CBD versus THC in Louisiana

Comparing the differences between CBD versus THC in Louisiana is comparable to understanding the differences in apples and oranges. It is very important to be able to distinguish between the two because of the effects and the legality associated with each. Both CBD and THC are naturally produced chemical compounds of the cannabis plant and are defined as cannabinoids. Of the 400 chemical compounds produced by cannabis, only 113 are cannabinoids that have physical and psychoactive effects on the human body. For additional information on CBD and its effects reach out to the experts at Purlife of Louisiana.     

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol makes up 40% of the extract from cannabis and has therapeutic and medicinal effects that are non-intoxicating. Research has shown that there are potential health benefits linked to CBD for specific conditions. The latter of which includes, epilepsy and other seizure disorders; mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis; as well as pain relief. 

What is THC? 

On the other end of the spectrum falls the cannabinoid known as THC which produces marijuana’s intoxicating effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine, creating euphoria the effects of which last about two hours, and kick in on average between 10 to 30 minutes after ingestion. It also interferes with how the brain processes information in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories. These psychoactive properties and how they impair motor function are largely the most distinguishing features when comparing THC to CBD.  

CBD Laws in Louisiana

In early 2019, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) started informing Louisiana business owners selling various CBD products and oils that what they were doing was illegal under state law. At the time Louisiana laws simply lumped all forms of the cannabis plant together as a single illegal substance. This all changed in June 2019 when Governor John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 491 into law in the state of Louisiana. To date, this is the most important piece of legislation related to the CBD  industry in Louisiana. HB 491 explicitly defines and legalizes CBD and a variety of products in the pelican state with the exception of alcohol-containing CBD, Inhalables, food products that contain CBD, food additives, and dietary supplements. It also lays out specifically which CBD products are allowed in the state, and regulates and outlines measures related to cultivation, production, labeling, distribution, and retail. For the most part, this bill brought Louisiana state law into alignment with the federal standards. The most important rules established in HB 491 include:

• • Hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC are legal in Louisiana.
• • Products derived from legal hemp plants such as CBD oil and other hemp CBD products are also legal in the state.
• • The bulk of the jurisdiction goes to the ATC
• • The ATC now oversees CBD in much the same way it manages alcohol and tobacco sales in the state.
• • To sell hemp-derived CBD products, a retailer must first be licensed by the ATC.
• • Cultivators and producers must meet new labeling requirements, geared primarily toward providing proof that the products have been tested for allowable levels of THC.

You’ve Got A Friend At Purlife of Louisiana

Keeping our fellow Louisianaian’s and state medical practitioners informed about CBD health benefits and laws are in large why Purlife of Louisiana was created. It is important for the public to understand the difference in CBD versus THC in Louisiana in order to stay educated on the industry and its positive economic impacts. If you need professional advice on how various CBD products can specifically benefit a variety of your health needs then you’ve got friends in the CBD experts at Purlife. You can view and purchase our various products by visiting our online store or feel free to drop by our pharmacy located at 111 McMillan Road in West Monroe. Don’t forget you can submit any inquiries via email at info@purlifelouisiana.com or drop us a line at 318.855.3373 to answer any specific product questions you might have. Remember PurLife is your one-stop-shop for all things CBD in the pelican state!