More people are going crazy over CBD and hemp products nowadays. The hype has gone so far that some actually confuse one from the other. But is there really a difference between the two?

Actually, CBD oil and hemp oil are from the industrial hemp strain of the cannabis sativa plant. This particular strain produces high amounts of cannabidiol or CBD, with zero to a low amount of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

One can feel the “kick” when products have THC higher than the recommended 0.3%, which is from the marijuana strain. That’s another story.

They may be relatives, but CBD oil and hemp oil are totally different products. This article will help you tell the difference and answer general questions.

CBD Oil Features

Some CBD oils are extracted from the whole hemp plant, which is also known as “full spectrum.” It means that the extraction was made from all of the parts of the plant, including its flowers.

This kind of CBD oil contains all of the important cannabinoids that can be found in marijuana like cannabigerol and cannabinol.

On the other hand, there are CBD oils that are called CBD isolates. During the process of extraction, CBD is literally isolated from other cannabinoids to get pure and clear CBD.

Nonetheless, CBD oil contains high CBD concentrations. It is not psychoactive unlike THC, which means that it does not affect the user’s state of mind. Instead, CBD oil is known to be of great medical help, most especially in pain management.

Hemp Oil Features

Meanwhile, hemp oil is made from hemp seed extracts. It is also known in the market as hemp seed oil.

Its CBD concentration is not that significant compared to CBD oil. Actually, some studies show that some hemp oils in the market do not contain CBD at all.

This seed oil is in line with the regular tinctures such as jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed oil. It is available in local stores.

What They Actually Do

While both oils are from the same plant, CBD oil is more of a medication rather than a supplement, which is what hemp oil is considered.

Here are some of the benefits one can get when using CBD oil and hemp oil:

Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD oil is known as the natural way to manage pain. Here are the other benefits one can get when using it:

• Studies have proven that the use of CBD oil can help reduce inflammation, including Type 1 Diabetes.
• Research and tests showed positive results when CBD is used for smoking cessation.
• In 2018, the FDA approved CBD to be used for rare epileptic conditions.
• Continuous research is being conducted to prove the positive effects of CBD use for neurologic disorders and cancers.
• People suffering from anxiety disorders can find comfort when using the tincture.
• CBD may also help slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.

Benefits of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is considered a health supplement to maintain glowing skin. The vitamins and fatty acids compensate with its lack of CBD Concentrate. Here are more specific benefits:

• It nourishes and protects the skin from aging and minor inflammation.
• A review done in 2014 showed that hemp oil helps combat acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and other infectious skin diseases.
• Since it has omega-3, it is a good supplement for the heart. It calms the blood pressure and helps maintain cholesterol level the body needs.
• Aside from it being used as it is, hemp oil can also be used for cooking. A lot of healthy recipes are readily available online.

Pricing Match

Hemp oil is more affordable compared with CBD oil. The former can even be bought in supermarkets. Since it does not contain significant amounts of CBD, the pricing is reasonable.

On the other hand, CBD oil is pricey because of the whole hemp extraction. Purchasing this tincture needs extra precaution, too, since not all countries allow the use of CBD for medication yet.

Most CBD oils are purchased online. With the whole manufacturing process plus shipping, the pricing for CBD oil is also reasonable.

CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil: Are They Really Different?

To sum up, both are extracts from the same plant but what makes them different is the concentration of CBD. CBD oil is used as a medication, while hemp oil is a supplement. They are helpful for wellness for humans and animals alike.

These tinctures have undergone a series of strict processes and third-party laboratory testing to ensure high quality. The ingredients are all natural, so there is no need to fret over side effects caused by high THC or even synthetic medication.

So, are they really different? Yes, there is a big difference between the two. Sometimes, reading labels is not enough. One must research in order to buy the right product.

One of the reasons that CBD hemp oil is so effective is because it works with our endocannabinoid system, which is the system that helps to regulate your body. Your endocannabinoid system wouldn’t work without endocannabinoids which bind to cannabinoid receptors to help promote regulation. These endocannabinoids that help promote good health are also found in breast milk.

What Are Endocannabinoids

There are two main endocannabinoids that our bodies make and they mainly bind to a particular cannabinoid receptor. The way that they work is through a process called retrograde signaling where they travel backward through the synapse to the brain cell sending messages. The endocannabinoid binds to a cannabinoid receptor sending a message helps control the activity in the brain.

