Q: Is cannabis legal in Texas, and how?
A: While the word, cannabis, is most commonly associated with marijuana, Cannabis sativa L. is the scientific name for the flowering plant species that encompasses both varieties, marijuana and hemp, in the plant kingdom. One can think of marijuana and hemp as ‘sister’ plants. Legally, hemp refers to cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. Hemp production and consumption is federally legal as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill and also currently legal in the state of Texas.
Q: What is delta-9 THC?
A: Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most natural occurring, primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Delta-9 THC interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), leading to potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits, altered perceptions / the “high” feeling, and mood changes depending on the amount of THC consumed. Determining the right THC dosage is highly individual and depends on several factors including tolerance, metabolism, age, and desired effects. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming THC, especially if you are considering using THC for medical purposes.
Q: Do I need a medical card?
A: Texas enacted the Compassionate Use Program (CUP), which allows for the legal use of low-THC cannabis for qualifying medical conditions. Patients must obtain a prescription from a physician registered with the CUP. Then, patients can order their products through one of three currently licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Texas. These dispensaries are different from retail cannabis stores such as Emerald Organics.
Q: What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
A: The key distinction between hemp and marijuana is a legal one, based on the concentration of delta-9 THC the plant contains. Hemp, a versatile plant, widely used for commercial and industrial products for hundreds of years, a source of nutrition (hemp seeds), can also be consumed as it shares many of the same cannabinoids found in marijuana. However, the key difference lies in the concentration of these cannabinoids, particularly delta-9 THC. Hemp grows with high levels of CBD; low levels of THC. Marijuana grows with high levels of THC; low levels of CBD.
Q: What is CBD and THC?
A: Along with 100+ other minor cannabinoids, CBD and THC are the most well-known compounds found in the cannabis plant. Both THC and CBD, each with distinct properties and effects, have potential therapeutic benefits as they bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body through our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This interaction affects areas related to pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordination. THC being the primary psychoactive compound can produce a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and increased appetite. CBD is not psychoactive but is being studied for potential health benefits such as pain relief, stress and anxiety reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, and seizure reduction.
Q: Does CBD help pets?
A: Dogs and cats may find relief with the potential benefits of CBD as they, too, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) just as humans do. Separation anxiety, pain management, and stressful events such as car rides, fireworks, and thunderstorms are the most common reasons paw-rents come to us at Emerald Organics. It’s important to approach with education because the amount of milligrams we give our fur-iend depend largely on its body weight. Choosing high-quality products specifically formulated for pets along with consulting with your vet is also crucial.
Emerald Organics
Candice Stinnett
5317 Golden Triangle Blvd.Fort Worth 76244
682.593.0195
