If you seek cannabis benefits with a bit of buzz, where can you go? Some people might say shop at a dispensary. But there is an alternative for powerful cannabinoid relief with a respectable high.
Not all cannabis retailers are created equal. Shoppers have two options. Those would be CBD stores and marijuana dispensaries.
So, what difference does it make which one you buy from? Actually, quite a lot. Though there are similarities, there are also significant differences.
Medical marijuana is great for those who need stronger effects. But many folks are fine with a milder high with a spectrum of benefits. CBD stores are ideal for anyone without a med card that wants to relieve life’s stresses and pains.
Recreational weed has also taken off in recent years. But high-THC cannabis isn’t appropriate to use in all situations. Hemp, on the other hand, is an excellent source of cannabinoid and terpene goodness. And the lack of THC makes hemp-derived solutions a better fit for everyday life.
What’s the difference between products made with hemp and those made with marijuana? The answer is: not much and quite a lot. Confused? We will explain.
We will also compare and contrast CBD stores and marijuana provisioning centers. There are pluses to both to be sure. But only one is less regulated and much easier to shop from.
You should contemplate stopping at a CBD store before heading out to the dispensary. Why? We give you some good reasons.
Let’s begin by getting a little more in-depth about the different ways you can consume cannabis.
Hemp vs Marijuana
Both hemp and marijuana are the same species of plant. That plant is cannabis sativa. But, though they look very much the same, there is one area where they are decidedly dissimilar. Hemp plants have less than 0.3% THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, is the psychotropic ingredient that gets you buzzed. Weed contains up to about 34% THC. That’s the most that a cannabis plant can contain. If you want more than that then you’d have to use wax concentrates or isolate. Or you’d have to smoke more weed.
Both ganja and hemp, however, contain cannabidiol, or CBD. Plants can contain up to 20% CBD. Again, anything higher than that would come from concentrates or isolates. Or, again, users might dose more at a time.
So, both forms of cannabis have the two main cannabinoids. Marijuana is notably way more THC-heavy. Hemp contains very little THC but lots of CBD. And they both have additional cannabinoids and terpenes.
The other cannabinoids are in both forms of the plant in small amounts. A few examples are CBG, CBN, and CBC. Their effects are similar to the main two.
Terpenes give cannabis plants their taste and aroma. They also boost the effects of cannabinoids.
Altogether, the chemical compounds work together in what’s called the entourage effect. Combined, they provide the benefits that cannabis is known for. Both hemp and marijuana contain these wondrous molecules in abundance.
Oils tend to come in full and broad spectrum varieties. Full-spectrum hemp has all of the cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant. While broad-spectrum has all of the same components, but no THC.
But where can you buy products that are chock full of cannabinoids and terpenes? If you think only at a provisioning center, then you’d be mistaken.
In fact, there are numerous similarities between the two types of cannabis retailers. There are also big differences, just like there are between hemp and marijuana.
Let’s look at how they compare, then we’ll highlight the contrasts.
How are CBD Stores and Marijuana Dispensaries similar?
The obvious parallel between the two places is that they sell cannabis products. Not just leaf, but vape carts, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. So, each has a wide variety of different ways to dose.
The merchandise shops sell are invaluable aids to better mental and physical health. Further, their wares can just be enjoyed casually as well. That gives them broad appeal.
It may surprise you that you can buy goods that will give you a buzz from a hemp retailer. People expect that from pot provisioning centers. But CBD stores sell THC derivatives like delta 8. The high is milder, but you do get a little lit.
Both kinds of retailers have spread throughout the United States. As consumer interest has grown, they have multiplied. Public acceptance of medical and recreational use has grown over the years. Cannabis merchants aren’t as abundant as liquor stores, but they are gaining ground.
Suffice it to say, CBD stores and marijuana dispensaries are legal establishments. Thus, they are legitimate businesses. However, there are differences in licensing for both retailers and customers. That’s something that we will focus on below.
Now that we have an idea of how the two types of cannabis shops are alike, let’s look at their dissimilarities.
How are CBD Stores and Marijuana Dispensaries different?
THC amounts are the biggest contrast between hemp and marijuana. Likewise, THC quantity is the greatest discrepancy between CBD stores and marijuana dispensaries. Legally, CBD stores can’t carry delta 9 THC flower, vapes, or edibles over 0.3% THC. Sellers of hemp goods focus on all of the other potent cannabinoids and terpenes.
CBD stores do carry some delta 9 merchandise. For instance, hemp retailers can sell delta 9 edibles that are within legal limits. But these chews have between 5 and 160mg of delta 9 THC per edible. You can, thus, buy and have shipped THC edibles anywhere in the USA.
Even though they are legal, these weedy treats can have substantially higher in THC levels than edibles from a recreational dispensary. So, cannabis candies can be yours to enjoy cheaply, easily, and legally.