Anandamide

Anandamide is the cannabinoid that mainly binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor that is located mostly in the brain. This interaction helps to mediate your neurological system which includes your sensitivity to pain, sleep schedule, appetite, and mood.

2-AG

The endocannabinoid 2-AG binds mainly with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor which are located all over the body. This cannabinoid receptor helps to mediate your immune system, which is what gives cannabis its anti-inflammatory properties.

Endocannabinoids In Breast Milk

Studies have shown that there are actually twelve endocannabinoid related compounds found in breast milk. The most prominent endocannabinoid that was found in breast milk was the endocannabinoid 2-AG, which is the endocannabinoid that helps to mediate the immune system.

Research suggests that babies who breastfeed may have a stronger immune system that those who do not breastfeed. The endocannabinoid 2-AG may contribute to promoting a stronger immune system. These endocannabinoids also may be the reason the baby knows how to eat. Studies have shown that the endocannabinoids in breast milk help stimulate the suckling reflex to promote feeding.

Even thought CBD and THC come from the same plant, it doesn’t mean that they will have the same effects. Both chemicals have an outrageously long list of healing potential, but both interact with your brain differently. But there has been a question that keeps popping up among people who are trying to see if CBD oil is right for them; can you get high off of CBD if you take enough?

This is a great question because what if you can get high off of CBD it is just at a high dose? There are plenty of medications that when you take one too many, you can start to abuse. Fortunately, research tells us that CBD doesn’t work that way.

Scientists have of course asked this question themselves, so they did a study on it. They wanted to find out if CBD oil could give THC-like effects at high doses. What they found is that CBD didn’t have any psychological, psychomotor, cognitive, or physical effects when taken at a high dose. They also make it a point to note that when taking CBD, the subjects had no traceable amounts of THC in their system.

No matter how much CBD oil you take, you will not get high. This is good news for people who need to take more than a thousand milligrams a day and don’t want the drowsy side-effects that come along with certain strains of cannabis that have THC.

This study also puts to rest any assumption on whether CBD can change to THC once it is ingested or whether or not CBD has THC in it. Considering not every state or employer is on board with the cannabis community, this makes CBD a great candidate for people who need to utilize the benefits of cannabis without the risks of using THC.

It isn’t likely that you will get mad cow disease if you live in America. But if you travel to other countries that don’t have the same restrictions on meat that the United States does, it becomes more of a possibility. While this disease is terrifying and fatal, studies have shown that CBD oil may be able to help prevent or stop this progressive brain disease.

What Is Mad Cow?

Mad cow disease is a progressive neurological disease that causes brain damage to the point of death. It might not be a surprise, but this disease is found in cows. When people eat the tainted meat, they can develop the human version which is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, also known as vCJD.

In 1989, the federal government made sure that certain live animals can’t be imported into America as well as making sure that the meat doesn’t contain any nervous system tissue which is why mad cow disease is so rare in America.

Getting mad cow disease isn’t obvious at first. In the early stages, people can show symptoms related to the nervous system like depression or a loss of coordination. Only in the advanced stages can brain imaging even be done to detect any damage. Once you get this disease, statistically you have the first 13 months from the onset of symptoms to live. There is no treatment for this disease, that is, not yet.

CBD For Mad Cow Disease

While we don’t really know how exactly mad cow disease works, they have found large clumps of abnormal prion proteins in brain cells. An infectious agent that is still unknown activates a process that causes brain cells to die and these proteins to build up.

While scientists are far from claiming CBD oil to be a cure for mad cow disease, they do believe it has the potential. In studies, they have found that cannabidiol can help prevent the accumulation of prions and protect against their toxicity.

While we are still far from knowing whether or not CBD hemp oil could save someone’s life, it is still exciting to see that there is a possible future treatment for mad cow disease.

There are over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and each one has their own way of benefiting you. THC and CBD are so popular because they cover such a wide range of healing capabilities, but we shouldn’t count the others out for every situation. When you are buying a CBD product, you have the option of getting pure CBD or full spectrum hemp oil, full spectrum containing more cannabinoids. But to know if that is the right choice for you, you need to know what these other cannabinoids do, like the cannabinoid CBN.

Many people choose pure CBD because it is easier to dose and does the job because of how many things it can do. But some people might need an extra push in their medical regimen which is when they go full spectrum. Full spectrum hemp oil has the benefit of the entourage effect, which means the other cannabinoids work more efficiently when they have their friends around.

