FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hemp Legal in NC?

Yes. Hemp production has been legalized in North Carolina, but only as part of the state’s pilot program as allowed under federal law. The N.C. General Assembly passed Senate Bill 313 in 2015, allowing the Industrial Hemp Commission to develop the rules and licensing structure necessary to stay within federal laws. (www.ncagr.gov)

Is CBD Legal in NC?

Yes. The cannabis extract must have more than 15% CBD, but no more than 0.3% THC, and must be done by or under the supervision of a licensed physician. The law in North Carolina also only makes CBD legal for patients with intractable epilepsy. The CBD for this is made from hemp extract.

Is CBD Safe?

Yes. CBD is safe; it won’t get you high, you can’t overdose on CBD, and the side effects involve a dry mouth or drowsiness in the worst-case scenario. Hemp-derived cannabidiol is legal in all 50 states, which makes it an easily-accessible medication.

What are some benefits of using CBD?

Since cannabidiol interacts with CB1 receptors, which are found in high concentrations in the immune and nervous systems, the cannabinoid can:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Relieve pain
  • Combat anxiety
  • Regulate hormone levels
  • Control appetite
  • Boost metabolism
How does CBD work in the body?

The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system, in short ECS, is a complex route which consists of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors.

Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that tap to these receptors and thus trigger certain reactions in the body. As a matter of fact, the ECS is spread throughout the entire body, including mainly the nervous and immune system.

The purpose of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis means that there is a chemical balance inside you. Whenever this balance is disturbed, you become prone to a variety of health conditions, some of which may turn to severe illnesses over time.

How does CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system?

The structure of endocannabinoids is identical as the chemical make-up of phytocannabinoids, the chemical compounds acquired from outside sources, in this particular example, from cannabis.

When you use CBD oil or other hemp-derived products, you deliver cannabidiol to your body. The moment it enters your system, it stimulates certain receptors in the immune and nervous systems.

There are two distinct receptors in the endocannabinoid system: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are spread throughout the entire body, while CB2 receptors are located mostly in the brain.

When it comes to THC and CBD, the two most thoroughly researched cannabinoids, they act on different receptors. Tetrahydrocannabinol taps to CB2 receptors in the brain where it mimics the qualities of anandamide. By interacting with CB2 receptors, THC releases its psychoactive properties; this is where the so-called high comes from.

THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system; it also helps regulate certain functions in the body.

CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t directly bind to cannabinoid receptors, but instead, it boosts the activity of CB1 receptors. This is why cannabidiol is believed to have strong medical benefits for patients struggling with serious chronic conditions.

Is there a difference between CBD & HEMP?

Yes. CBD Oil and Hemp Oil are two different things. CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis flower and can be ingested or applied topically. Hemp oil comes from cold-pressed hemp seeds, which can be used to cook with, and also as an ingredient in lotions and soaps. Hemp oil contains no THC and has no psychoactive side effects. CBD oil can contain THC and is separated into three groups: 1) Full Spectrum oil that contains up to 0.3% THC 2) Isolate and 3) Broad Spectrum oils, which contain no THC.

Is Hemp and Marijuana the same thing?

No. Hemp is only related to marijuana, they are technically two separate plants. Hemp/CBD does not possess the same THC levels of Marijuana. Due to the THC concentration, Marijuana has psychoactive properties which is what causes that high feeling individuals feel when they smoke marijuana.

Whereas Hemp is very low in THC (0.3% or lower) which makes it good for pain relief, decrease in appetite, or loss of sleep.

Delta-8 THC Vs. CBD: What's the Difference?

Delta 8 THC VS. CBD

The cannabis industry has grown immensely since its start and more people have become aware of THC and CBD, their differences, and benefits. If you are an avid consumer, you may already know about Delta 9 THC, which is more commonly known as THC. But have you heard about Delta 8 THC?

While most people have heard about the main types of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, there is another upcoming compound in cannabis products, Delta 8 THC. Just like Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it is a cannabinoid, but what are the similarities and differences?

Similarities Between THC/CBD/Delta 8 THC

Like THC and CBD, Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid. But Delta 8 is produced by creating an isolate of Delta 9, known as THC. While both THC and Delta 8 THC are remarkably similar, Delta 8 uses a
man-made process to be created. However, it is far from being similar to CBD. THC and Delta 8 both have psychoactive properties while CBD does not. CBD is the main compound found in Hemp which has hardly no psychoactive compounds in it.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid which does naturally exist in cannabis plants; however, it shows up in very small concentrations. More often, Delta 8 THC is man-made from using Delta 9 THC in a process called isolation. While both share similar structures and related stimulating effects, Delta 8 is more stable than Delta 9 THC. In turn, Delta 8 has a lower psychoactive effect than the more common THC does. Delta 8 has also been studied for a more stable way of aiding illness in many forms.

