Since its decriminalization and legalization, CBD, obtained through hemp cultivation, has become a widely marketed molecule in various forms. Its components have shown potential benefits for treating numerous conditions and promoting well-being. However, recent discoveries have revealed that the molecule can be found in a plant other than cannabis. The question then arises: is this new discovery as effective as CBD extracted from hemp? Discover everything you need to know about this topic in this guide. What is cannabidiol?Here are its therapeutic properties, the varieties of cannabidiol, and the different types of CBD available on the market. What are the benefits of cannabidiol?Better known as CBD, cannabidiol is a substance derived from the hemp or cannabis plant. It was first discovered in 1940 by American researchers. At that time, the molecule could not be isolated from tetrahydrocannabinol, another psychoactive substance found in the hemp plant.
However, in the years leading up to its discovery, CBD was the subject of various studies by numerous researchers and underwent improvements. Over time, it has demonstrated its potential benefits in treating several medical conditions and wellness issues.
These components have proven beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy. Thanks to its anticonvulsant properties, CBD helps relieve symptoms in people suffering from Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. It has also proven effective in supporting chemotherapy by combating the nausea and vomiting it causes. The therapeutic use of the marijuana plant has also shown potential results in the treatment of schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
Cannabidiol also possesses therapeutic properties for relieving ailments such as anxiety, weight gain, loss of appetite, nervousness, and chronic insomnia. It is marketed in various varieties and has become very popular with consumers since its decriminalization. Indeed, products derived from the cannabis plant were long considered illicit narcotics.
However, many countries, including France, have adopted a legalization process that has allowed the use of hemp seeds for medicinal purposes. However, despite the legality of cannabis, its cultivation and sale are regulated by strict laws and regulations. CBD’s distinguishing characteristic is that it does not produce psychotropic effects in consumers. The molecule is devoid of THC, a psychoactive substance capable of creating euphoric sensations and hallucinations.
From which varieties of cannabis plants is CBD extracted?
There is a wide variety of cannabis plants, each with its own specific characteristics. Among those from which CBD is extracted are Sativa, Ruderalis, and Indica.
Sativa is a type of cannabis whose growth and development are observed in mild and temperate climates. The cannabidiol and THC levels present in these plants are quite similar. Sativa is a variety with abundant foliage, capable of growing to a considerable height. Its cultivation is greatly favored by the reflection of sunlight. Ruderalis is another type of cannabis with a higher CBD content than THC. Indica, on the other hand, is a variety with a relatively short flowering period. It is able to withstand extreme climatic conditions. Its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration is very high, but the CBD molecule is also present in sufficient quantities. For the hemp seeds used to produce cannabidiol to develop, male cannabis plants fertilize the females. This occurs through the dispersal of pollen. These seeds, once they reach flowering, are harvested for cannabidiol extraction.What are the different categories of cannabis found on the market?
The three main categories are medical marijuana, industrial marijuana, and hybrid cannabis. Medical cannabis, as its name suggests, is used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Highly concentrated in CBD, its sale is strictly regulated by laws that vary depending on the country where it is legal. It can also be prescribed by a doctor. As for industrial marijuana, it is more commonly used in the textile industry. The CBD it contains is useful in the production of materials such as fabric and paper. Hybrid hemp, on the other hand, is the result of crossbreeding between the three varieties used to produce cannabidiol. It is therefore a combination of Sativa, Ruderalis, and Indica. Hybrid marijuana is cultivated under meticulous conditions to promote a very high concentration of CBN. It is intended for specific therapeutic purposes.
The discovery of Trema Micrantha Blume
For many years, cannabis cultivation has been the only way to obtain CBD. However, recent discoveries have revealed that cannabidiol is present in Trema Micrantha Blume, a plant that grows in Brazil. This has sparked considerable interest among both researchers and consumers of the molecule.