Full spectrum hemp oil also has the benefit of having the extra cannabinoids that may be more beneficial to someone’s personal situation. So to help you figure out what is best for you, I’m going to tell you a little bit about the cannabinoid called Cannabinol, otherwise known as, CBN.

CBN May Be Good For Sleep

While CBD can help regulate your sleep cycle and help you get a good night’s rest, the cannabinoid CBN is the most sedative cannabinoid that we know of today. Scientists discovered that 5 MG of CBN is equivalent to 10 MG of diazepam, a common sedative also known as Valium. They believe it can be an effective sleep aid for up to 5-6 hours.

CBN May Be Good For Stimulating Appetite

While there is a good portion of the world trying to lose weight, there are many of us that have a hard time eating. Whether it is because of mental illness or something physical, our appetite begins to suffer. While CBD is good at regulating your appetite, maybe you need something a little extra to get you going. Research shows that CBN can act as an appetite stimulant.

CBN May Be Able To Help Fight Cancer

Both THC and CBD have shown in studies to help kill off cancer cells, but they aren’t the only cool kids on the block who hold that ability. While the studies are still in their early stages, researchers have discovered that CBN may be able to help kill off cancer cells as well.

CBN Might Make You Higher

While there are conflicting reports, some research shows that CBN may make the high from consuming THC more intense. CBN itself doesn’t give you an intoxicating feeling, but some studies have shown that those who have THC and CBN together felt more intoxicated. However, there are also studies showing that there is no change in intoxication, so more studies are needed to verify.

CBN May Kill Bacteria

Just like CBD, research shows that CBN may be a potent antibacterial. Scientists have discovered that it is even strong against MRSA, an extremely elusive bacteria, also known as a staph infection. This is an exciting discovery considering MRSA is known to be resistant to antibiotics.

It’s Up To You

Now you know a little bit more about the cannabinoid CBN, so you can have a better idea of what product is best for you. Pure CBD is a valid option for things like pain, your mood, anxiety, inflammation, and a whole long list of potential remedies, but using full spectrum with CBN might be a better fit for your specifically. If you’ve made your decision, stop by our shop and check out our options for full spectrum hemp oil, or if pure CBD is what you need, we have got some awesome stuff for you as well. As long as your healthy, we are happy!

When you hear about recreational marijuana, of course, we think of THC and how it gets us high. But is there more to THC than just getting the munchies and giggles? Absolutely! Cannabis that has THC is more than just recreational weed, like CBD it is packed with healing potential.

How Is THC Like CBD?

Both THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system. The difference is that THC binds directly to the CB1 receptor while CBD interacts more indirectly. The reason THC can directly bind is because it is almost identical to the chemical that our bodies make called anandamide, which is also a chemical that CBD elevates.

This direct bind is why people feel that euphoric high when they consume cannabis. When you have a marijuana strain that is high CBD and low THC, or you are using hemp oil with no THC at all, you don’t get that high feeling. Many believe that marijuana is nothing but something to get stoned off of, but THC has so much more to offer when used correctly.

What Does THC Help With?

Like CBD, THC is excellent for pain. Because it acts like anandamide at a magnified level, THC has helped many people reduce their perception of pain. Anandamide is also involved in your appetite, which is why THC has helped so many cancer patients eat through their chemo. Like CBD, THC is also an anti-inflammatory and promotes immune function in the heart.

If It Heals, Why Is It Illegal?

That is a question we ask ourselves every day. THC has been known to help with pain, appetite, sleep, mood just like CBD. The reason that it is illegal in so many states is because of the euphoria it gives. THC is considered a schedule one drug because the FDA and the DEA claim it has a high potential for abuse with no benefits medically. Which, as you can see as the laws change from state to state, is being proven to be wrong.

Unfortunately, not everyone can use THC in their homes for fear of being unlawful. Here at CBD Instead, we don’t want you to break the law. That is why our products all have under .03% THC so you can get the health benefits of medical marijuana without having to worry about a drug test. If you are looking to use marijuana for your ailments, be sure to check out our shop and find the perfect product for you that can get you healthy without the high.

Hemp Vs. Marijuana

[Bud Credit: @Hempvolution.EU]

Hemp and marijuana are both a part of the cannabis family. They aren’t the same plant, but they do have a whole lot in common. They both produce cannabinoids, they both have strong plant material, and they both are great for the environment when cultivated.

