There are many questions surrounding cannabidiol (CBD), hemp, and marijuana. MDW is proud to feature Kalee Hooghkirk to answer some basic questions about CBD.
As a board member of Illinois Women in Cannabis and co-chair of the Professional Development and Events Committees, Kalee is the Owner of Full Spektrum Services and founder of United Hemp Co.
A medical patient and traveling cannabis educator, Kalee has also designed and developed wellness programs that customize treatments for qualified patients approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
WHAT IS CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 60 active chemical compounds (or ‘cannabinoids’) in the marijuana plant. It’s usually the second-most abundant cannabinoid, behind THC. This compound does not produce an intoxicating effect but many report a variety of therapeutic uses which has recently increase its popularity.
DOES CBD COME FROM MEDICAL MARIJUANA OR HEMP? AND WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?
Marijuana and hemp are two different varieties of cannabis that come from the same species of plant (Cannabis sativa L). In general, CBD is found abundantly in both. The hemp plant is an entirely different strain of cannabis that contains higher quantities of CBD and lower levels of THC.
If a hemp plant contains more than 0.3% THC, it is then technically a “marijuana” plant, if it has less than it is legally considered hemp. CBD-based products found outside of a dispensary in retail operations come from the hemp plant.
Another great way to think of this concept is to think of roses. There is the species (Rose) but within that category we have white roses (marijuana) and red roses (hemp) they are both still roses but of a different variety.
DOES THIS MEAN I CAN PASS A DRUG TEST?
This question depends on a variety of factors. Does the product contain trace amounts of CBD? How long and how often are you consuming the product? Are you using a topical or are you ingesting an oil or edible?
While it is unlikely that you will fail a drug test taking an Isolate CBD product or using a topical it is possible to fail a drug test taking a daily full spectrum product. Drug tests often measure the metabolites that breakdown THC and not the levels of THC itself, making even small amounts risky for consumers. Using a topical is another way we can lower this risk since they do not normally enter the bloodstream unless it is a transdermal application (applied through the skin).
CAN’T I JUST SMOKE THE STUFF I FIND ON THE STREET?
No, most popular varieties found through your black market dealers are THC-dominant which means they produce an intoxicating effect. This may be helpful for some but it also may not relieve your symptoms. There are occasionally consumers who have a low tolerance for THC which may cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety or an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. These risks are lower when consuming a CBD-dominant product and many find they have a completely difference experience.
Just because you’ve had bad experiences with THC does not mean you will with CBD.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH TO TAKE?
While everyone is different, most adults start with about 5 - 10 millegrams once a day to start. Dosage can be increased in about a week to two weeks if you are not achieving desired results. Additional servings may be taken throughout the day if you feel that it wears off at a certain time. Dosing is entirely up to the individual and may vary depending on the day and how you feel, but in general, takes a few days to work to the best of its ability.
Consistency is key and provides the best results. It is not unusual for some people to feel the effects within a few hours.
More About the Author:
Kalee Hooghkirk has partnered with local physicians assisting prospective patients in registration to become eligible for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. The highlight of her involvement with the Illinois Medical Cannabis Industry was her role as Director of Patient Care for one of Illinois first dispensaries. In addition to her patient registration and start-up support, Kalee was one of the first few employees in the state to begin cannabis sales on the opening day of the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program.
Through her IWC platform Kalee hopes to inspire others to think “outside the box” by supporting and encouraging non-traditional entry routes through the hemp space and ancillary services.
Discover more at unitedhemp.co
A version of this article was originally featured on the United Hemp Company website .