The explosion of cannabis-based products has hit South Africa with a bang; not only in terms of its medicinal health claims but also in the form of hemp, mainly used in textile industry, as well as new applications in the food industry.
Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant and contains CBD (Cannabidiol) but almost no THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), compared to marijuana which contains both. CBD has purported but unsubstantiated medicinal properties, and is sought after for these purported medicinal claims. THC is psychoactive, and only found in the marijuana strain of C. sativa. Levels can vary greatly. CBD on the other hand is found in both plants, but is only one of over 80 compounds. Whether CBD’s purported effects can be proven will also depend on whether the claimed health benefits are as a result of one of the compounds, or a particular mix of compounds. Read more here.