatment recommendations and encourages you to contact your healthcare provider regarding use of CBD and your medical conditions.
Are Hemp-Based CBD Products Legal to Purchase in Florida?
CBD-derived products from hemp are federally legal but are regulated at the state level. In Florida, hemp is legal and sold under strict labelling regulations requiring the cannabinoid contents and amount of THC (less than 0.3%) to be stated on the packaging as well as the label.
Contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor
You can purchase CBD products online or in stores. If you are interested in learning more about medical marijuana treatment (THC + CBD) for a qualifying condition, please make an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors.
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