Marijuana is mostly harvested for the euphoric effects given by THC. Commonly the CBD levels in these plants are low. Though, there are growers who manipulate the plants to control the levels of cannabinoids making high CBD strains. Those marijuana plants are what make up the majority of the CBD products in fully legalized states. They don’t have to follow the rule of having less than .3% of THC, so they can utilize the marijuana plant which yields much more CBD than a hemp plant.

For those who want entirely no THC or live in an area where THC is illegal, you would get the CBD oil extracted from hemp plants. It takes more hemp than it would marijuana, but there is no possible way to get high on hemp no matter how much you consume. Hemp does harbor other cannabinoids, still giving you the opportunity to experience the “full entourage effect,” however you will lack the benefits of THC.

Single Compound and Whole Plant Extraction

[Bud Credit: @GreenMedicineSP]

When a product says that it is full spectrum, this means that they are utilizing all of the cannabinoids and the terpenes in the plant. The way they do this is by using the entire plant and using the oil extracted from the leaves, the stems, and the flowers. This gives you not only the CBD but other cannabinoids, fatty acids, minerals, terpenes, and nutrients.

Some companies go a bit further to isolate the CBD. To purify the oil, they separate the CBD from the other substances yielded by the plant. They can use processes like flash chromatography to make their product up to 99% pure CBD.

Alcohol and CO2 Extraction

[Bud Credit: @WizardGrown]

There are multiple different ways to make CBD oil, but using alcohol and CO2 extraction are the most popular. When extracting from the cannabis plant, they put the plant parts in a solvent like alcohol and let the chemicals separate from the plant into the solution. Once the alcohol evaporates, the CBD oil is left over and ready to use. At this point, we have machines that speed up the evaporation process and separate the alcohol from the extracted CBD oil.

CO2 extraction takes more skill and equipment than using a solvent. What they are doing is using the CO2 to pull the chemicals out of the plant. They have a series of chambers that control temperature and pressure that hold the cannabis. The force the CO2 through the plant and the pressure and temperature cause a reaction that makes the chemicals in the cannabis plant separate. At the end of the process, the CO2 is collected in one compartment, and the cannabis oil is held in another to keep from having contaminated product.

It’s essential that you buy from a reputable retailer considering that some methods of extracting CBD can be harmful to consumers. If this isn’t done correctly, a faulty batch can have people sick. CBD Instead takes special care to make sure you are getting a product that is safe, clean, and effective. Be sure to stop by our shop to get your high-quality CBD products today!

Even if you live in a state that has gone legal, many doctors are still cautious when it comes to suggesting or recommending marijuana for treatment. This isn’t because the doctors are being paid under the table to fill the world with prescriptions, the dirty doctors are not as present in the field as one might think.

When you think about it, they go through years and years of school because they want to help people. The average doctor goes through 8 additional years of schooling after high school, and then have to spend 3-7 years in residency. Not only are they behind the desk for a considerable amount of time learning how to diagnose and treat, but they also practice beneath well-respected doctors who have made the mistakes and decisions that helped paved the way in the medical field. These aren’t all monsters; they aren’t all in it for the money, these people are dedicated to facts and logic to benefit humanity.

So if facts so bind them, why aren’t they prescribing marijuana left and right with all of these fantastic findings researchers and scientists report?? After WHO has declared it is safe to use, with videos of children mid seizure calming down after taking cannabis oil, why wouldn’t doctors jump at the chance to give this plant to everyone who asks for it?

The FDA

Medical marijuana consumption is still not approved by the FDA. The FDA has said that they understand that people are seeking for treatment through marijuana, but they don’t believe there is enough evidence that it is indeed safe and effective. We hope this changes over time after more research comes forward, like the Israeli study being done on Autism this year, they will have the evidence they require.

A good doctor is always going to keep the FDA in mind because it is the logical thing to do. The FDA exists to keep us safe and healthy, the same reason we have doctors.

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Doctors Do What They Know

A doctor doesn’t have to be in practice for very long to know what works when it comes to treating a patient. They have been learning their whole life, and half of that learning was dedicated to helping people. They have been reading studies, learning under doctors who have had years under their belt to make mistakes, so they don’t have to. They are going to suggest treatment that they have seen work a hundred times whether in person or on paper. This decision doesn’t mean they are closed minded towards alternatives; it only means they are using their best judgment to preserve your life.

They Must Be Approved

Maybe you live in a state where it is allowed to get marijuana medically, but you can’t just go to any doctor. They are required to be approved to give recommendations. A doctor may be cannabis friendly, however, they are by law required to suggest or prescribe other treatments. If this is the case, you just need to find a doctor who is approved to give medical marijuana recommendations.

