CBD Cannabis Legal Status

The difference between CBD cannabis, hemp, and marijuana comes down entirely to their THC content and federal legal status.

Since 2018, CBD cannabis and hemp have been legal federally while marijuana remains illegal.

How can the same species and genus of plant be illegal and legal federally at the same time?

According to federal law, it all comes down to the THC content of the plant.  (1)

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol.

THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the euphoric effect of marijuana.

THC is a cannabinoid naturally created by the cannabis plant.

THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets people”high.” (2)

Federal law says that any cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC content is hemp (CBD cannabis) and not “marijuana.”

On the other hand, any plant with more than the allowable limit of 0.3% THC is marijuana and a schedule 1 controlled substance regulated by the DEA. (3)

That’s it.  

That’s the only difference between marijuana and CBD cannabis and hemp — the THC content of any given plant.

THC content is the only difference between legal hemp (CBD cannabis) and federally illegal marijuana.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp is—of course—a great thing.

It means we can enjoy the significant body and mood-altering effects of all the other great cannabinoids, like CBD, CBN, and CBG.

Let’s find out about some of the best CBD cannabis strains for feeling good and keeping a clear head.

CBD Cannabis Strains

The CBD cannabis strains below contain cannabinoid and terpene profiles that help with:

• anxiety 
• relaxation
• depression
• pain

Other CBD cannabis strains in this list help with:

• inflammation
• recovery
• sleep.

And still, other CBD cannabis strains in this list have cannabinoid profiles that alter mood and uplift.

The great thing about CBD cannabis strains is you keep a clear head while positively affecting your health and mood. (4)

CBD cannabis lets you go about your day receiving cannabinoid benefits but without the impairment of THC laden marijuana.

Access to CBD cannabis strains is changing many lives for the better.

Let’s find out what these important CBD cannabis strains have to offer you…

Elektra Haze Genetic Lineage

Elektra is a cross between ERB and ACDC.

It was originally bred in southern Oregon near Ashland.

The cannabis growing region in southwest Oregon is one of the most beautiful areas on the west coast.

It’s populated by legendary pioneers of the cannabis business and legendary trees.

Tons of sun and a mild climate make it perfect for growing gigantic cannabis plants.

When To Enjoy Elektra Haze

Elektra is perhaps most appreciated at the tail end of a busy day.

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this CBD cannabis strain while the sun is still high in the sky.

Stress and anxiety during your workday threatening to get the best of you?

Elektra can settle you down midday, too.

When and where you need it, Elektra Haze can do the job and keep you productive.

Pinene Terpenes For Anxiety

Elektra has a terpene profile high in pinene.

Pinene has a resinous scent similar to pine trees.

Pinene and CBD have a powerful and complementary entourage effect that research shows may be particularly beneficial for anxiety.

Pinene is especially good for hard to treat pain and symptoms of inflammation.

Pinene can act as a bronchodilator for constricted airways and may even have antitumor benefits. (5)(6)

The 2019 study below has ‘high’ praise for the health benefits of Pinene.

Myrcene For Pain Relief

Elektra Haze’s terpene profile high in the terpene myrcene.

Myrcene has a fruity smell and is found abundant quantities in mango.

Myrcene has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine for its pain-relieving and relaxing effects.

Elektra Haze Bud Characteristics

Elektra Haze nugs are usually dark green with orange pistils (hairs).

The buds should be dense to the touch and full in shape.

Charlotte’s Web Health Benefits

This storied CBd cannabis strain delivered the good news about the health benefits of CBD for Epilepsy.

Charlotte’s Web has wide-ranging benefits well beyond helping children with epilepsy. (7)

People turn to Charlotte’s Web for:

• its calming effects
• added focus
• inflammation
• recovery (post-work-out)

This makes Charlotte’s Web a particularly good strain for those who push the limits of their active lifestyle.

Uplift Mood And Boost Creativity

Consumers love this strain for its pleasant effect on the mind and body.

Charlotte’s Web can lift you when you’re down.

It can even spur creativity.

The source of its effects is no secret.

Its benefits come directly from its diverse cannabinoid profile.

Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG mimic the natural signaling agents that control a vital system in your body.

