CBD GuideWhat Is CBD? Understanding Cannabidiol, Cannabis, Hemp, and THC
CBD stands for cannabidiol , a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can interact with the body, and CBD is one of the 100+ cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is not another name for cannabis itself, nor is it the same as hemp or marijuana. And unlike THC, CBD does not produce the typical cannabis high. In this article, we will discuss the basics you need to know about CBD if you’re a beginner. CBD, Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana Are Not the Same Thing Now that we know CBD is one cannabinoid found in cannabis, the terminology starts to make more sense. Cannabis refers to the plant, while CBD refers to one specific compound within it. Hemp and marijuana describe categories of cannabis, with their legal definitions in the U.S. largely separated by the amount of delta-9 THC they contain. Here’s the easiest way to keep the terms straight: • Cannabis: The plant that contains many naturally occurring compounds, including CBD and THC. • CBD: Short for cannabidiol, one specific cannabinoid found in cannabis. • Hemp: A legal category of Cannabis sativa L. containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight under federal law. • Marijuana: A term used in federal law for cannabis material that does not meet the definition of hemp. The confusion is understandable because these terms often appear together on product labels and in everyday conversation. However, they describe different things. For example, calling something “hemp” tells you about the cannabis source and its THC threshold, while calling it “CBD” identifies a particular cannabinoid. CBD, THC, Cannabis, and Hemp at a Glance Think of these terms as pieces of the same puzzle. Cannabis is the plant , while CBD and THC are cannabinoids found within it . Hemp is a legal category of cannabis defined by its delta-9 THC concentration under federal law. Term What it refers to Where it fits Cannabis A plant containing many cannabinoids The broader plant CBD Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid One compound found in cannabis THC Tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid Another compound found in cannabis Hemp Cannabis meeting the federal hemp definition A legal category of cannabis The easiest way to remember it is this: CBD and THC are compounds within cannabis, while hemp describes a category of the cannabis plant . So, saying “CBD” identifies a cannabinoid, while saying “hemp” tells you which legal category the cannabis material falls into. This distinction will also help as we look at where CBD comes from and why hemp is so closely associated with CBD products. Where Does CBD Come From? CBD naturally occurs in the cannabis plant, so it does not have to be created from scratch. Instead, producers extract CBD from plant material and use the resulting extract in products such as oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals. Why Hemp Is Commonly Associated with CBD You will often see hemp derived CBD on product labels. Hemp is a category of cannabis with a low delta-9 THC concentration under federal law, and it has become a common source of CBD for products in the U.S. Hemp naturally produces CBD along with other cannabinoids and plant compounds. So, when a product says “ hemp derived CBD,” hemp describes the source, while CBD identifies the specific cannabinoid . Hemp Derived CBD vs. Cannabis Derived CBD The difference comes down to where the CBD was obtained: Hemp-derived CBD: CBD extracted from hemp. Cannabis-derived CBD: CBD extracted from cannabis that does not meet the federal definition of hemp. In both cases, the CBD itself is cannabidiol . The source does not give CBD a different identity, although it can affect how a product is formulated, labeled, and regulated. CBD and THC Are Both Cannabinoids, But They Act Differently CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in cannabis , but they do not affect the body in the same way. They share a chemical family, yet their interactions with the body can lead to very different experiences. What CBD and THC Have in Common Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are naturally occurring cannabinoids. They are two of the better-known compounds found in the cannabis plant, but they have different effects on the body. That difference matters because being part of the same cannabinoid family does not mean they produce the same experience. THC is impairing or mind-altering, while CBD is not considered impairing and does not cause a high by itself , according to the CDC . Why THC Can Feel Intoxicating While CBD Does Not THC is the cannabinoid primarily responsible for the high associated with cannabis . It can produce psychoactive effects that affect perception, mood, thinking, and coordination. CBD behaves differently. The CDC describes CBD as nonimpairing , meaning it does not produce the characteristic high associated with THC. However, nonintoxicating does not mean CBD has no effects. The FDA notes that both CBD and THC can affect the brain and body , even though CBD generally is not considered intoxicating. So, although CBD and THC come from the same plant and belong to the same cannabinoid family, their effects are not interchangeable . What Does “Nonintoxicating” Mean When We Talk About CBD? Calling CBD nonintoxicating can sound like it does nothing. That is not what the term means. It simply describes the lack of the characteristic intoxicating high associated with THC. Nonintoxicating Does Not Mean “Does Nothing” Nonintoxicating means CBD does not produce the type of mental high associated with THC. However, CBD can still interact with the body. Research has identified interactions with several biological targets and signaling pathways, although scientists are still studying exactly how these interactions translate into specific effects. So, this “No high” does not mean no biological activity . It simply means intoxication is not the defining effect of CBD. How CBD Can Still Affect the Body People can respond to CBD differently depending on factors