As more states begin to embrace the benefits of marijuana and its derivative products, there continues to be an accelerated curiosity from consumers. For many years, the only thing that most people knew about marijuana, was that it got you high and was illegal. While those things may still be true in some places, the benefits of marijuana are quickly starting to outshine the propagandized evils.
While some states like Colorado and California have legalized the use of recreational marijuana, most states are still attempting to legalize medical weed and other products like CBD. Over the past decades, CBD products that are made from a healing compound found in hemp and marijuana plants have exploded in popularity. As a potent anti-inflammatory, the demand for CBD products has never been higher.
With much success in sectors across the board, there are still many people who have many questions and concerns about CBD, its similarity to THC, and how it all works. While there is much information online about CBD and THC, it’s always best to talk to a legalized dealer like when you shop at The Hemp Doctor. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the key differences between CBD and THC.
What Is CBD?
The marijuana and hemp plants are close relatives that contain hundreds of cannabinoid compounds. CBD is one of these compounds that is found in both plants. It works in conjunction with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can have powerful healing properties. CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a feeling of being high.
What Is THC?
While the compound known as THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol can be found in marijuana and hemp plants, it is much more prevalent in marijuana. Hemp plants generally contain only trace amounts of THC. THC is the compound in marijuana that produces the psychoactive feeling of being high.
Chemical Structure
The similarities between CBD and THC go far beneath the surface to the molecular level. Both compounds contain 30 hydrogen atoms, two oxygen atoms, and 21 carbon atoms. The only difference between the two compounds is a slightly different molecular arrangement. Both THC and CBD are similar to the cannabinoids that are found in your body. When they interact with your endocannabinoid system they can positively affect your immune system, pain management, and stress relief.
Psychoactive Properties
CBD does have some psychoactive properties that are known to help calm stress and relieve anxiety. THC has some more well-known psychoactive properties as it binds with neuroreceptors in the brain to produce a euphoric feeling.
What Is Legal?
The short answer to the legality issues surrounding CBD and THC is that it depends on where you are and the reason they are being used. In some states, recreational marijuana containing THC has been legalized, while others have only legalized medically prescribed marijuana. In all states, CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC have been legalized for adult use only. There are still a few states where there has yet to be any legalization of CBD or THC products.
Medical Benefits
The medical benefits of CBD and THC are being studied in hundreds of academic and scientific arenas. Here are a few of the benefits that have been found.
CBD
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
- Migraines
- Seizures
THC
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasm
- Insomnia
- Low appetite
- Glaucoma
- Nausea
Side Effects
There has been some argument that prolonged use of products like marijuana containing higher levels of THC can be disruptive to mental health, especially in teens. Neither CBD or THC is fatal in larger doses. Apart from the euphoric reaction that you get from THC, there are very few side effects associated with either compound. Some of the mild side effects that you may experience include:
THC
- Coordination issues, dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, increased appetite, memory loss, slow reaction times, and anxiety.
CBD
- Weight loss, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, and appetite changes.
Drug Testing
For many people, the risk of THC or any drugs showing up in a mandatory blood test for their work is enough for them to avoid it altogether. People that are interested in taking advantage of the benefits of CBD should find a mixture that is derived from the hemp plant to reduce the amount of natural THC. Choose a product that contains a maximum of 0.3% THC which is currently the legal limit.
If you have heard about the benefits of CBD and THC but haven’t been clear about the differences, side effects, and benefits, talk to your local retailer about what products are the best match for you.
