Key Differences Between CBD and THC

The legislation of cannabinoids across the U.S. is an ongoing roller coaster ride. In 2018, the federal government legalized hemp as an agricultural commodity, but cannabis Sativa is still illegal, and marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Cannabidiol, or CBD, can be extracted from either the hemp or cannabis Sativa plant. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved a medical drug that contains the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol, which is derived from the cannabis Sativa plant, and CBD.

An increasing number of states have marched past the federal government regulations for marijuana, legalizing its medical and recreational use to varying degrees. California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and recreational marijuana in 2018. These various measures at federal and state levels have led to confusion about the different types of THC and CBD products and the legalities of each.

Differences Between THC and CBD

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, chemical compounds found in the cannabis Sativa plant. Both CBD and THC are believed to have properties that are beneficial for human mental and physical health. THC, however, is considered psychoactive. This is the compound that induces the high associated with marijuana. CBD does not have this effect.

THC is only found in cannabis Sativa plants. The hemp plant is a variation of c. Sativa that contains no more than 0.3% THC. Any plant that exceeds this amount is classified as c. Sativa for regulatory purposes. This primary difference is something CBD business owners need to keep in mind when looking for the appropriate CA CBD business insurance. Any hemp crop with plants that exceed the THC limit is a loss, so you want to ensure you are protected if this occurs.

Trends in the CBD and Marijuana Industries

CBD products that are derived from the hemp plant are now widely available because they are fully legal at the federal level. The regulations for THC products are much stricter, so there are many more rules and a lot more oversight for the business that deal with these products.

CBD Product Trends

Products that contain hemp-derived CBD are available for people and their pets. The compound is versatile and is sold in several items, including:

• Tinctures
• Topicals
• Edibles
• Cosmetics

In 2021, you can expect to see even more products available that contain hemp-derived CBD. Currently, regulations for quality are lacking for these products, leading to false claims and low-quality products. This is expected to change in the coming year.

THC Product Trends

Growing, manufacturing, or selling products that contain THC requires special licensing, but 2021 is likely to see more dispensaries selling marijuana products. Some of the most popular items will continue to be edibles, which may contain both THC and CBD. Most importantly for the industry, there is hope that there might be some further movement at the federal level to soften its stance on marijuana, as a vast majority of U.S. citizens support its legalization.

About CannGen Insurance Services

For more information about our comprehensive insurance solutions for the cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries, please visit our website at www.canngenins.com or email marketing@canngenins.com.