CBD vs THC: What is Different?

The debate between THC vs CBD has been on-going ever since the beginning of the cannabis industry. These two are undoubtedly the most popular substances that can be extracted from cannabis plants. So much so that the CBD vs THC debate has evolved into determining which substance for pain management works best.

When it comes to this ever-popular THC vs CBD debate, the truth is that the best boils down to one’s own personal preference for the best CBD products. There’s no doubt that each substance comes with its own pros and cons.

To make your stand in the whole THC vs CBD debate easier, we’ve researched for you to come up with this informative article below. Ultimately, these two all-natural health supplements can supposedly bring about unlimited health benefits to the body’s built-in endocannabinoid system.

What is CBD

Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is an all-natural chemical that comes from cannabis plants. People have used this substance in ancient medicine because of its supposed health benefits.

The same cannabis extract is now a common ingredient in many health and wellness supplements today. Nowadays, one can easily find cannabidiol in the form of teas, tinctures, edibles, gummies, capsules, and topical products!

The side effects of using cannabidiol products like CBD oil do not include any psychoactive or psychiatric effects. Rather, the cannabidiol may provide more calming and relaxing effects considering it can sometimes have trace amounts of THC.

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What is THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another chemical component that comes from the cannabis plant. Unlike cannabidiol, THC adheres better to cannabinoid receptors, specifically the CB1 receptors in the brain.

This means that when high THC levels inhibit the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it can produce a feeling of euphoria. This is also what many cannabis users describe as a “high.” This characteristic of THC is what makes the substance infamous for its possibly psychoactive effects.

However, when combined in small doses with a high CBD content, it can produce a phenomenon called the Entourage Effect. The Entourage Effect works by creating a natural balance and harmony within the body’s built-in endocannabinoid system (ECS). This way, it may target several symptoms all at once.

One could presumably do away with multiple over-the-counter medications that are filled with chemicals. Instead, they may opt to take the more natural route with full-spectrum CBD oil.

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CBD vs THC: Differences Explained

The THC vs CBD debate could go on endlessly. Although both chemical substances are similar in many ways, they have a few key differences.

Many know cannabidiol for its non-psychoactive side effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol, on the other hand, is notorious for its intoxicating effects.

This is why many laws still consider THC as a controlled substance in the United States. In fact, the 2018 Farm Bill has placed a set legal limit for THC. This limit is set at 0.3% THC. Any cannabis product with no more than 0.3% of THC is considered a hemp plant product.

Though both substances are non-lethal, high doses of CBD don’t get users high. However, THC could make one feel agitated, irritable, or anxious when consumers take excessive amounts. The perfect dosage of either compound differs from person to person. Many factors, including one’s weight, health concerns, and tolerance to medical marijuana, affect the outcome.

Before integrating CBD oil or any other cannabis product into your lifestyle, consult with your regular health care provider.

Read More: Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD

Chemical Composition

A big similarity between CBD and THC is that both substances share the same chemical composition. Each of these two cannabis extracts has 30 hydrogen atoms, 31 carbon atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

The difference lies in the sequencing of these atoms. This difference in sequencing is what contributes to each chemical substance’s effects on one’s body.

THC’s chemical composition is structured makes it easier for the substance to inhibit the brain’s chemical receptors momentarily. This is not the case for CBD.

This is why CBD products only have calming side effects and no psychoactive effects whatsoever, regardless of the amount one consumes.

Read More: CBD NEAR ME

Effects on the Body

Users are meant to take these two natural health supplements like health and wellness products. They are by no means formulated or marketed to act as magical cure-alls for any disease.

The debate on CBD versus THC for pain management may go on forever. Nevertheless, it’s important to know that both substances. When combined, it may potentially alleviate symptoms of a handful of ailments.

However, the entire cannabis market has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) except for one drug, Epidiolex, used for epilepsy. To date, the whole industry remains unchecked.