While delta 8, delta 9 and other THC derivatives do offer a slight high, most hemp products don’t get you high. Even so, they offer as potent pain and stress relief as marijuana merchandise. So, you get strong benefits without an overwhelming buzz.
Though the types of products they sell are similar, CBD stores can sell to everyone over age 18. Or over 21 years old, it depends on the location. Age requirements vary from state to state.
Many marijuana retailers require medical cards. There are recreational weed shops, also. But their focus is on high tetrahydrocannabinol levels, not cannabidiol concentration.
Hemp shops are all about cannabidiol. Even so, their THC-derived alternatives are also big sellers. It’s like having the best of both worlds.
The variety of ways to dose CBD and THC derivatives is abundant. Just like weed provisioning places, you’ll find tinctures, topicals, flower, and edibles. There are even products for pets. You’re unlikely to find pet solutions at a dispensary.
The things that set these products apart are that they are all completely legal to buy, use, and even ship. Online and offline hemp purchases can be packaged and mailed throughout the US.
Pricing is something else that makes CBD stores shine. Because they sell so much hemp merchandise, they can sell it for cheaper. Even when pot shops offer CBD goods, they are higher priced because they don’t stock or sell that much of them.
Overall, non-weed products are going to be less expensive. Marijuana merchandise prices are driven up by higher security and tracking requirements. They also must deal with waste disposal mandates and costly licensing fees. Sellers of cannabidiol and delta 8 don’t have that kind of overhead.
For storekeepers, wholesale costs make it easier to start up and keep going. And they can pass the savings on to their shoppers. So, you can get good health and psychological help on a budget.
Before we go, let’s explore why buying from hemp shops makes good sense for most cannabis consumers.
Why You should get your CBD, Delta 8 THC, and Delta 9 THC from CBD Stores
Why do people buy cannabis goods? Some to relax. Others may have chronic mental or physical maladies. Whether you are dosing for medical needs or just personal enjoyment, hemp retailers can set you up. You can get goods that will fit the bill for your own personal requirements.
Ganja and hemp have similar benefits. Both can relax your mind and restore your body. But CBD-based goods can do so without psychotropic effects. If you want a bit of buzz there is the delta family of THC derivatives that will do just that. Beyond delta 8 there’s delta 10, HHC, and more.
CBD, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, and more are what hemp retailers stock. Dispensaries may carry a few of these, but they are going to cost more.
Provisioning centers have a lot of overhead fees that up the costs of their goods. CBD stores don’t have that and thus can sell the same items at the same strengths for less. And, as noted above, they are going to have a lot more of them.
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Legality can be a concern for some people. With cannabidiol, there is no need to worry. There aren’t a lot of laws that govern hemp use. The Farm Bill of 2018 made it legal to grow and market cannabis throughout the United States. It stipulated that hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC. So, hemp-derived CBD products are federally legal. That isn’t the case with marijuana.
Neither is there the same stigma with buying and using CBD or minor cannabinoids. Marijuana is sometimes seen as something only stoners use. Hemp merchandise doesn’t have an association with getting high. Again, even delta 8 goods are mild compared to ganja products.
Quality is something else that CBD retailers can promise their patrons. Everything is carefully screened and certified by third-party labs. Though pharmacies and gas stations now sell cannabidiol oils, they could be impure. And likely they will be overpriced.
That brings us to a final point in favor of buying from a quality hemp merchant and that is pricing. They are likely to be more reasonable than anything else, even CBD from a grocery store.
An example of CBD store pricing can be found on Mass Apothecary’s website. They also recently opened a retail location.
Here are some items to give you an idea of what hemp solutions might cost. Prices will vary, so these are approximate.
- Hemplucid Vegan Water Soluble CBD Oil Tincture – USDA Organic: a 1fl oz/30ml bottle with a potency of 600mg goes for $42.90
- Grand Daddy Purple Delta 8 Vape Cartridge – a 1ml cart with a potency of 900mg is $29.99
- HH CBD and CBG Immunity Gummies – a 25mg Mixed Berry 10 pack with a potency of 25mg per gummy goes for $30.99
- CBD Cat Chews by R+R Medicinals – Feline CBD Treats 1.5mg per chew with a quantity of 100 chews is $38
So, as you can see, these hemp products are very affordable. That’s generally the case with CBD storefronts. You can expect to find a wide array of products at reasonable rates.
CBD stores pride themselves on proving quality cannabis products that people can afford. They know that hemp merchandise has made a major difference in many people’s lives.
Cannabis culture and commerce are all about deriving benefits from this amazing plant. Stores sell verified goods to the general public that are safe and effective.
Relief and enjoyment don’t have to come from a dispensary. CBD stores have products that are just as good, just less psychotropic. Their prices are low, and the quality is guaranteed.
You owe it to yourself to stop into a store like Mas Apothecary for your CBD and delta 8 needs. Your body, mind, and wallet will be glad you did!
