CBD vs. THC vs. Hemp

CBD vs. THC vs. Hemp

As the legal use of cannabis and other marijuana products increases, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in their choices. The two natural substances found in the marijuana plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD extracts come from cannabis or hemp. Hemp plants are cannabis herbs with less than 0.3% THC, and marijuana plants are cannabis plants with higher THC levels.CBD is marketed in the form of gels, gummies, oils, and extracts. THC is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, which makes you feel high. It can also take the form of oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, etc.

Both compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body, but their effects are very different. Although they may have a great deal in common, they have some essential differences that determine usage. Read on to find out more about these compounds.

CBD vs.. THC: Chemical Composition

The molecular structure of both CBD and THC is the same: 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms. The different impacts on your body are a small difference in the structure of their atoms. CBD and THC are chemically similar to the endocannabinoids of your body, enabling them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.

The activity influences the release of neurotransmitters into your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay the message between the cells and have a role in the pain, immune function, stress, sleep, and many others.

CBD vs. THC: Psychoactive components

Although the CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, they do not have the same psychoactive effects, and indeed, CBD is a nonpsychoactive compound. THC binds to brain receptors of cannabis 1 (CB1). It creates a high or euphoric sense. CBD binds to CB1 receptors very weakly.

CBD vs. THC: Legality

Cannabis laws evolve regularly in the United States. Marijuana and THC are on the list of substances controlled by the federal law and are therefore prohibited. Many states, including Washington, D.C., have however, enacted laws related to cannabis, making it legal for medical marijuana with high THC levels to be prescribed by a licensed doctor.

Moreover, several states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana and THC. You should be able to buy CBD in States where marijuana is legal for leisure or medical purposes. Get information on the laws of your state before you try to purchase CBD or THC products. You might be subject to legal sanctions if you own cannabis-related products in a country where they are illegal or do not have a medical prescription in jurisdictions where medical cannabis products are lawful.

CBD vs. THC: Medical benefits

CBD and THC have many of the same health benefits. They may help with many similar conditions. CBD, however, does not cause the euphoric effects of THC. Due to the absence of this side effect, some people may prefer using CBD.

In June 2018, Epidiolex was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as the first CBD prescription drug used for the treatment of rare, severe epilepsy forms. CBD is used to help in different conditions, for example:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Seizures
• Psychiatric pain or psychotic mental disorders
• Migraines
• nausea

THC is used to aid with the following conditions:

• Pain
• Muscle spasticity
• Glaucoma
• Sleeplessness
• Low appetite
• Anxiety
• Nausea

CBD vs. THC: Side effects

Even in large doses, CBD is well tolerated Research Sources suggests that any side effects that arise with the use of CBD are likely the result of drug-to-drug reactions with CBD and other medications that you may take.

THC induces acute side effects like

• higher heart rate
• issues with balance
• dry mouth
• red eyes
• poor response speeds
• loss of memory

These side effects are part of the psychoactive properties of the drug. Neither compounds are lethal. Excessive use of THC may, however, be linked to long-term psychiatric adverse effects, particularly with teens who use large amounts of THC. For adolescents, the impact on the brain is profound. The use of this substance increases the risk of certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.

CBD vs THC: Drug testing

Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are stored in the body’s fat and may appear several days or weeks after use in drug tests. Not all drug tests can detect CBD, but there are also available CBD-sensitive tests. Most of the standard tests on Cannabis-related drugs are checked so that THC or the use of marijuana can be shown in the tests. Hemp may also contain some of the THC beside CBD so that even if you haven’t used it, a test could be positive for THC.

Note: CBD and THC, the two most prominent cannabinoids, are produced by both marijuana and the hemp. Marijuana, though, has higher levels of THC. Hemp contains high CBD. CBD oil may contain a small amount of THC because it’s present on the hemp plant. CBD can only have 0.3% THC permissible at the federal level. The average marijuana strain today is approximately 12% THC.

Takeaway

• CBD and THC offer medical benefits. Both are deemed safe, but consider the possibility of side effects and reactions with other drugs you use. If you have concerns, contact your doctor.
• CBD may be extracted either from hemp or from marijuana (cannabis plants containing less than 0.3 percent THC) or from cannabis plants of higher THC levels.
• CBD is not detected in hemp products. However, hemp may contain THC trace amounts. THC may produce positive drug testing at high levels.