That system is called the endocannabinoid system. (8)

Endocannabinoid System

Your endocannabinoid system affects everything from metabolism to emotional balance.  (9)(10)

Interested in more in-depth look at the endocannabinoid system and CBD’s effects?  Check out this beginner’s guide to CBD.

Your endocannabinoid system maintains regulatory chemical balance (homeostasis) in your body and brain. (11)

The endocannabinoid system uses cannabinoids to regulate this balance.

The endocannabinoid system is the key to why CBD cannabis has such powerful effects.

CBD and other cannabinoid compounds actually help to restore chemical balance to your body and mind.

Cannabis cannabinoids mimic the natural endogenous cannabinoids that your body makes.

Your body uses these cannabinoids (like CBD) to send signals throughout your greater endocannabinoid system.

Each cannabis strain has a different cannabinoid profile.

That profile, in turn, affects your endocannabinoid system differently.

That is the reason for different strains have either uplifting or depressive effects, energizing or relaxing effects.

Each strain has a different cannabinoid profile.

Cannabis is a truly amazing plant and Charlotte’s Web is an outstanding CBD strain.

Charlotte’s Web Terpene Profile

Charlotte’s Web is high in the terpene myrcene which contributes to its calming and focusing effects.

Myrcene gives the strain a mildly fruity scent.

Charlotte’s Web’s otherwise “piney” bouquet comes from its high pinene terpene content.

This strains high pinene content coupled with CW’s unique cannabinoid profile may account for the increased creativity some experience after smoking.

Caryophyllene Pain Relief

The terpene caryophyllene is also present in significant quantities in this CBD cannabis strain.

Caryophyllene has some of the most exciting benefits of any terpene for pain relief.

Caryophyllene is especially good at helping hard to treat pain.

Additionally, caryophyllene may have significant anti-cancer benefits, according to a 2016 study in the journal Cancer Medicine. (12)

Caryophyllene is especially good at treating chronic pain when consumed in combination with cannabidiol (CBD).

Given caryophyllene’s good safety profile and low risk of adverse effects, it may be an excellent therapy for hard to treat pain according to a 2013 study. (13)

Charlotte’s Web Bud Characteristics

Charlotte’s Web buds should be full and dense with few pistils and less noticeable trichome glands.

The bud is generally olive-colored with long tapering flowers.

Charlotte Web’s Sativa heritage is noticeable in its appearance.

Suver Haze Genetic Lineage

Suver Haze was developed in the cannabis growing region of southern Oregon.

This Sativa dominant strain was bred by crossing Neville’s Haze with Krishna’s Special Sauce (two CBD favorites).

Today, Suver Haze is one of the most popular high CBD cannabis strains grown.

Quality Suver Haze flower consistently tests around 17% CBD content.

Suver Haze Social Anxiety Benefits

Suver Haze is prized for both its Sativa-like energizing effects and its anxiety-easing characteristics.

Suver Haze is the ultimate social CBD strain.

Its high CBD cannabinoid profile may even help relieve social anxiety in those who are predisposed. (14)

In a 2019 study, a repeated dose of 300mg oral cannabidiol was shown to significantly decrease social anxiety and avoidant personality disorder. (15)

Suver Haze Terpene Profile

Suver Haze’s terpene profile is high in caryophyllene, myrcene, and the terpene farnesene.

Among other benefits, caryophyllene has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful for neuropathic pain. (16)

According to a 2017 study, caryophyllene’s anti-inflammatory benefits may provide some protection from the neurodegenerative disease Multiple Sclerosis. (17)

The terpene myrcene has muscle-relaxing, sedative, and anti-inflammatory benefits as well. (18)

Farnesene, a terpene also found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and may have anti-spasmatic effects.

Those with lower back pain and muscle spasms may appreciate the relatively high levels of farnesene in Suver Haze.

Struggle with hard to treat pain? Check out the guide to CBD pain relief.

Suver Haze Bud Characteristics

Suver Haze has a piney and sweet fruit aroma.

Its appealing aroma is likely due to its myrcene and pinene content.

Buds should be olive green with deep orange hairs or pistils.

Bud shape should be full with noticeable trichomes visible.