How THC/CBD/Delta 8 Differ.

As for CBD, Delta 8 is an upcoming compound that has not been studied as thoroughly as CBD. Chemical differences between the two are major compared to the differences between THC and Delta 8. CBD does not contain psychoactive properties and therefore is used widely for people who do not want the feeling of being “high”. Which is why CBD is used for many health issues and is known for its benefits. But this does not mean that Delta 8 can’t have benefits as well. Like THC, Delta 8 does show potential for aid in insomnia, anxiety, lack of appetite, and depression.

While THC and Delta 8 are similar, they do have a few main differences. Obviously, they are different compounds, but that does not mean they cause a different response in the endocannabinoid system. But, because Delta 9 THC combines on the ninth carbon chain and Delta 8 THC combines on the eighth carbon chain, there is a discernible difference in how it interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid receptors. With its change in molecular structure, it appears to be less potent and more appealing than the more unstable Delta 9 THC. Because of this, Delta 8 can be used to treat individuals, who will not use Delta 9 THC because of the feeling of anxiety they may feel when they take it because Delta 8 has a less severe psychoactive effect than Delta 9 THC does.

Can Delta 8 and CBD Be Combined?

Delta 8 and CBD can be combined and will have the benefits of both cannabinoids with little to no high. This is because the CBD compound will interact with the same receptors as the THC compound, negating the activation of the receptor. This will still allow Delta 8 to introduce its benefits to your body while CBD will reduce the effects of the psychoactive properties of THC, while also bringing in its own benefits.

Which Cannabinoid is Right for You?

Depending on the type of person you are, you may or may not like the effects of some cannabinoids. Depending on what you are looking for in the product you are consuming, each one can be vastly different. Here is what most consumers of CBD and THC look for in each product.

CBD: If you are someone who wants non-psychoactive products with the benefits of aiding in your appetite, pain relief, anxiety relief, sleep aid, etc…, CBD is the choice. CBD does not have little to no psychoactive effects and comes in many forms. You can consume CBD through tinctures, edibles, vapes, gel caps and more. Its benefits are widely known to be useful to those with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It is marketed to aid in sleep, as well as in lack of appetite. And without the high, most people prefer it if the effect of THC makes them uneasy in any way.

Delta 8 THC: Delta 8 THC is for those who still want the high, unlike CBD. However, it is known that Delta 8 has a lower psychoactive effect than Delta 9 THC. Which can be appealing to those who like the gentle high, but do not want to be “out-of-their-mind”. And just like CBD, it has its benefits if you are seeking after that as well. It is known to create relaxation, clear-headedness, and hunger. Research has shown it helps reduce stress. Stimulate an appetite and lessen nausea. According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 THC can bind to the CB1 receptor throughout the body. These receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system, which helps our body regulate and maintain homeostasis. “Homeostasis” is just fancy lingo for complete balance throughout the body. 

Delta 8 exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9 THC, so it doesn’t bind to the receptor as well. This helps it demonstrate a variety of properties that present as powerful benefits, so let’s take a look at the biggest ones below.

Delta 9 THC: Although remarkably similar to Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC is for those who want the maximum high they can receive and don’t feel afflicted by other effects of psychoactive products. Delta 9 THC still has its benefits, especially for cancer patients. It is used in various ways, but for those who use Delta 9 THC for medical reasons, use it for pain relief, nausea control, and increased appetite. But for some, the psychoactive properties can have negative effects and cause anxiety or an uneasy feeling. This does not occur in everyone, but this has deterred people from consuming Delta 9 THC products. On the other hand, it can also be used with CBD to decrease the high and still allow you to reap the benefits.

Conclusion

As more people become familiar with delta-8 THC and the long list of potential therapeutic benefits the minor cannabinoid offers, it is likely that the compound will only become more prominent. And as more research emerges about how delta-8 THC works and why it might be beneficial, that list of potential benefits may grow even further.

 

If you are interested in trying delta-8 THC, remember to start low and go slow. Try a little bit of delta-8 THC and see how you feel before consuming more. Just like with delta-9 THC, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after you take it.