What’s the difference between Marijuana, CBD and Delta-8? Find out the Facts

Since 2019, CBD stores and dispensaries have been cropping up all over Abilene - the year Texas legalized hemp.

This legalization caused much confusion as to which marijuana products are legal. For the moment, CBD and Delta-8 products are permitted in Texas - but what are the differences? And how do they help? Keep reading as we take a look at the differences in the marijuana plant according to The Texas Tribune.

Marijuana and hemp look and smell alike because they come from the same cannabis plant. The difference between the two is the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) they contain. By law, a substance is considered marijuana when the THC concentration is greater than 0.3%.

CBD is the non-psychoactive component found in cannabis. Stores in Abilene are allowed to sell CBD as long as the concentration is below 0.3%. I know folks from miles around who swear by the benefits of CBD. It's reputed to greatly help reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Delta-8 is a psychoactive part of the cannabis plant that - when concentrated in labs - can produce a "high" similar to that of marijuana. Delta-8 is also legal in Texas, contributing to its current popularity.

CBD products are widely popular and come in many different forms, like concentrated oils, creams, tinctures and more. According to Harvard Medical School, some of the benefits of using CBD products include reductions in:

• Anxiety - The common report that CBD helps lower anxiety has prompted current studies.
• Insomnia - Studies have shown that CBD helps in the aid of sleep and staying asleep.
• Chronic Pain - Reports have shown that CBD helps control pain as well as inflammation caused by arthritis.
• Addiction - The use of CBD lowers cravings for tobacco and even heroin, under certain conditions.

If you can get past our culture's initial hesitation about the use of marijuana, CBD could be worth a try. I'm all about passing along information that may help someone. If you deal with chronic pain, visit your local CBD store and talk with the pros to find out how you can benefit.

On the other hand, if you're looking to "puff the magic dragon" in Texas, you'll have to wait till it's legal. However, there are states where recreational marijuana use has been given a green light. Scroll on to see which ones.