Synthetic CBD Vs Natural CBD: Let’s Compare
Written By
Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni AgarwalDr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
In recent times, CBD has gained the attention of many people seeking relief for many common health issues. CBD’s demand has risen so much that manufacturers have been producing synthetic CBD in labs. Not only does synthetic CBD fit the role, but it is also an emulation of organically produced CBD. A common comparison may arise: Synthetic CBD vs Natural CBD.
We have already discussed synthetic CBD in detail in Understanding Synthetic CBD: Explanation, Comparison, and More. Synthetic and natural CBD may sound different, but they are chemically similar. Let’s have a detailed comparison between synthetic and natural CBD. Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
Differences between natural and synthetic CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from cannabis sativa. CBD serves numerous purposes in the health and lifestyle of an individual. CBD alleviates many health issues, both mental and physical.
Synthetic CBD is produced from chemical synthesis or biological synthesis. Ingredients such as limonene, modified yeast, or bacteria are used in the production of synthetic CBD.
The production method of both natural and synthetic CBD is completely different, but it does not affect its chemical composition. Natural and synthetic CBD aree both almost chemically similar to each other.
Naturally produced CBD has naturally present compounds, such as terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. Synthetically produced CBD is made in labs to contain pure CBD molecules.
Let’s discuss in detail the usage and application of both differently produced CBDs.
Natural vs. Synthetic CBD: Usage and Application
Are you in a dilemma about choosing the type of CBD that fits best with your needs? This blog is here to sort it out. The usage and application of CBD depend on various factors, such as the type of product, the needs of the user, etc.
Naturally produced CBD is generally expensive to manufacture. But the naturally occurring compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, along with CBD, all together create an entourage effect. It is the main reason for the popularity of naturally sourced CBD.
For an increased yield of CBD, manufacturers may opt for synthetic CBD, as it is cheaper to produce. Also, for a consistent production of CBD, synthetic methods may be chosen because synthetic CBD is made in labs and it becomes easy to maintain consistency in CBD compounds.
Synthetic CBD vs Natural CBD: The Entourage Effect
CBD, along with other naturally occurring compounds such as terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids, creates the entourage effect.
Naturally derived CBD has these other naturally occurring compounds along with CBD. That’s why natural CBD is popular for creating the entourage effect.
Synthetic CBD contains pure CBD molecules and lacks all the other compounds. Thus, synthetic CBD cannot create an entourage effect.
Organic vs Synthetic CBD: Side Effects
The chemical composition of both natural and synthetic CBD is similar. The effects of both of them are also almost similar. An individual may experience natural or synthetic CBD side effects when taken, depending on various factors like dosage, type of CBD, preliminary health condition, etc. It varies from person to person. It is not always sure whether CBD will cause side effects in a person or not.
Conclusion
While natural and synthetic CBD may sound different, they are almost similar in terms of chemical composition, benefits, and side effects. The factors where these differ from each other are production method, usage and application, and production efficiency.
Synthetic CBD is cost-effective and consistent to produce. It contains pure CBD molecules with no other naturally occurring compounds. Naturally produced CBD is popular for creating the entourage effect because all the naturally occurring compounds, such as terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids, along with CBD, are present in it. Both natural and synthetic CBD have different uses. Therefore, it depends on the needs and usage of the person, which may vary from person to person. However, it is always advisable to consult a medical professional before choosing or taking any kind of medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of CBD creates the entourage effect?
Naturally derived CBD has other naturally occurring compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Together, these compounds create the entourage effect. Synthetic CBD lacks the other compounds. Thus, synthetic CBD cannot create an entourage effect.
How do I know if CBD is synthetic?
Natural CBD is derived from plants, whereas synthetic CBD is produced in labs. Checking the ingredients or reading the product label may help.