Can You Still Talk To Them?

As laws are changing and studies are surfacing, it is becoming easier to talk to your doctor about marijuana. They ask you if you use any drugs, and you may feel uncomfortable even saying marijuana when they categorize it with heroin, but that’s your cue. This information will give them a better idea of your health, especially because mixing marijuana with some prescription medications can have adverse effects. They cannot report you to the police or your job, either. If they did, you could probably sue them into a paycheck for life.

It’s essential you disclose any changes you make to your doctor whether it’s diet, medication, or your fitness routine. All of these factors play a huge role in your health and treatment plan. Marijuana is medicine and should be treated as such when you are using it for treatment.

There is one thing you should be cautious of, but something that isn’t set in stone. Considering marijuana is an illegal drug, not approved by the FDA, and under such a massive negative stigma having it on your medical file may hinder you in the future with insurance coverage. Of course, once it becomes a legal substance and is considered a valid medication by our government, this fear may no longer be a reality. However, we aren’t there yet, and that isn’t necessarily guaranteed considering you can still be denied coverage for taking antidepressants. It is imperative to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor, just be aware that it is recorded, so nothing surprises you.

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What Is The Difference Between Prescribing Wee And Referring It?

At this moment, it is illegal to prescribe marijuana even if you live in a medical state. What they do is they give you a referral so that you can get a medical card. You take this card to your local dispensaries, and they have trained professionals there to help you find the strain that works best for you. It’s possible that one day a doctor will give you a script with CBD written on it, but for now, the goal is to get all states on board with recommendations.

When a doctor gives you a referral for marijuana, they don’t just send you on your way and say good luck. They make follow up appointments, just like if they were to prescribe you any pharmaceutical medication. The methods are slightly different in the process, but the concept is the same. Doctors are getting medication to their patients, and watching over them to make sure it works and isn’t hurting them.

Some doctors who live in illegal states will realize that marijuana works but know they can’t say anything about it. They may just tell you to move to Colorado or California where you can have access to the plant without any struggles.

What More Evidence Do Doctors and The FDA Need?

As the knowledgeable consumer, it might be infuriating that you preach night and day the benefits of cannabis and people higher up stay unmoved. We have seen with our own eyes videos of people getting instant relief. There are success stories all over the web, some of them doctors themselves using cannabis as treatment. The statistics are proving that marijuana is safer than one of the most abused substances in the world, alcohol. Why are we at this standstill?

It takes years for studies to go from a petri dish to live model studies. It also takes years to go from rats to people. The transfer rate from rat model to human isn’t 100%, so researchers are careful about what they put into people’s bodies. The FDA and Doctors do not want to give medication to someone that hasn’t been tested on a human being in a research environment. Since our bodies and brains are so precious; it would be unwise just to put any medication in someone’s body voluntarily or not.

You might be thinking, what about all of those harmful chemicals that are allowed? Like painkillers? Those apparently are addictive, yet anyone who is in pain is going to get opioid prescribed by default. The reasoning behind this is because opioids are incredibly effective. If taken responsibly for a short period, they can help people with extreme pain. It would be inhumane to take instant relief away from people who just suffered a severe car accident. Marijuana does treat chronic severe pain quickly, but it hasn’t been tested to withstand protruding bone.

There have been plenty of studies on opiates with real humans, and the results tell us we shouldn’t use them for long periods of time because they can cause damage and are addictive. These risks are unnecessary when you don’t need the heavy duty opiates, which is why the marijuana community wants to offer an alternative. It could cut back the numbers of people getting access to this drug, resulting in fewer fatalities. Even though this landslide of research makes it seem like we know so much about marijuana, the amount of research is nothing compared to what they have for opiates.

Human trials are where they make most concrete evidence if they do it correctly. That is what the doctors and FDA are waiting for, and this is good news. This means that they aren’t just saying no with no reason, and there is a good chance that the FDA can approve marijuana after their requirements are met.

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Being a part of the marijuana movement isn’t being anti-doctor, anti-law enforcement or anti-government. It is finding a way where the people can coexist with them in a world where we are all satisfied and healthy, which is possible! Your doctor wants what’s best for you, but if you don’t agree with them or don’t like the way they treat you, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion if your insurance allows it. Until doctors start feeling comfortable, continue to spread the knowledge. Some so many people still have no idea what cannabis can do for them, and it could be the one thing that makes their life go back to normal.