such as the product, amount used, how it is taken, and individual biology. The FDA also notes that CBD can have effects on the body and may interact with other medications. So, it is better to think of nonintoxicating as a description of what CBD does not do, rather than a claim that it has no effects at all. This distinction will help as we look more closely at what cannabinoids are and how they interact with the body. What Exactly Is a Cannabinoid? By now, you know that CBD is a cannabinoid . But what exactly does cannabinoid mean? A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that can interact with cannabinoid receptors and other biological targets in the body. Some cannabinoids occur naturally in cannabis plants, while others are produced naturally by the human body. Cannabinoids can therefore come from different sources: • Phytocannabinoids: Cannabinoids naturally produced by plants. CBD and THC are two well-known examples, along with CBG, CBC, and CBN. • Endocannabinoids: Cannabinoids naturally produced by the human body. These cannabinoids, along with their receptors and related enzymes, are part of the endocannabinoid system , a biological system involved in regulating several processes in the body. So where does CBD fit? CBD is one specific phytocannabinoid found in cannabis . THC is another, but the two interact with the body's biological systems differently, which helps explain why their effects are not the same. The easiest way to remember it is simple: cannabinoid is the broader category, while CBD is one specific cannabinoid within it . What Types of Products Contain CBD? CBD can be formulated into several types of products. The main difference is how the CBD is delivered and used , not what CBD itself is. • CBD oils and tinctures: These are liquid CBD products typically taken by mouth, often using a dropper to measure the amount. They are popular with people who want more control over how much they use and prefer a flexible format. Tinctures can also be formulated with different carrier oils and flavorings, which gives users more options. • CBD gummies and other edibles: Gummies, chocolates, beverages, and other edible products contain CBD in a food based format. They are often preferred by people who want a convenient, portable option without measuring a liquid. Because they look and feel more like familiar foods, edibles can also be an approachable format for people new to CBD. • CBD capsules: Capsules contain a measured amount of CBD in a familiar pill format. They are commonly chosen for convenience, portability, and consistency from one serving to the next. For users who prefer a simple routine, capsules avoid the need to measure a liquid or chew an edible. • CBD topicals: Creams, balms, lotions, and similar products are designed for application to the skin rather than consumption. They are often preferred by people who want to use CBD in a specific area instead of taking it orally. The formulation can also include other ingredients selected for the product's texture, scent, or skin feel. • Other CBD formats: CBD is also available in products such as vapes, beverages, concentrates, and certain specialized formulations . Each format changes how the product is used, how quickly its effects may be noticed, and what the overall experience is like. Preferences often come down to convenience, familiarity, desired experience, and personal routine. Please note that the product format does not change what CBD is . Whether it appears in a tincture, gummy, capsule, or topical, CBD still refers to cannabidiol. What changes is the formulation, the way you use the product, and the other ingredients included alongside the CBD. What Do We Know About CBD So Far? CBD has been studied in laboratory research, clinical trials, and other forms of scientific research. However, the amount of evidence depends on the specific question being asked. Knowing that CBD is a real cannabinoid is well established, but that does not automatically prove every claim made about CBD products. What Research Can and Cannot Tell Us About CBD Scientists are still learning how CBD affects the body , including how different amounts, product formats, and methods of use may influence its effects. The CDC notes that many questions about CBD remain unanswered, including how different ways of using it affect people over time. That is why broad statements such as “CBD is good for” a particular condition need careful interpretation. A study may investigate a specific CBD preparation, amount, population, or outcome. Those findings cannot automatically be applied to every CBD product on the market. In other words, studying CBD is not the same as proving a specific health claim . The strength of the evidence depends on what was studied and how the research was conducted. FDA Approved CBD Medication vs. General CBD Products There is also an important distinction between CBD as an ingredient and an FDA-approved CBD medication. The FDA has approved Epidiolex , a prescription medicine containing purified CBD, for certain seizure disorders. Its safety and effectiveness were evaluated for those specific uses through the drug approval process. That approval does not mean every CBD product has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. The FDA states that it has not approved other CBD products currently available on the market as safe and effective for treating a particular disease or condition. CBD Terms You May See on Product Labels CBD labels can introduce several terms that sound similar but tell you different things about the product. Here are the main ones you may come across: • CBD isolate: This refers to CBD that has been separated from the other compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is often used when a product is designed to contain CBD without other cannabinoids or plant compounds. • Full-spectrum CBD: Full spectrum products contain CBD along with other naturally occurring cannabis compounds. Depending on the product, this can include other cannabinoids, terpenes, and a small amount of THC. People who prefer a broader plant based profile may