Understanding CBD from Hemp: 3 Must-Know Facts

CBD from Hemp

As people are becoming more aware of using all-natural products to complement diet and improve well-being, more attention is being paid to cannabidiol (CBD). With a wide range of potential wellness benefits (such as sleep support or healthier skin), CBD from hemp is now one of the most popular supplements in the wellness-conscious community.

Before understanding just how potentially beneficial CBD from hemp really is, it’s important to know a little bit more about hemp in general. Although often assumed to be the same thing as cannabis, hemp is actually quite different.

Hemp 101

Thought to be one of the earliest cultivated crops, hemp has been used for well over 10,000 years. It’s a crop that’s been extremely important worldwide, and it wasn’t until the 1950s that it was banned in the US.

Believed at the time to carry the same psychoactive properties as marijuana, hemp was added to the list of dangerous substances in the US. Scheduled as a Federal Class I Substance, hemp was deemed as dangerous as heroin and cocaine.

However, hemp contains none of the mind-altering characteristics of cannabis. It’s actually best known for its use as a textile fiber and is used to make thousands of different products. It’s long been used to make things like bible paper and books, and eating hemp seeds has sustained people for centuries.

Hemp oil is one of the healthiest oils you can find on the planet. According to the North American Industrial Hemp Council, at a volume level of 81%, hemp is known to be the best source of all the essential fatty acids. It also contains some important amino acids, including GHA, which is usually only found in mother’s milk.

Hemp also contains high amounts of CBD. Well-known for its potential to help promote a sense of calm, CBD from hemp is becoming increasingly more popular for people (and their pets) looking for natural ways to soothe their senses.

Why CBD from Hemp Is So Beneficial

Those who have discovered CBD products made from hemp are raving about the potential benefits. From providing joint support to promoting restful sleep, CBD hemp oil reviews offer a lot of insight into why so many people are using these products.

Before understanding exactly why CBD from hemp is so intriguing, it’s probably best to understand a little more about hemp and the CBD that is derived from it.

3 Useful Facts about CBD from Hemp

Right below are the facts behind some of our most frequently asked questions:

1. CBD Products Made from Hemp Contain Very Low Levels of THC

One of the concerns people have about using CBD products is that they’re related to cannabis. They assume that hemp contains high levels of THC just like cannabis; however, this isn’t the case at all.

Where your average medical cannabis plant will produce flowers containing THC levels of 14-18%, hemp plants contain very little THC at all. The average content of THC in hemp is between .05 and 1%. Hemp has also been shown to contain more CBD than the typical cannabis plant.

2. CBD Products Made from Hemp Are Legal in the United States

CBD extracted from hemp is advantageous to people living in states that have made it illegal to consume CBD products derived from cannabis. Because most CBD products that have been derived from hemp contain THC levels of less than .3%, they’re legal to consume anywhere. This means that people living in states that have not approved medical marijuana use can still benefit from the soothing properties found in CBD.

3. CBD from Hemp Can’t Get You High

Because of the extremely low THC content found in CBD products made from hemp, there is no way they can produce any of the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use. Simply put, CBD from hemp can’t get you high.

What’s the Difference between Hemp and Cannabis?

Many people still assume hemp and cannabis are the same plant. Sure, they’re both classified under the botanical name “cannabis sativa L,” but that’s where the similarities stop. They do come from the same family, but, from the way they look to the properties they exhibit, hemp and cannabis really are quite different (1).

  • Hemp and cannabis grow differently and have very dissimilar physical characteristics.
  • Cannabis plants grown for their THC content tend to grow rather short and bushy, usually only reaching heights of 5-6 ft.
  • Hemp plants can reach heights of up to 20 ft and more closely resemble bamboo than typical cannabis plants.
  • The average cannabis plant will produce flowers containing THC at levels of 10-14%.
  • Hemp plants contain barely any THC at all. The average content of THC in hemp is between .05 and 1%.
  • Hemp has been shown to contain more CBD than the typical cannabis plant.
  • The chemical composition of hemp and cannabis is completely different.
  • Hemp is grown in over 30 different countries while cannabis remains illegal in most.

Why Hemp-Derived CBD?

CBD is one of the 500 chemical compounds that occur naturally in hemp. Thought to be excellent for its potential calming properties, CBD from hemp may also counteract the psychoactive effects of THC in some studies.

Hemp-derived CBD is becoming increasingly popular in states that haven’t regulated cannabis-derived CBD for medicinal use. CBD from industrial hemp is not considered a derivative of medical marijuana.

CBD from hemp and CBD from cannabis are two completely different products. Particularly beneficial for those who live in states where cannabis is still illegal, hemp-derived CBD products are quickly gaining popularity as an awesome addition to a natural lifestyle.

If you’re looking buy CBD products derived from hemp, check out our buy cannabidiol guide or have a look at our selection of best CBD oil. Healthy Hemp Oil’s mission is to empower you with knowledge to make the best decision for you and your loved ones, which is why we constantly update our blog with the latest news and relatable case studies.

We’d be very interested to hear your thoughts about CBD from hemp. How do you feel about this alternative to cannabis-based CBD oils? Have you found one particularly beneficial over the other? Let us know in the comments below.


FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products sold by Healthy Hemp Oil are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on our website is intended to provide general information regarding our products and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. Read more