Trema Micrantha Cultivation
The unique aspect of this discovery is that Trema Micrantha does not contain THC, unlike cannabis. It is this substance that gives hemp its psychoactive and euphoric effects. Its distinctive feature is that, in addition to tetrahydrocannabinol, the plant contains several other cannabinoids. This means that the discovery could represent a completely legal way to consume CBD.
Furthermore, it could offer an alternative for diversifying sources of cannabidiol. Research into the plant’s potential benefits is ongoing. Researchers are still trying to discover how to extract CBD from the leaves and fruits of this plant. If the experiments and results are conclusive, it could assist the cannabis plant in the production of cannabidiol.
Trema Micrantha blume is a tropical species with a similar concentration of cannabidiol to that found in hemp. Its non-psychoactive nature could make it an effective and safe therapeutic treatment for several conditions. Furthermore, it would be simpler and easier to work with, unlike cannabis, whose cannabinoid extraction process is complex.
Its advantages and benefits
Since the legalization of cannabis, CBD sales have become incredibly popular with consumers. Whether in the form of oil, capsules, or flowers, it is marketed and used to relieve ailments that affect a large part of the population on a daily basis. Cannabidiol even has potential cosmetic benefits.
Its discovery in Trema micrantha could make it an inexhaustible source of production. This will help meet the ever-increasing demand. Cannabis will therefore no longer be the only plant species capable of producing the molecule whose therapeutic properties have contributed to the relief of many people.
Furthermore, many countries continue to prohibit the cultivation of hemp plants. If the effects of CBD found in Trema micrantha are as therapeutic as that extracted from hemp, this could be a significant advantage. These countries could then authorize the use of CBD for their populations through a completely legal process.
The discovery of Trema micrantha could also constitute a more environmentally friendly and sustainable source of production. This plant has a rapid and natural growth process. Furthermore, its components allow it to resist pests and climatic conditions. Its cultivation is likely to significantly reduce the energy and hydrogen requirements for growing cannabis and extracting its cannabinoids.
The characteristics of this new plant could also open up interesting employment opportunities for many growers. Since Trema Micrantha is considered a weed, its CBD content could be the subject of extensive agronomic studies. Research will likely be conducted to assess its ability to grow in unfamiliar environments. This could involve experiments on its growth patterns and its performance in different soil types and climates.
Its Regulatory Status
Given that it is a very recent discovery, Trema Micrantha has not yet been subject to any legal regulations. This has led to considerable controversy surrounding its regulation, which revolves around three key points. The first concerns its authorization. Studies are still in the experimental phase. Therefore, it is currently difficult to determine its classification and the restrictions related to its legality.
The second point relates to the cultivation of the plant. Before the discovery that its leaves and fruits contain CBD, Trema Micrantha Blume was not a valued plant species. It was even considered a weed by some. The question then arises as to whether a new variety of the plant will be cultivated to maximize its benefits. The growing and development conditions of this species are the subject of much discussion.
The third point around which the plant’s controversies revolve is its use for medical, therapeutic, and cosmetic purposes. Finding the most reliable method for extracting CBD is crucial to ensure it poses no potential risks to consumers. Furthermore, the presence of other cannabinoid variants is an important factor to consider. However, the absence of THC is already a significant advantage.
CBD Hemp and CBD Trema Micrantha
The cannabidiol found in the new Trema Micrantha plant has shown the same similarities to that found in legal cannabis. Based on this observation, it could be suggested that the two molecules might be combined in the near future. The goal would be to conduct clinical studies to obtain a pure concentrate of the substance extracted from each plant. This could be a potential treatment for certain medical applications.
However, this hypothesis raises some rather significant issues. The restrictions and limitations associated with CBD derived from cannabis could apply to that produced by Trema micrantha Blume. However, the latter has not yet been subject to any legal regulations. Furthermore, since it does not contain THC, its use may be entirely permitted. Moreover, the other cannabinoids found in Trema micrantha Blume and those in cannabis could pose a compatibility issue.