Ringo’s Gift Genetic Heritage

Lawrence Ringo of the Southern Humboldt Seed Collective developed Ringo’s Gift for medicinal purposes.

Ringo’s Gift is a cross between Harle-Tsu and ACDC CBD cannabis strains.

Ringo’s Gift rings in around 14-18% CBD content in quality flower. 

Ringo’s Gift Terpene Profile

Ringo’s Gift has a full-bodied terpene profile high in pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene.

Pinene is a terpene known for its pain-relieving analgesic properties. (19)

For centuries, Myrcene has been used in indigenous medical systems for pain management. (20)

According to a 2019 study, myrcene appears to activate the same pain-relieving receptors in the nervous system as opioids, but to a much lesser degree.

Caryophyllene, another terpene found in Ringo’s Gift, has neuroprotective effects that may help slow brain aging. (21)

Terpene Entourage Effect

Expect a strong entourage effect from the terpenes myrcene and caryophyllene.

The entourage effect is a complimentary reaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that extends and strengthens the beneficial effects of both compounds. (22)

Ringo’s Gift’s terpene and cannabinoid formulation lend itself to relaxation without exhausting daytime motivation.

A perfect strain for productive relaxation.

Thank you, Lawrence Ringo.

Bud Characteristics

Ringo’s Gift has a piney aroma with a touch of citrus and spice.

Ringo’s Gift nugs should be light green with brown pistils (hairs).

Buds should be full and dense.

When to Enjoy Sweet And Sour Widow

Sweet And Sour Widow is your go-to strain if slowing down at the end of the night and preparing for sleep is difficult for you.

This strain quiets anxieties, slows the mind, and relieves the body.

Sweet and Sour Widow comes on with a slow and evolving gentleness.

Sometimes you’re only aware of its effects after you wake up the next morning fully rested.

Interested in the science and studies behind CBD benefits for sleep?  Check out this guide to CBD’s sleep benefits.

Sweet And Sour Widow Genetic Lineage

Sweet and Sour Widow is an indica dominant hybrid strain.

Its genetics are 70/30 Indica/Sativa.

Sativas are thought to be uplifting and energizing.

Indicas are thought to be more hypnotic.

Sweet And Sour Widow bends toward the hypnotic. 

It’ll take your mind and body — deeper and further.

Deeper and further, hopefully, until it finishes by unraveling into distinct revelations of comfort.  

That’s good Widow…

Sativas and Indicas not only have different chemical compositions but they grow differently.

In terms of morphology or growing form, Indicas and Sativas are easily told apart.

Most hemp strains are hybrids with varying dominant qualities inherited from either their Indica or Sativa lineage.

Sweet and Sour Widow is a hybrid cross between the famed White Widow strain known for its resinous coating of white trichomes and a Sativa of unknown lineage.

Terpene Profile

Sweet and Sour Widow has a sugary and fruit-laced scent due to abundant quantities of the terpene myrcene.

Myrcene and its relationship with anxiety relief are complex.

Myrcene appears to have strong anxiety-relieving effects on some individuals while having only minor effects on others.

This may be due to the accompanying cannabinoid profile in a specific CBD strain.

In a 2018 study based on interviews with medical cannabis patients, strains with high levels of myrcene were rated by some participants to have the highest anti-anxiety effects while other participants rated the same strains as having the least anti-anxiety effects.  (24)

If you’re inclined to anxiety?

Want to avoid terpenes that have anxiety-causing effects (anxiogenic effects)? 

Then stay clear of strains with the terpene guaiol. 

The terpene Guaiol has been shown to have anxiety-causing effects.

Sweet And Sour Widow Bud Characteristics

Sweet and Sour Widow should be dark green with a thick coating of trichomes (crystals), a trait inherited from its White Widow lineage.

Buds should be full and dense.

Harle-Tsu CBD Motivation Benefits

With almost no psychoactive cannabinoids, Harle-Tsu is a day-time-at-work-and-make’in-it-happen kinda bud.

Harle-Tsu keeps your head clear and in task-oriented mode.

The endocannabinoid system or ECS (a part of your central nervous system) has modulating effects on emotional balance and task motivation. (25)

CBD affects the endocannabinoid system by mimicking an ECS signaling compound that your body already makes.

