As a leading expert in the field of cannabis and its compounds, I am often asked about the differences between natural and synthetic CBD. With the increasing popularity of CBD products, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between these two forms of the compound.
CBD
, or cannabidiol, is a compound that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. It has gained significant attention for its various therapeutic properties, including treating inflammation, seizures, and anxiety. However, there is also a synthetic form of CBD that is chemically identical to the naturally produced hemp-derived CBD.Synthetic CBD is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that takes the form of a crystalline powder, similar to most isolates.It is typically mixed with a carrier oil for use in various products. This is similar to many over-the-counter supplements, such as vitamins C and D, which are not organic compounds but are synthetically produced in a laboratory. While these supplements may not be derived from natural sources like fruits, they are still bioidentical to natural compounds. The same goes for synthetic CBD - although it is not derived from the cannabis plant, it is chemically identical to the natural cannabinoid and acts in the body in the same way. It is essential to note that CBD can be derived from both hemp and non-hemp plants. Hemp is defined as any part of the cannabis sativa plant that contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance found in marijuana.
This means that hemp-derived CBD will not produce a "high" like marijuana-derived CBD.While synthetic terpenes are simply manufactured to flavor natural plant matter, synthetic CBD is designed to mimic the effects of natural CBD. This is where potentially harmful chemicals, such as bromide and fluoride, can come into play. A key study conducted by the Journal of Medical Phyto Research in Los Gatos, California, analyzed the production of catabolic enzymes in two control groups for 22 weeks. The first group took natural CBD, while the second group took synthetic CBD.
The results showed that both forms of CBD had similar effects on the body. While natural CBD is derived from hemp or cannabis plants, synthetic varieties are produced through chemical or biological synthesis. Chemical synthesis involves using ingredients like limonene, while biological synthesis uses modified yeasts or bacteria. While both forms of CBD have been shown to have similar effects, there have been some negative effects associated with synthetic CBD consumption. For this reason, it is recommended that people who are breastfeeding avoid using CBD products. While hemp contains considerably less cannabinoids and terpenoids compared to cannabis, it still provides a large amount of quality CBD for use in various products such as isolates, concentrates, balms, oils, and infusions. The rise in popularity of CBD has led to an increase in the number of products available on the market.
While natural CBD is popular among users for its wide-ranging effects, synthetic CBD production is a valuable asset for a wide range of consumer applications that require high performance and consistency. However, it is important to note that products made with natural CBD typically have a lower concentration of the compound and may contain trace amounts of THC (greater than 0.2%), which can cause issues in countries with strict regulations on its sale.
