In 2018, The Hemp Farming Act was passed which would change the way we consume and interact with hemp -- legalizing the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity while removing it from the list of controlled substances. This new legislation signed in by our current administration opened the doorway for legalizing hemp products, including CBD products.
For years, CBD oil (or cannabidiol) has slowly been building a reputation in the background as a natural supplement with a wide range of medical and health benefits. Derived from the hemp plant, many regulations were placed on its cultivation because of its relation to cannabis.
While CBD was never illegal to consume as it doesn’t have the same mind-altering effects that come with THC, it was still hard to come by.
Before the new law was passed, U.S. consumers relied on businesses to import their CBD and hemp products which created issues regarding quality and purity, as it was harder to follow the product back to the source.
With cultivation now legal, CBD is growing rapidly in popularity as the new face of hemp.
Understanding the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
Due to misinformation and confusion about CBD, it is important to understand the key differences between hemp and marijuana and how they relate to CBD.
Both Hemp and Marijuana are broad classifications of Cannabis, a category of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family which consist of three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. CBD is extracted directly from Cannabis Sativa L.
So what’s the difference between Hemp and Marijuana? It’s actually quite simple. Hemp is a term used to classify varieties of Cannabis that contain less than 0.3% THC, the chemical compound lending to the psychoactive characteristics. While Marijuana is a term used to classify varieties of Cannabis that contain more than 0.3% of THC and are likely to induce the psychotropic or “high” effects.
The current CBD market is unregulated and full of products that claim or promise to be pure and free of THC when often they are not. At NexxGen, we’re committed to providing customers with the best all-natural and high-quality CBD you can buy and trust. Our products are always third-party lab tested, for your peace of mind, and to ensure the highest standards and consistency are being met with every oil. Made in the USA, we use a special whole plant CO2 extraction process to create the highest grade products with no additives or preservatives.
CBD vs. THC
Now that you know the difference between Hemp and Marijuana, let’s take a closer look at CBD and THC. Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids, a term used to identify the different compounds found in cannabis. THC and CBD are the most abundant. All cannabinoids provide some form of relief from pain, anxiety, nausea, or inflammation. As cannabis is consumed, the cannabinoids modulate receptors in our bodies called CB-1 and CB-2.
Each cannabinoid has a different effect on the body depending on which receptor it modulates. THC binds to the brain receptors (CB-1), and CBD prefers the body receptors (CB-2). Hemp, which naturally contains extremely low levels of THC, has high levels of CBD. Not only does the CBD tend to modulate to the body receptors, but it can also be viewed as THC's antagonist.
"Full spectrum" CBD means the product may contain trace amounts of THC, while “Broad spectrum” CBD products contain an array of cannabinoids and terpenes but zero THC.
The Legalization of Hemp and CBD Consumption and Cultivation
Hemp has been cultivated for centuries. In the 1700s, farmers were legally required to grow it because it was viewed as a staple crop with a multitude of applications. Hemp was used in paper, ropes, and was a lamp fuel. It's said many of the founding fathers not only grew hemp but advocated its benefits.
However, that all began to change when in 1937, the U.S. introduced The Marijuana Tax Act on cannabis and hemp. As a result, sales effectively slowed production. By the 1970s, cannabis becomes a controlled substance, and the new legislation imposed regulations on the production of hemp. It wasn't until 2004 when the U.S. allowed businesses to import hemp products, making it legal to use as a commodity. Another 14 years later and the Farm Bill was signed into law with a provision to legalize cultivation. What that means for consumers is using CBD products is now completely legal in the U.S.
The Benefits of Using CBD
Our bodies produce a compound called endocannabinoids. These compounds maintain health and stability, helping us to achieve homeostasis. Cells need conditions to be just right for them to perform optimally. The endocannabinoid system speaks to the entire body communicating issues through our different receptors. When there is an issue, we begin to feel unpleasant physically. Consuming CBD products means the cannabinoids attach to the receptors producing a medicinal effect.
CBD oils have been shown in clinical trials to treat such conditions as:
Headaches
Skin conditions
Inflammation
Joint pain
Insomnia
Muscle aches
and more
NexxGen CBD Oil
Here at NexxGen, we blend together the purest natural ingredients that mother nature has to offer. We are committed to producing consistent and exceptional quality products you can trust.
Safe and free of the harmful side effects of THC, the NexxGen team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier mind and body. Third-party tested and pharmacist-formulated, NexxGen is proud to offer the next generation with trusted, high quality and organic CBD products.
As the popularity of CBD continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to do your research and use products you can verify and trust. Click here to view our range of high-quality CBD products and experience the NexxGen difference today!
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