It’s a confusing time we are living in. Just decades ago we were so sure that marijuana killed brain cells, and now there is evidence that marijuana doesn’t harm the brain. Only 15 years ago middle schools were informing children that a joint is worse than 15 cigarettes to keep children from smoking weed. This misinformation didn’t work. This uneducated bias doesn’t keep anyone safe; it can only lead to rebellion and curiosity. If you’re having a hard time wrapping your head around all of this and what to say to your teen, we’ve got you covered on some excellent talking points.

What THC Does To The Teenager’s Brain

The teenage brain is already going through a lot with puberty. Chemicals are figuring themselves out, and emotions are at all-time highs, all because the brain is literally remodeling itself.  It’s no doubt a confusing and frustrating time, and smoking marijuana can just make it worse.

THC has healing benefits that shouldn't go unnoticed. However, it still produces psychoactive effects. In the short term, teens can start having a hard time concentrating and focusing throughout the day. For heavy users, their decision making and memory begin to suffer. This can last for much longer than the high itself, making it hard to function at 100% for a couple of days after the first initial hit.

Heavy marijuana use in teens also has long-term effects that can be avoided by just waiting until your brain is finished developing. A lot of people who started smoking as teens live a very unfulfilling life. This isn’t because they aren’t successful, to the contrary some of the most successful people use marijuana. Their unfulfillment is in their dismal perception created by their early marijuana use. Their skies just aren’t as blue. Smoking weed early in life may make you impossible to satisfy as an adult.

They have found that there is structural damage to those who started using marijuana early on in life and continued use. What they found was that they had less white matter in their brains, which is what helps the brain communicate with itself. They also discovered that people who used marijuana as teens and continued into adulthood had issues with cellular activity in their endocannabinoid system. This is a big problem because that system is in charge of homeostasis of the body.

The Difference Between CBD And THC

Often our youth can get confused by things because we fail to show them the whole picture. When you are constantly hearing about how medical marijuana can help people, why on earth would it be something they can’t use? They see children with seizures using it, surely they can indulge without consequences.

When people say medical marijuana, it doesn’t always mean the exact same thing. There are a lot of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and different levels all do different things. The two most sought after and known about are THC and CBD. If you and your teen have been discussing marijuana for ailments, the safest route to go that would be choosing an extremely low THC strand or CBD only products.

CBD doesn’t interact with the brain the same way that THC does, avoiding the impairments that may come along with THC. For young marijuana users, CBD protects their brain against the harmful effects of THC, which is why it is usually suggested they use a strain that is low THC and high CBD in legal states. For those of you who cannot get medical marijuana with THC in it, street marijuana is not a good substitute in the least.

The Difference Between Street Weed And Shop Weed

Not every state has come to the same conclusion that marijuana is safe and has bountiful healing properties. You can get CBD legally in al 50 states, but THC is still very illegal in the majority of America. People living in illegal states may think they can just buy CBD and get marijuana on the street and it would have the same effect. This is no doubt the safest way to go about street marijuana. However, it isn’t as productive as one would hope.

The problem with marijuana that you get from a drug dealer is you have no idea how much THC is in the plant. Sure, they can tell you. They might have a cute bag that has a label, and they tell you how they got it from California. This isn’t to say that all drug dealers are bad people, but you can’t necessarily always trust them or their source. Street weed has proven to be a lot more potent than the kind you can get in the shops, having very little CBD to help counter the effects of THC.

The majority of consumers who buy marijuana on the street aren’t always looking for healing benefits; they are just looking for the high. There is nothing wrong with this, but it gives the growers incentive to juice up the THC level and neglects the other cannabinoids that make the plant so good for you. You can, of course, pair CBD with it, but you have no idea what you’re doing because you don’t have all the information you need to do so. It’s not suggested, and it’s also illegal which is something you should avoid.

Marijuana Is Good… For Most

The first rule of medicine is that every body is different. Every body reacts differently to chemicals because it is almost impossible to have the exact same body chemistry as another person. Just because their friend smokes weed all day every day and seems to be okay, that doesn’t mean their body will react the same way. THC and CBD are medications. Even though they are some of the safest options, you could possibly have, you should never risk your mental or physical health for a little fun. A controlled environment and reliable products are needed to fully enjoy the marijuana experience and stay safe while you do it.