Sadly, this means that there are a good number of scammers out there. To avoid this sticky situation, be on the lookout for products that have been third-lab party-tested. Third-lab party-testing is a good measure of high-quality and authentic cannabis products.

In general, third-lab party-testing is an immensely costly and voluntary process. Only the best CBD producers opt to go through this process for their own customers’ peace of mind. The benefits of CBD are shown from a multitude of happy customers, claiming it helps with insomnia, appetite, and even seizures.

Related Article: Does CBD Oil Get You High?

Legal Status

The United States does not currently have a single federal law that legalizes or prohibits the use of all cannabis products. Consequently, the status of CBD and THC’s legality varies greatly from state to state. Each state takes its own state laws and federal laws, like the 2018 Farm Bill, into account.

This means that both federal and state laws are constantly at play in determining whether recreational marijuana and medical marijuana will be made legal within the state.

As of 2020, 11 states across the country have already legalized recreational marijuana and medical marijuana use. In these states, all legal adults who are at least 21 years old can easily purchase any cannabis product, provided that they have a valid ID.

Typically, most recreational dispensaries will accept a passport or even an out-of-state driver’s license, so long as they’re valid. The 11 states include California, Oregon, and Michigan.

Another 33 states have legalized only the use of medical marijuana. In these states, access to the medicinal plant is still minimal. Usually, one would need a valid medical marijuana ID card along with a doctor’s prescription.

Related Article: Is CBD Oil Legal?

Drug Testing

Most employees know that it’s not uncommon for companies to perform mandatory drug tests from time to time. These drug tests are usually looking for traces of THC, not CBD. This is because THC is notorious for its intoxication effects.

That being said, most employees are understandably wary about consuming any cannabis product with THC content, regardless of how minuscule the amount.

In this case, the CBD oil vs THC debate has a clear winner.

Admittedly, THC in small amounts is beneficial because of the possible Entourage Effect. However, using full-spectrum CBD oil is not the only way one can experience the Entourage Effect. Broad-spectrum products, which are completely THC free, can trigger the Entourage Effect as well.

The only downside to broad-spectrum products is that they are not as widely available as full-spectrum products. Since the entire cannabis industry remains unchecked, It’s best to directly buy all your cannabis products from the best cannabis producers to avoid scammers entirely.

Related Article: Hemp vs. Marijuana

CBD vs THC FAQs

• What is THC?

THC is one of the many all-natural components of a cannabis plant. In excess amounts, THC can have psychoactive side effects.

It is most popularly known for inducing a “high” experienced by many recreational cannabis enthusiasts. However, its legal limit is set at 0.3%

• What relieves pain better, CBD vs. THC?

Both CBD and THC may provide effects for pain relief and pain management. Each of these natural substances has its own list of pros and cons.

At the end of the day, determining the best between them, all boils down to the user’s personal preference.

• What is contained in CBD and THC?

Many terpenes and cannabinoids are found within both CBD and THC. These components contain benefits.

Although THC pairs better to the CB1 receptors of the brain, CB1 can produce a feeling of euphoria or a feeling of a “high.” CBD does not inhibit the chemical receptors in the brain.

• Are CBD and THC legal in the US?

In the United States, there’s no one federal law that explicitly prohibits or allows the use of cannabis products. CBD and THC are legal in some states.

To date, 11 states have legalized and decriminalized the use of both substances. 33 other states have legalized only the use of medical cannabis.

• Which is better for anxiety, CBD or THC?

When it comes to the THC vs CBD debate, high-CBD cannabis products generally work better for people with anxiety.

The possibly intoxicating effects of THC may trigger a counterproductive response from those who already suffer from anxiety. CBD, on the other hand, has more calming side effects.

• In which states are CBD and THC banned?

CBD and THC are still banned in a handful of states across the country. Absolutely no form of cannabis product, CBD oil or otherwise, is allowed.

These states observe rather rigid laws when it comes to the legality of all cannabis products.

Updated on December 16, 2020