choose this format. • Broad-spectrum CBD: Broad spectrum products contain CBD and other cannabis compounds but are generally formulated without detectable THC. This can appeal to people who want a product containing multiple cannabis compounds while avoiding THC. • Hemp derived CBD: This tells you where the CBD came from. Hemp derived CBD is extracted from hemp rather than cannabis material that falls outside the federal definition of hemp. The term describes the source, not a different type of CBD. • THC content: A label may list the amount or concentration of THC in a product. This is useful because THC and CBD are different cannabinoids, and THC content can vary between product types and formulations. • Certificate of Analysis (COA): A COA is a laboratory report that can provide information about a product's tested cannabinoid content and other testing results. When available, it gives consumers a way to compare the laboratory findings with what the product label claims. The easiest way to read these terms is to remember that they answer different questions . Isolate, full spectrum, and broad spectrum describe the product's cannabinoid profile. Hemp derived describes the source, THC content tells you about a specific cannabinoid, and a COA provides laboratory testing information. Is CBD Legal? CBD Legalization in the United States Yes. CBD is federally legal in the U.S. However, CBD's legal status in the U.S. depends on where it comes from, how much THC it contains, and how the product is made and marketed. At the federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and qualifying hemp derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act. The original federal definition covered Cannabis sativa L. and its derivatives containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. However, that does not mean every CBD product is automatically legal. The FDA retains authority over products containing CBD, and state laws can impose additional requirements. So, when you see “ hemp derived CBD, ” do not automatically read it as “legal everywhere.” The product's source, THC content, intended use, labeling, and the laws where you live can all matter. What Is CBD or Cannabidiol Compound: The Bottom Line To summarize, CBD stands for cannabidiol , a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is one specific compound, not another name for cannabis, hemp, or marijuana. THC is a different cannabinoid, and unlike THC, CBD is generally considered nonintoxicating. The easiest way to keep the terminology straight is simple: cannabis is the plant, hemp is a legal category of cannabis, and CBD and THC are individual cannabinoids found in cannabis. Where CBD comes from and how it is formulated can also affect how it appears on a product label. At JARS Cannabis , you can explore CBD products online or in-store based on your needs. If you’re unsure which product to try, you can connect with our knowledgeable budtender or directly contact us to check out a variety of CBD product formats, including CBD oil, CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD vape, and more. Common Questions About CBD Can CBD interact with medications? Yes. CBD can interact with certain medications , which may affect how those medicines work or increase the risk of side effects. The FDA specifically warns about potential drug interactions with CBD. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, talk with a healthcare professional before using CBD. What is the downside of taking CBD? CBD is not risk free. Some people may experience side effects, and CBD can interact with certain medications. The FDA also notes concerns about potential liver effects and other safety questions. Because research is still developing, the risks can depend on factors such as the amount used, product formulation, and individual health. Who should avoid taking CBD? Certain people should talk with a healthcare professional before using CBD, including those who take medications or have conditions that could make CBD interactions or side effects more concerning. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should also seek medical advice before using CBD . The FDA advises against using CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Does CBD show up on a drug test? A CBD product can contain THC , even when CBD is the main cannabinoid. Because drug tests may detect THC rather than CBD, using a product that contains THC could potentially lead to a positive result. Check the product's cannabinoid content and Certificate of Analysis if avoiding THC is important to you. Is CBD safe for everyone? No. CBD is not automatically safe for everyone simply because it is nonintoxicating . People can respond differently, and CBD may interact with medications or cause side effects. If you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD. References 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About CBD.” Cannabis and Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Jan. 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/about-cbd.html . 2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “What the FDA Is Doing to Protect Consumers from Cannabidiol (CBD) in Foods.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/food/conversations-experts-food-topics/what-fda-doing-protect-consumers-cannabidiol-cbd-foods . 3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis . 4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD).” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd . 5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 25 July 2019, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019 . Disclaimer This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information is based on published research and information from recognized health and regulatory sources available at the time of publication. Individual responses to CBD can vary, and research on CBD continues to evolve. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, especially if you take medications, have a health condition, or have questions about whether CBD is appropriate for you.
JARS Team
