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The hype surrounding CBD, or Cannabidiol, refuses to die down. At ever-increasing rates, people are discovering the potential health benefits of CBD extracts. Along with other cannabinoids, the legal and medical status of CBD remains unclear.
While many people report the possible benefits of using CBD, the research study is ongoing with much more evidence needed to convince country leaders and governments. CBD’s relationship to hemp and its high-inducing cousin, THC, further complicates the matter.
If you’re wondering if CBD is suitable for you or if it is available in your area, you’re not alone. Is there a company or brand nearby which can offer quality CBD products and product information to its customers? Sure there is, you just need to know where to look. This article reviews what we know about CBD, whether it is legal in Wexford and also what ingredients to look out for when buying this product.
What is the difference between Marijuana & Hemp?
Marijuana, hemp, and cannabis are all technically the same plant. Cannabis is the parent plant of the family while hemp and marijuana are variations of the cannabis plant. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical compound responsible for potential intoxicating effects. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is found in all forms of the cannabis plant but there is a difference in terms of amount.
Hemp as a plant primarily contains CBD and only small amounts of THC. Marijuana on the other hand contains mostly THC making it a highly psychoactive substance when extracted. Because CBD and THC come from the same plant, restrictions aimed at regulating THC often include CBD as well. This causes a legal grey area and the risk of THC overconsumption is often passed onto CBD unnecessarily.
CBD derived from the hemp plant cannot make a user ‘high’ as CBD is non-toxic and produces low to no psychoactive effects. In this way, it can still affect the body. For example people, both men and women, make claims regarding the use of CBD products for the relief of symptoms from health conditions like anxiety, insomnia (sleep), stress and even pain.
However, CBD is not recognised as having medicinal benefits by the HPRA in Ireland so the former is anecdotal in nature. More research evidence in the form of clinical trials is needed to confirm CBD supplements as beneficial to the body. For now, CBD is regarded as a food supplement only. The amounts of each cannabinoid present in oil makes a difference as a variety of levels and strengths are available in CBD oils.
CBD acts on something called the Endocannabinoid system. In humans and animals, the Endocannabinoid system is one of many cellular communication systems that regulate how our bodies function. The effect CBD has on the Endocannabinoid system is responsible for the potential benefits arising from its use.
Just like a regular food supplement, vitamin or mineral, for example, Vitamin D for immune system health or calcium for bone health, CBD can be added to an everyday diet as an extra source of nutrients. CBD has a variety of nutrients like Omega 3’s, a source of iron and complex vitamins like vitamin B.
CBD is generally available in three formulations: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the oils of the cannabis plant. That includes THC, which means full-spectrum CBD formulations always come from hemp plants with extremely low THC concentrations. Generally, THC concentrations of 0.2%-0.3% are legally allowed in CBD products.
That small amount of THC isn’t enough to get the average person high. However, ingesting massive amounts might produce intoxicating effects. Many regulatory agencies accept hemp products with trace amounts of THC.
Full-spectrum CBD products are legal in many areas. However, it is possible to test positive for marijuana on a drug screen because of the small amount of THC.
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD contains many of the compounds of the cannabis plant in addition to CBD. However, THC is absent entirely from broad-spectrum CBD. Users of the broad-spectrum formulation still have access to other cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant, but without potential concerns arising from trace amounts of THC.
Many people prefer broad-spectrum CBD products because of the small amounts of other cannabinoids that are present. Many find this to be a more suitable formulation than CBD alone.
Isolate
As the name implies, CBD isolate products contain only CBD. There are no other cannabinoids or substances from the cannabis plant present. Isolates are generally preferred by those who want the greatest amount of control over their supplements.
Generally speaking, most CBD formulations are well-tolerated by those who take them. At this time, the medical community continues to investigate the benefits of CBD and the potential conditions it might treat.
Each CBD formulation discussed above can come as a smokable product (including vaping), edible, or topical solution. The way users consume CBD results in differing effects. People switching to a new method of taking CBD should proceed cautiously at first.
Legal Status of CBD Supplements in Wexford
There are some options for obtaining CBD products in Wexford. Ireland legalised hemp oils and CBD oils as food supplements. The government doesn’t directly regulate the THC concentration of CBD products. That means you will likely have no issue finding full-spectrum CBD products, but expect these CBD formulations to contain less than 0.2% THC.
Irish lawmakers continue to establish new rules and regulations surrounding CBD. Recently, CBD was recognised by the government of Ireland as a non-cannabis product, solidifying its legality. While THC and marijuana remain illegal in Ireland, CBD appears to have a bright future. If you are looking for an online CBD store where you can order a range of CBD supplements Dr. Hemp Me is one example of a CBD company in Ireland with testimonials from customers, quality Cannabidiol ingredients and a quick delivery service.
Conclusion
Overall, you can use CBD without worrying about breaking any Irish laws. CBD products continue to move ahead into the legal space. The government recently recognised CBD as a non-cannabis product, giving hemp-derived products further legitimacy, and regulates it as a food additive. The medical community is also paying more and more attention to the compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Following the ongoing CBD saga provides vital information to your health and future. However, CBD users switching to a new method of consuming it need to proceed cautiously since each way affects the body differently.
While CBD continues to remain a subject of debate, the evidence suggests it is moving closer toward a health-conscious mainstream audience. In Wexford and throughout Ireland, adults are discovering the personal benefits of using CBD.
