Get Back to Being You.

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is grown for a wide range of commercial uses, including fiber, food products, textiles, building materials, personal care products, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as CBD.

Under U.S. federal law, hemp is defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. This distinction separates hemp from marijuana under the federal definition established by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Although hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, they are cultivated for different purposes and contain different cannabinoid profiles. Today, hemp is grown in many states under regulated agricultural programs and is subject to testing requirements designed to verify compliance with THC limits.

Trusted Sources

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than one hundred naturally occurring cannabinoids that have been identified in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the intoxicating effects commonly associated with marijuana.

Researchers continue to study CBD because it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that scientists believe plays a role in many normal physiological processes.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, research involving CBD has increased rapidly during the past decade. Scientists are investigating CBD across a wide range of topics, but many published studies conclude that additional high-quality human clinical trials are needed before firm conclusions can be reached for many proposed uses. One notable exception is prescription cannabidiol, which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain rare seizure disorders under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Key Takeaway

CBD is one of the most extensively studied cannabinoids, but research continues to evolve, and scientists are still working to better understand its potential applications and limitations.

This is one of the most common questions people ask. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CBD itself is considered non-intoxicating and does not produce the "high" commonly associated with marijuana. The intoxicating effects of cannabis are primarily associated with Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

However, hemp-derived products may contain trace amounts of THC if they are made using full-spectrum hemp extracts and comply with applicable legal limits. Individual responses can vary based on many factors, including product formulation, serving size, individual sensitivity, and the presence of other cannabinoids.

Consumers should always read product labels carefully and purchase products that have been independently tested by accredited third-party laboratories.

Key Takeaway

CBD itself is not considered intoxicating, but consumers should understand the differences between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate products before making a purchasing decision.

One of the biggest points of confusion for new customers is understanding the different types of hemp extracts.

Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract

Contains CBD along with many of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds found in hemp. Under federal law, compliant hemp-derived products contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. Researchers continue to study whether the combination of naturally occurring plant compounds may influence how they interact within the body, a concept often referred to as the "entourage effect." While this is an active area of research, additional human studies are needed to better understand these interactions.

Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract

Contains multiple cannabinoids and other naturally occurring hemp compounds but is processed to remove or reduce THC to non-detectable or very low levels, depending on the product and laboratory testing methods.

CBD Isolate

The most refined form of CBD. It contains cannabidiol without the additional cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in full-spectrum hemp.

Key Takeaway

No single type of hemp extract is considered universally "better." Understanding the differences can help consumers choose products that align with their individual preferences and needs.