In Colorado, CBD is available at many locations including pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores and yes, both medical and recreational dispensaries. The main difference is that the CBD sold in medical or recreational dispensaries contains THC levels above 0.3%. The CBD products sold at other locations can have no more than 0.3% THC to be legal at the federal level. In the production process there are generally two types of CBD, Cannabis CBD and Hemp CBD. Both the cannabis and hemp plants contain CBD and THC, but the main difference is the amount of each compound they contain. Generally, the marijuana contains more THC and less CBD and Hemp contains more CBD and less THC.
Medically, CBD has been recommended as a good option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Studies have also shown that CBD applied to the skin may help with pain due to arthritis. It has also been recommended for a wide variety of health issues from epilepsy to chronic pain. There are many studies currently in process regarding the medical benefits of CBD as well as THC.
Interestingly, the benefits of CBD do not change whether it is from cannabis or hemp. The chemical make-up of CBD does not depend on which plant it comes from. The basic difference is the CBD that comes from Hemp, low THC, is more like a supplement you would buy at a health food store. The CBD that comes from a dispensary, higher THC, is more like a prescription from a pharmacy.
Do you really need CBD with THC? Recent studies have shown that CBD with THC may be more effective in relieving pain and medical symptoms. Even small doses of THC combined with CBD has shown to increase the effectiveness of CBD in relieving pain.
Which CBD is best for you? Using CBD with low THC will keep you clear minded and relying largely on the medical benefits of the CBD compound. Using the CBD with a higher percentage of THC will give you that euphoric – high feeling with a more relaxed state of mind. Individuals have different tolerances for the euphoric or high feeling they get from THC. If you are not experienced with marijuana and its effects, try the CBD with less than 0.3% THC, from the local grocery store to start. If it helps with the pain, great. If you are looking for a little more relief, visit a local dispensary and talk a budtender. He or she can recommend a starting point and CBD product with a little higher percentage of THC-to-CBD ratio for pain. CBD is available in a variety of forms including gels, lotions, oils, pills, supplements, vapes and creams.
One other thing to keep in mind. Using CBD with THC, even a small amount, can produce a positive drug test result depending on frequency and usage.