CBD is also different from THC, the other main cannabinoid in cannabis, in that it does not produce psychoactive effects or create a high. Instead, CBD has been found to have a wide range of benefits. That’s because humans have what’s called an endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that use CBD. Many have found CBD to be an effective remedy for everyday life. 

​

What are Cannabinoids?

 

Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with a receptor network in cellular tissues to promote health in the body. The human body internally generates its own cannabinoids known as “endocannabinoids” (endo=internal, Greek).

Together, endocannabinoids and their receptor network are known as the “endocannabinoid system.” It regulates many essential bodily systems such as immune function, sleep, appetite, stress response, and pain regulation.

 

The hemp plant also naturally produces in excess of 100 known cannabinoids, known as “phytocannabinoids” (phyto=plant, Greek). Ironically, it produces its own cannabinoids to heal itself.

Phytocannabinoids are found in hemp; but also in other plants and herbal medicines. When consumed, phytocannabinoids act upon the body’s cannabinoid receptor network to regulate the body’s health.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, yet it still exhibits a wealth of medicinal properties.

​

There is a significant interest in the development of therapies and other consumer products derived from cannabis and its components, including cannabidiol (CBD). FDA recognizes the potential opportunities that cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds may offer and acknowledges the significant interest in these possibilities.

​

How does the 2018 Farm Bill define hemp? 

​

At the federal level, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334, (the 2018 Farm Bill) was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2018. Among other things, this new law changes certain federal authorities relating to the production and marketing of hemp, defined as "the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis." These changes include removing hemp from the Controlled Substance Act, which means that cannabis plants and derivatives that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis are no longer controlled substances under federal law.