Are Hemp and CBD the Same Thing?

Hemp and CBD, although closely related, are not the same thing.  Hemp is a strain of Cannabis Sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC and over 100 cannabinoids, meanwhile, CBD is one of many cannabinoids within the hemp plant itself. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of industrial hemp as long as it remains under 0.3% THC.  In legalizing the production of hemp, the bill effectively legalized all cannabinoids within the plant itself (with a limit on THC potency).  As a result, companies began extracting CBD as well as other cannabinoids from the plant to make infused confections such as vegan gummies.

Hemp has gained wide acceptance, especially considering its numerous commercial uses.  Hemp can be used to create numerous commercial and industrial products including cloth, rope, ink, detergents, clothing, food, paper, bioplastics and various building materials.  Specific parts of the plant such as hemp seeds can be used to create oil-based paints and be used in lotions and for cooking. 

Due to this wide acceptance of hemp generally, many CBD companies have tried to broaden their products reach, particularly online, by eliminating any references to CBD and replacing those with hemp. 

Why are companies labeling their CBD products hemp products?

The reason for this largely stems from rules created by Google, Facebook and amazon regarding the sale of CBD products.  Since hemp products typically do not contain CBD or contain only trace amounts, they can be sold and advertised on platforms such as Google, Amazon and Facebook.  Meanwhile, CBD is currently restricted from being sold and/or advertised on these platforms.  As a result, companies are listing their products as only hemp products and not CBD, although these products do contain CBD.

This deceptive practice has resulted in a lot of confusion amongst consumers in that they interchangeably use the terms hemp and CBD when in fact they are different.

Will Hemp or CBD get you High?

No, CBD by itself will not get you high.  Hemp, on the other hand, may contain up to 0.3% THC.  This is a very small amount of THC and is likely not enough to get an individual high, although individuals with extreme sensitivities to THC may report some very minor psychoactive effects from taking full spectrum hemp extract with a concentration of 0.3% THC. 

Is CBD Approved by the FDA?

Currently, the only CBD medication with FDA approval is Epidiolex which was approved in 2018 for two types of epilepsy.  Many studies are being conducted on CBD for the treatment of additional ailments such as pain and anxiety.

What you have learned

Hemp is a form of cannabis Sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC and CBD is a cannabinoid within cannabis Sativa that is currently being researched for many therapeutic benefits.  CBD is not THC and will not produce any psychoactive effects when taken.  Hemp may contain up to 0.3% THC, however, this small amount of THC is likely too little to cause any psychoactive effects.

*nama makes absolutely no medical claims about CBD. No information in this article is to be used as medical advice. All potential benefits listed are cited and linked to a study where the information is provided. Always consult a doctor before taking or using any products containing CBD.