About CBD
The Basics: Hemp vs Marijuana
Marijuana is any Cannabis sativa plant that has a concentration of the THC compound greater than 0.3% in its dry weight.
Hemp plants, and hemp-derived CBD, are specifically from plants of the Cannabis genus that contain a THC concentration of LESS than 0.3%.
The family of plants known as Cannabaceae includes 170 species of flowering plants. Within this family is the genus Cannabis, which is considered endemic to central Asia and possibly some parts of South Asia.
Currently, many botanical experts consider the Cannabis genus to contain three distinct species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. However, other experts argue that Cannabis ruderalis can be included as part of Cannabis sativa; others consider that all three are subspecies of C. Sativa and some even argue that C. Sativa is a single species.
Whichever classification you prefer, there is a difference that is UNQUESTIONABLE and essential for any consumer considering purchasing CBD products:
Marijuana is any Cannabis sativa plant that has a concentration of the THC compound greater than 0.3% in its dry weight.
Hemp plants, and hemp-derived CBD, are specifically from plants of the Cannabis genus that contain a THC concentration of LESS than 0.3%.
It is important to note that extensive and validated scientific research has shown that even a 0.4% percentage of THC does not have psychoactive effects on a person; however, EVERY hemp plant includes less than 0.3% THC.
THC vs CBD
THC is the compound tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the primary psychoactive compound in plants that are popularly labeled “marijuana.” THC is therefore responsible for inducing an altered state of perception in a person and change of mood, which is usually called a “high” or “trip”.
On the contrary, CBD is the compound cannabidiol, which is extracted exclusively from hemp plants and not from marijuana. CBD does NOT have psychoactive effects in any way similar to THC in humans. Although CBD is a compound that acts on the central nervous system and is therefore psychotropic, it counteracts the effects generated by THC.
ALL the products in the Vida Blue Zone portfolio exclusively contain CBD within the concentration ranges authorized by the Costa Rican regulation, that is, 0% THC.
Non-psychoactive terpenes and cannabinoids
Terpenes are aromatic molecules that give cannabis plants the aromas and flavors of each variety. Therefore, they are non-psychoactive compounds since their chemical function is exclusive in relation to aroma and flavor.
In addition to terpenes, cannabis plants produce a variety of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids. Each is naturally found in different concentrations and has different roles in the plant. One of the most recently studied by experts in the sciences of molecular biology and genetics is CBG, or cannabigerol, which is essential for the synthesis of other cannabinoids. CBG has many therapeutic properties that have been documented and reported by researchers, which we summarize below:
- Reduction of intraocular pressure (Glaucoma)
- Antibacterial and antibiotic effect
- Colon carcinogenesis prevention
- Inhibition of cancer cell growth
- Pain and anxiety treatment
- Inflammations of the digestive system (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal inflammation)
- Prevention and treatment of skin problems (psoriasis)
- Neuroprotective properties (multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases)
- Antiseptic properties (treatment of MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- Inhibition of GABA absorption (anxiety, muscle tension)
- Appetite stimulation (cachexia)
- Creation of bone tissue
- Antispasmodic properties (Dravet syndrome, epilepsy)
CBD products
Products containing CBD can be categorized into three groups:
FSHO are those that contain CBD and up to 0.3% THC.
Broad spectrum CBD contains only CBD and other phytonutrients found in the hemp plant. The way the CBD has been processed has completely eliminated any trace of THC.
CBD isolates refer to products that only contain CBD and contain neither phytonutrients nor THC.
Vida Blue Zone’s portfolio features broad-spectrum CBD products (without traces of THC) and CBD isolates (without traces of THC, terpenes, and other phytocannabinoids).