Your body naturally makes this signaling compound as part of its mechanism for keeping your cognitive, emotional, and physical functions in balance.

In fact, CBD’s ability to mimic important compounds made by your body is the key to its health and mood benefits.

CBD affects your body’s endocannabinoid system which, in turn, affects your other natural systems for self-regulation.

As part of this interaction, CBD appears to be able to adjust your emotional balance and even influence your motivation to complete tasks. (26)

Cool stuff, right?

Harle-Tsu Pain Benefits

Does pain start first thing in the morning for you?  Try some Harle-Tsu for relief.

Harle-Tsu’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles are especially helpful for muscle pains and post-workout. 

This is due to the high content of the terpene caryophyllene.

Harle-Tsu Genetics

Harle-Tsu is a cross between Harlequin and Sour Tsunami CBD cannabis strains.

This hybrid was bred in northern California by the Southern Humboldt Seed Collective.

Its genetic heritage is indica heavy with a herbal, fruity, and piney scent.

Harle-Tsu Terpene Profile

Harle-Tsu’s terpene profile is laden on myrcene and caryophyllene.

This terpene combination gives the strain its unique herbal and fruity aroma.

Harle-Tsu Taste

If you’re smoking flower or dabbing a live rosin concentrate, then Harle-Tsu should be on your list of must-taste chemovars.

It’s easily one of the best-tasting CBD strains around.

Harle-Tsu extracts like wax, but especially live rosin, preserve this flower’s subtle flavor notes with surprising delicacy.

 As I think you can tell, this is one of my favorite CBD cannabis strains to press into rosin.

Harle-Tsu Bud Characteristics

Harle-Tsu buds are light green with brown pistils (hairs).

Expect to see fewer trichomes on the buds than you would with some other chemovars.

If you have a particularly busy work week, know that you can rely on Harle-Tsu.

It’s the kind of chemovar that will take care of you on back to back joints while never knocking you down a step.

Charlotte’s Cherries Genetic Lineage

Charlotte’s Cherries marries the cannabinoid profile of Charlotte’s Web with the superior taste of Colorado Cherries.

Its Sativa dominant genetics make this delicious hybrid into an energizing and focus oriented workday beast.

Release Charlottes Cherries in your system and feel your energy level and creativity spike. 

Charlotte’s Cherries Terpene Profile

Charlotte’s Cherries is high in the terpenes myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.

Limonene is known for its uplifting effects on mood. (27)

When To Enjoy Charlotte’s Cherries

Charlotte’s Cherries is a Sativa dominant hybrid that is good for day time consumption.

Its uplifting and energizing effects pair well with outdoor activities and tasks that require high levels of motivation, like workouts.

Bud Characteristics

Charlotte’s Cherries nugs should be bright green with long orange hairs (pistils).

Moderate trichome coverage is indicative of quality buds.

Charlotte’s Cherries nugs should be full and moderately dense.

Harlequin Genetics

Harlequin is 3:1 Sativa dominant strain.

It was bred from multiple famed strains including Colombian Gold, Nepali Indica as well as Thai and Swiss wild strains.

When To Enjoy Harlequin

Harlequin is a great daytime CBD cannabis that will keep you clear-headed and motivated.

Harlequin’s terpene profile will help to settle, center, and strengthen your resolve against anxious feelings without slowing you down.

It’s Sativa dominant genetics are energizing and uplifting.

It’s a great strain to enjoy after lunch when you still need to push through to the finish of a productive day.

Harlequin Terpene Profile

Harlequin’s terpene profile includes some of the best terpenes available in cannabis.

Harlequin has significant quantities of the terpenes limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, and myrcene.

High limonene levels in a Sativa dominant strain produce uplifting effects.

Considerable limonene content plus Harlequin’s CBD laden cannabinoid profile work together synergistically.

Harlequin Bud Characteristics

Harlequin has a sweet and piney floral aroma due to its limonene and myrcene content.

Harlequin should be a dense bud with a light green color, dark orange pistils (hairs) and visible trichomes (crystals).

References

CBD Cannabis Strains

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