Try Not To Classify Marijuana As A Drug

Marijuana being called a drug and categorized with cocaine and heroin doesn’t help anyone learn what it could possibly do to them. Especially when our teens are well aware how marijuana isn’t a drug at all. The best way to set someone up for failure is through misinformation, and we don’t want that for our teens. If your kid is well aware that marijuana is safe to use and nothing like black tar heroin, they will probably call you out, and every point you make from then will be negated by the poor use of categorization.

Something doesn’t have to be portrayed as a terrifying and dangerous drug for your teen to not want to use it. Putting value in their mental and physical health and informing them of the possible permanent changes is the best way to help them make the right decisions. You won't be there when their friends are pressuring them into hitting the joint. Telling them it’s just one hit or just one brownie. They need to be armed with knowledge to get passed those trials.

And now a letter for your teens. They need to know this stuff, too. And sometimes it’s better if it comes from someone who isn’t their mom or dad. Someone who knows their stuff and understands what it’s like to be a teen not really understanding why they can’t do something because they have only been told no, but not necessarily why.

To Teens

Hey. What’s up? Doing some teen things and then your parent interrupted you to read some article? Maybe you’re scouring the internet to see what garbage people are filling your parent's heads with. Don’t worry, no garbage here. It’s well known that your generation has access to a lot more information than the generations before you, basically making you geniuses.

Don’t let that get to your head, though. The smartest and wisest people don’t flaunt their intelligence; they don’t mock information that they don’t agree with or have never heard. They recognize how much they don’t know and are eager to continue learning. I mean, it would be pretty lame if you plateaued at 16, wouldn’t it?

How Well Do You Know These People

Where are you getting your stuff? From your friends? Are they getting it from their parents or on the street? It’s unfortunate, but you are at a time in your life where people will see you as vulnerable. You haven’t been in the game long enough to know what’s good and what’s not. There are some messed up people out there, and they are so weak the only people they can target are people who are young and just figuring things out. This is in no way a reflection of you're intelligence. Just because you don't know something doesn't make you dumb, choosing not to learn and understand makes a person dumb.

Even as adults, we have to be careful about where we get marijuana. This is why a lot of people are just waiting it out for it to become legalized. It’s pretty rare, but some people will sell weed that they blast with sand to create a heavier weight. This tears up your lungs and can have permanent damage. Some adults don’t make very good decisions and will take joints from strangers at a party, and it will be laced with something they didn’t expect. There is even moldy weed you have to worry about. If you aren’t getting your marijuana from a trusted an reputable source, there is no telling what it could do to your body.

Do You Understand Potency Levels?

You might think, hey it’s just a brownie. If you’ve never even smoked weed before, you are probably going to have a terrible time with edibles. Even if you have, smoking is nothing like having THC being administered into your body throughout several hours. If it’s too strong, you can’t make the high go away. You just have to sit there and be uncomfortable for hours until it stops. Did you know that the street weed in illegal states has way too much THC in them? You might think, “That’s awesome!” But it’s not.

Too much THC can do permanent damage to your brain. You’re our smartest generation; it would be a shame if you didn’t let your brain fully develop without interference. It will make your adult life less satisfying because your brain just can’t be happy, it can make your mind fuzzy and confusing, and it can bring on anxiety and depression later on.

Civil Disobedience

You might think it’s quite silly that marijuana is illegal, and you want to prove a point. Laws don’t change when everyone just follows them blindly without questioning them, and harmless civil disobedience is how marijuana activists have been making waves in the industry. But this is their job, not yours. We don’t need you making this point by rebelling and smoking marijuana. What we need from you is just to be awesome and successful to show the world what real stoners are like. But you’re going to have to go through a non-stoner phase right now to make your future the best that it can be.

So When Can I Smoke?

You’ve got to be up for compromise, right? Well, there is good news when it comes to recreational marijuana use. Once you’re in your early twenties, it stops having the same potential damaging effects on your brain. So here’s the deal; go to school, get good grades, be awesome and have fun, and once you are at a time in your life where your mind is settled, you can start thinking about recreational marijuana. If it is still illegal in your state by then, it’s the perfect time to choose a college or job in a state where you can be lawful.

If you absolutely need medical marijuana, check out our shop for pure CBD products. They have less than .03% of THC, making them completely safe for teens and children to use. It is also a great way to try and reverse the damage that heavy marijuana use may have done to the brain.

Donating blood is one of the best things you can do for your community. On average, 36,000 units of blood a day are needed in the United States. If you smoke cannabis, can you donate the blood our nation needs?

