Where are cannabinoids derived from? Do all plants contain cannabinoids? All the cannabinoid products you can find online or in local dispensaries come from one source, hemp or marijuana. Doesn’t that make two sources? Not precisely. Both plants belong to the same species. You won’t find cannabinoids in any plants around the world besides marijuana and hemp. 

When you shop for cannabinoid products, you may have read or heard the terms hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. What do they mean, and how are they different? 

What Are Hemp-Derived Products?

Hemp-derived products are cannabinoid extracts of plants that contain less than 0.3% THC. How did the word ‘hemp’ originate? Book author Ernest Small suggested in his book “The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics.” a way to differentiate plants containing low THC levels in 1979. The author specified that plants containing no more than 0.3% THC should be called hemp.

After a few decades, the US passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which stated the same THC percentage for defining federally legal hemp. 

As hemp-derived products contain minute concentrations of THC, you won’t get high by using them. 

What Are Marijuana-Derived Products?

Marijuana-derived products are those cannabinoid extracts made from marijuana. What does the word marijuana indicate? It is the term used for hemp plants that have intoxicating effects. Amongst marijuana users, this version of hemp has many other names, like pot and weed. 

At the federal level, hemp plants containing higher than 0.3% THC are called marijuana. The concentration of THC in marijuana depends on the type of hemp strain it belongs to. There are 3 types of hemp strains, Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. 

What Cannabinoids Occur In Marijuana And Hemp?

The reason for beneficial effects of marijuana and hemp is due to their active components called cannabinoids. In the hemp market, manufacturers make use of the following cannabinoids due to their beneficial potential.  

• THC

Why does marijuana get people high? It’s because of the psychoactive chemical compound THC. This molecule naturally occurs in marijuana and hemp and belongs to the family of cannabinoids. The intoxicating cannabinoid was discovered in 1964 by Israeli Chemist Raphael Mechoulam.

Some hemp plants belong to THC-rich strains, while others contain this cannabinoid in small concentrations.  After using THC, you may feel a potent psychoactive buzz that may bring euphoria and relaxation. 

• CBN

CBN is a natural cannabinoid that occurs in marijuana due to the breakdown of THC. It was the first cannabinoid extracted from hemp in the 1940s. When THC gets exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, the intoxicating cannabinoid converts to CBN. This chemical compound occurs in sufficient concentrations in dried hemp. 

What are the effects of CBN? CBN can’t get you high. Yet, the chemical compound may make you sleepy by providing intense sedation. 

• CBG

Several cannabinoids originate from CBGA, a precursor of CBG, giving this cannabinoid the title of the alpha of all cannabinoids. This chemical compound occurs in minute quantities in hemp, although some strains may contain higher concentrations of CBG.

 

CBG, like CBN, doesn’t make you high. When you use CBN, the cannabinoid may improve your mood by alleviating stress and anxiety. 

• CBC

CBC is a non-intoxicating compound that was isolated from hemp in 1966. It’s a member of the cannabinoid family that naturally occurs through the decomposition of CBCA, the precursor acid of CBC. The chemical compound brings strong anti-inflammatory properties. 

• CBD 

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid renowned for its therapeutic properties. This chemical compound occurs naturally at high concentrations in hemp and marijuana. The cannabinoid got discovered in 1940 by American chemist Roger Adams.

After using CBD, you may feel a mood boost and relaxation in your mind and body.

Are Hemp-derived Products Legal In The US?

The legal status of hemp-derived products depends on regulations at the federal and state level, with state laws having a higher priority. At the national level, hemp-derived products are allowed as long as they contain no more than 0.3% THC. 

At the district level, the legal status of hemp-derived products varies from state to state. If your state doesn’t allow hemp-derived products, you can’t use them.

How To Find High-Quality Hemp-Derived Products?

Numerous online and local dispensaries provide hemp-derived products. With so many options, how can you choose a product that is of high quality? These tips below can help to make your product hunt easier. 

• Check The Certificate Of Analysis

The certificate of analysis is a document that holds valuable information regarding a company’s hemp-derived product. What cannabinoids does the product have? Does it contain harmful additives? The COA helps to answer all such concerns. Moreover, this document proves that a dispensary’s product was tested by a third-party laboratory. 

A reputable dispensary will ensure to provide a COA for all of its hemp-derived products. 

• Read Customer Reviews

You must check customer feedback about a dispensary for buying their products. Customer reviews can give in-depth information regarding the quality of hemp-derived products and services of a dispensary. A brand that’s offering premium-quality services and products will have numerous positive reviews from its customers.  

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is The Cost Of Hemp-derived CBD Tinctures?

The cost of hemp-derived CBD tinctures varies between $24.00 to $99.00 depending on the potency of CBD.

• Can You Store Hemp-Derived THC Gummies In The Fridge?

If you live in an area with a cool climate, you don’t need to keep THC gummies in the fridge. However, store hemp-derived THC gummies in your fridge if living in an area with a hot climate.

• What Is The Shelf Life Of Hemp-Derived Flower?

A good rule of thumb is to store hemp-derived flowers in an airtight container and place it in a cool and dry place. 

Takeaway – What Does Hemp Derived Mean?

All products made by extracting cannabinoids from hemp are called hemp-derived. These products won’t make you high since they contain negligible concentrations of THC. Hemp-derived products are federally legal in the US under the 2018 Farm Bill. If you’re looking for cannabinoid products that won’t get you intoxicated, you can use hemp-derived products.