About Federally Legal Hemp & THC

Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, but they have different levels of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp has less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana has higher levels, which can produce a psychoactive effect when ingested or smoked.

The federal farm bill, which was passed in 2018, legalized the production of hemp and removed it from the controlled substances list. This has opened up a new market for products made from hemp, including cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is extracted from the plant and used for its potential health benefits.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant, and each has its own potential health benefits and potential side effects. Some of the most well-known cannabinoids include:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana and is responsible for the plant's characteristic "high" feeling. It has been used for medical purposes to treat pain, nausea, and other symptoms, but it can also have negative effects, such as anxiety and paranoia.

  • Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is believed to have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and pain, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

  • Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is a cannabinoid that is produced when THC is exposed to heat or light over time. It is less psychoactive than THC and has been studied for its potential use in treating insomnia and pain.

  • Cannabigerol (CBG): CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is believed to have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and pain. It is also being studied for its potential use in treating conditions like glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease.

With the legalization of hemp production, more and more products containing these various cannabinoids are becoming available for sale. It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any CBD or other cannabinoid products as a treatment for any medical condition, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using them.

Overall, the legalization of hemp production has opened up a new market for products made from the plant, including various types of cannabinoids. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits and side effects of these compounds, they offer an exciting new area of study and potential treatment options for a range of medical conditions.