What is CBD?

The push for cannabis market legalization across the globe has mostly been predicated on the medicinal value of the plant. At the heart of the plant’s therapeutic engine room is CBD. Out of hundreds of compounds found in cannabis, CBD is one of the two most explored in clinical trials – the other being THC, the driving force of the drug’s psychoactivity.

Despite being the most studied cannabinoids, a lot is still unknown about the CBD’s effects on people with various ailments. More studies are still needed to shed light on the medicinal effects of the drug.

However, what’s totally clear is that the drug often does more good than harm in most cases, contrary to prohibition laws that held that cannabis is a dangerous drug with no known therapeutic benefits.

States are now opening up greater access to CBD, given that the drug has been shown to have immense therapeutic potentials with negligible side effects. The New Zealand government is now keener on giving residents access to safer CBD medications and safeguarding them from hazards of the black market.

What is the Difference between Marijuana and Hemp?

In most jurisdictions, legal CBD is sourced from hemp, not marijuana. Although both plants are variants of cannabis, the difference between them is quite stark and worthy of the attention of policymakers.

Here’s a rundown of how hemp differs from marijuana in various aspects:

Genetics: The strains of the cannabis plant are roughly divided into two categories: Cannabis sativa, which refers to strains with energetic and uplifting properties, and Cannabis indicia – strains characterized by relaxing and sedative effects. Although this categorization has no solid scientific standing, studies show that the genotypes of the majority of hemp strains share indicia characteristics, while those of the majority of marijuana strains demonstrate indicia effects.

These studies also show that this delineation becomes blurry with certain marijuana and hemp plants that “share a common pool of genetic variation.”

Chemical composition: The major differing factor between hemp and marijuana – one that’s placed both on either sides of the law – is the presence of psychoactive compounds. Hemp plant usually contains around 0.3% THC, while marijuana strains can come with up to 40% THC.

Appearance and anatomy: On the extremes, marijuana and hemp strains differ significantly in appearance. Cannabinoids are mostly found in the leaves and flowers of the plant. Hemp strains come with significantly lower cannabinoid contents, hence they tend to have scantier and smaller leaves and flowers. Marijuana, on the other hand, is chockfull of cannabinoids, and its strains come with broader and bushier leaves and flowers.

Uses: For thousands of years, cannabis strains have been bred selectively for specific uses. Strains with greater cannabinoid contents are bred for therapeutic and nutritional uses, while those with scantier leaves and thicker stalks are bred to obtain fiber for a wide range of industrial uses, from paper to textiles, etc.

CBD Oil Effects/Benefits

CBD takes effect via the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is central to a host of bodily functions, from metabolism to blood circulation, and cellular activities. By regulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help remedy a host of bodily ailments ().

CBD has been shown to help the treatment of a long list of ailments that includes:

• • Parkinson’s

• • Depression

• • Chronic pain

• • Multiple sclerosis

• • Anxiety
  • Sleep

• • Loss of appetite

• • Insomnia

• • Glaucoma

Does CBD Oil Make you High?

CBD is a much safer alternative to the whole plant for people looking to explore the therapeutic potentials of cannabis without the discomfort of the plant’ hallmark high.

Note, however, that many results of studies on the efficacy of CBD in the treatment of various ailments are quite incongruent. More studies are still needed to confirm exactly how CBD can be used for treating these ailments. But so far, no major risks have been associated with CBD oil, nor has CBD been associated with psychoactivity.

Where to buy CBD Oil in New Zealand?

CBD oil can be legally obtained by anyone in New Zealand provided they have a prescription from the doctor. CBD oil is available in licensed pharmacies and dispensaries across the country.

You can also purchase your CBD oil products online, but you have to do your due diligence to ensure that the product meets the quality standards and THC limits stipulated for legal CBD products  in your jurisdiction.