Each unit is between eight and twelve pints, and only one pint can be safely donated per person. It can be exciting getting into the spirit of helping others and know that you made a difference, but could using cannabis be the reason they tell you no at the door?

Whether you use it recreationally or medicinally, chemicals like CBD and THC are in your system nonetheless. Considering THC is still illegal in many states, many think that this could keep them from donating blood, even if they only use CBD just because of the plant it comes from. But the red cross states that alcohol and marijuana use does not disqualify you from participating in helping your fellow human. But only an estimated 38% of the population can donate, so what are things that could have you turned away?

Conditions That Do Disqualify You For Donating Blood

• Being positive for AIDs or hepatitis.
• If you have had a piercing without a sterile needle in the last 12 months.
• Being imprisoned.
• Being in the U.S military and serving in Iraq or Afghanistan in the last 12 months.
• Physically small people less than 110 pounds.
• If you have the flu.
• Pregnancy and recent childbirth.
• Having low levels of iron.
• If you have had most cancer or chemotherapy in the last five years.
• Having blood cancer.
• If you have had malaria in the last 12 months.
• Being on antibiotics.

If none of these things are anything you need to worry about, then go ahead and donate! You can save up to three lives with your donation. To find a local blood drive, go to the Red Cross website and start saving lives today!

Fast forward to 2727 BC, can you have the first ever recorded use of cannabis for medicinal purpose. Emperor Sheng Neng of China used marijuana tea to help with many ailments. He treated gout, rheumatism, malaria and even poor memory with his herbal teas. Word of this plant’s cures started spreading through the east until it made its way all the way to East Africa.

For thousands of years cannabis is known for medicinal and agricultural properties, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s before science got into the thick of it. In 1839, the first paper that stated that cannabis could be used as medicine is published by William B. O'Shaughnessy.

In 1940, for the first time ever, CBD was isolated by a team from the Department of Chemistry at Illinois University. They said it was “toxic,” but it wasn’t active in the cannabis plant. After the discovery of this compound, it wasn’t until 20 years later a scientist had the want, the funds, and the means to do more research on this plant.

In 1963, Professor Raphael Mechoulam finally reveals the complete structure of the main ingredient in cannabis, CBD. A lot of the laws in most countries were very strict when it came to marijuana, and a lot of people didn’t want to research in that field because of it.  This is why Professor Mechoulam went to the national police instead of the Ministry of Health to gain subjects. Professor Mechoulam received five kilograms of hashish from the police department, which is how he was able to discover CBD in full as well as reveal THC a year later.

Though in the 1800s, they reported the effects cannabis had on epileptic symptoms, it wasn’t until 1976 a study was done to actually prove the point. At this time, researchers are also making groundbreaking moves showing that cannabis can help slow down the process of cancer.

Also in the 1970s, a man named Robert Randall sues the government for taking away his marijuana that he was using for his glaucoma. He had so much evidence that it halted the progression of the disease, he wins. The FDA tells the government they need to set up a plan to where Randall can receive the medication he needs.

In the 1980s, researchers began discovering the effects cannabidiol can have on pain. By 1988, they had discovered the endocannabinoid system. This was a huge catalyst for the researchers studying cannabis because by 1991 they had recreated the human brain’s CB1 receptor and by 1992 they had discovered their very first endocannabinoid, Anandamide.

In 1992, George Bush takes away Robert Randall’s marijuana program when Randall tries to let people with AIDS benefit as well. There were 13 people receiving treatment who were grandfathered in, and to date, there are still 7 people that the government sends marijuana. In 2001, Robert Randall dies from AIDS-related issues.

In 1993, researchers successfully uncovered and cloned the CB2 receptor. By 1995, researchers found a second endocannabinoid which was even more prevalent in the body and brain than the last. In 1996, America finally gets to begin research in a safe and encouraging environment when Proposition 215 passes in California. A proposition that finally gives patients relief with medical marijuana.

And we close the millennium with a great leap in marijuana studies in 1998 when GW Pharmaceuticals starts making medicines that have equal parts THC and CBD to help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

In 2006, America got its own medical marijuana dispensary that isolated CBD called Harborside Health. In 2009, they were working together with Steep Hill Labs to test potency in the cannabis strains. This is how they found some of the highest CBD strain cannabis. The excitement for CBD was so great on the west coast that they were able to find some of the first ever stabilized CBD strains.

Slowly but surely our government is catching up to scientific discoveries. It has been almost blatantly obvious that this extremely beneficial drug has been under our no