It is common for people to have questions around CBD and for good reason! As we’ve been introduced to this product in the mainstream space only recently, there’s a lot of education still to be done to fully understand the benefits and applications of this product. People often wonder if it can help with certain conditions like anxiety or depression, which is why new research has become increasingly important. But don’t worry- despite some misinformation out there, CBD oil is not addictive, won’t show up on a drug test as THC does (since it doesn’t contain any), and isn’t just something you rub on your skin before going out at night. It’s actually made from hemp plants containing high concentrations of cannabidiol; a safe compound that works by interacting with our endocannabinoid system because they’re so similar.
If you’re looking to make CBD a part of your routine but still have questions, keep reading to debunk some of the most common questions we get asked at Hempzilla CBD.
Is CBD Essentially Pot?
The reason why there’s a lot of confusion about the difference between CBD and marijuana is because both are derived from plants in the cannabis family. In fact, they’re both parts of the same genus called Cannabis sativa. However, this is where their similarities end as they have very different effects on your body. The most obvious difference between CBD oil and marijuana is that weed contains THC (the chemical compound that gets you high) while hemp oil does not contain THC.
What most don’t realize is that there are over 100 distinct chemical compounds found only in the Cannabis Sativa L plant. Some of these chemicals have been identified to have positive effects on mental and physical health conditions such as stress and anxiety, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis pain management or even cancer treatments. These specific chemicals are called cannabinoids which can be extracted from the plants for use in formulating CBD products such as oils, topicals, and tinctures.
What is the difference between Sativa and Indica strains?
Sativa and Indica are two of the most commonly known cannabis strains. We are often asked what is the difference between these two strains! The only difference between them is their chemical composition which affects how we perceive their effects, as each has its own unique characteristics.
Sativa is a species of cannabis that has been found to increase energy levels, focus and mood. These effects are often sought after by people who enjoy using CBD in social situations. On the other hand, Indica can be relaxing. Indica strains are known for their body high and ability to induce relaxation and even sleepiness. One is not innately better than the other—it all depends on what vibe you’re going for! The thing about CBD is that it can make people feel different ways sometimes; this makes it hard to predict if the strain will work well for you until you try it.
Although our Hempzilla line is not strain-specific but rather uses a blend of the strains, we do have strain-specific vape pens, as well as a whole array of strain-specific products in our Connoisseur Select line.
“Lifter” is a great place to start to try a Sativa product, and “Suver Haze” is a phenomenal indica!
Should I purchase Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, or Full-Spectrum CBD?
CBD is a fast-growing industry, and one that is saturated with misinformation and confusion. Many people are not aware of the difference between broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD or isolates. Even some supposed “experts” in the space don’t know the differences. It’s helpful to understand how each type of product works within your system before you buy.
Full-spectrum CBD contains a trace amount of THC, terpenes, and hundreds of other phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. It is left in its most natural form and offers some healing benefits thanks to this compound. Isolate is when the CBD alone is extracted without terpenes, stripping the oil of many beneficial phytochemicals and compounds. Broad-spectrum is somewhere in between, removing THC as much as possible while also preserving the rest of the plant for additional therapeutic purposes.
While we recommend buying Full-Spectrum or Broad-Spectrum products from a reputable source such as Hempzilla, we DO NOT recommend purchasing a CBD isolate product. Many companies choose to use isolates because it’s cheaper to produce and has no scent or taste due to its entire lack of terpenes, making it easier to combine into flavored vapes and products. Cutting corners this way though reduces, if not altogether eliminates, the effect that you will experience from CBD.
What are Terpenes?
Cannabis plants produce terpenes that have distinct aromas and flavors. Terpenes are essential oils found in plants, with around 200 of them existing in cannabis alone. They affect the plant’s aroma and flavor, while also providing a range of different physiological or medicinal effects when consumed. When combined with cannabinoids such as CBD, terpenes can lead to an entourage effect (a synergistic relationship) that produces improved health outcomes for patients.
In ancient cultures, the benefits of terpenes were acknowledged and valued. The Egyptians used them for ceremonial purposes, by burning their resins in incense to release aromatherapy that was believed to have healing properties. In recent times, we’re now beginning to understand how they work so well with cannabinoids like CBD. Every terpene has a different aroma, flavor, and effect. The most common are limonene, pinene, linalool, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene or caryophyllenol. Each terpene profile can have a different effect, similar to that of strain characteristics.
One of the most important things that you can do as a consumer is keep asking questions and seeking answers. If you have the right information that is coming from multiple credible sources and always look to purchase your CBD products from sources with a proven reputation, CBD can revolutionize your life! If you have any more questions about CBD, feel free to check out our FAQ page or send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you however we can.