Do you want to start using cannabis products, but you do not know which one suits your needs? Most people get confused when they have to choose between Cannabidiol and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is because these products are similar even though they have differences.
THC products and CBD are all derived from cannabis, a plant that is fast growing in popularity. These products’ health effects and benefits have also come under intense research, and more people are using them. For example, most states have legalized them for medical and recreational use.
As marijuana products grow in popularity, they will likely be legalized in many other countries. People have the choice of consuming pure CBD and THC or combining them with other ingredients. Knowing the difference between THC and CBD makes it easy for you to understand their potential benefits and side effects.
Please continue reading to find out why these products are distinct even though they come from the same plant.
Understanding CBD
CBD refers to Cannabidiol, the second most prevalent chemical compound in the cannabis industry. It has been in use since the 1940s, even though the discoverers did not know the power that it has when treating various conditions. Nowadays, it is a popular product worldwide as more people discover how to use it to make themselves more comfortable.
This chemical compound can either come from hemp or marijuana. There is a slight difference in the CBD that comes from the two sources. For example, the one sourced from hemp may only have traces of THC, while the one from marijuana has more of it.
CBD Crude Oil
What is CBD crude oil? The crude oil is the rawest form of this product, and it is the one used to create other variations. It is extracted directly from hemp or marijuana using various techniques. Lately, some companies have been using technology to make the extraction process more effective.
This oil contains significant amounts of fats, lipids, and waxes, making it the best for topical formulations. It can also be refined into an isolate or distillate for the easier formulation of various products. That is why you can find lots of products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, vapors, and many more.
What Is THC?
THC is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the most psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that THC leads to dopamine release, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood changes. It also controls how a person perceives and enjoys pleasure.
The release of dopamine means that there is more than average content, and therefore, the consumer may experience a feeling of euphoria. It’s mainly consumed through smoking, but people have found other ways of taking it. For instance, you can find it in capsules, oils, and edibles.
The Key Differences Between THC Products and CBD
Both CBD and THC affect the system that maintains homeostasis in the body, and this is why they also affect things like memory, sleep, mood, appetite, and fertility. However, although they affect the same system, they have fundamental differences – especially their effects on the user. For example, although THC is psychoactive, CBD is not.
Another difference is that THC is sourced from marijuana while CBD is mainly sourced from hemp. From these differences, it is clear that persons who consume THC are likely to get high, while those who use CBD will not. Products that consume the two ingredients are also used to manage different conditions.
The Chemical Structures of CBD and THC
CBD and THC all have a chemical structure that resembles that of the natural endocannabinoids found in the body. These are neurotransmitters that work in the brain to determine various actions.
In addition, these neurotransmitters act as natural messengers, which the body uses to send signals between two or more nerve cells. That is how they play an essential role in determining how a person sleeps, behaves, appetite, and many other things.
The molecular structure of these products is the same too, which is why they affect the same body systems. However, there is a big difference in how these molecules are arranged, so they have different effects. They all work by binding with receptors to cause a particular effect.
The Benefits of CBD and THC
Being a non-psychoactive product, CBD is often used widely without any worry about its effect. It has been used in the United States and other countries to control various conditions after scientists discovered its potential benefits. Some of the conditions that it can help manage include the following:
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Migraines
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
On the other hand, effects of THC can help to manage several diseases. It is usually administered as medical marijuana, but it can also come in other forms. For example, it is widely used for recreation and can also be helpful for the following conditions:
- Pain caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches
- Glaucoma
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Poor appetite
Several food products containing CBD and THC have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, even though cannabis has not been approved to treat any disease in the U.S.
The Legality of CBD and THC
Under the U.S. Federal Law, marijuana and THC are included in the list of controlled substances. However, various states have made it easy for people to access these products by enacting separate laws. For instance, some states enacted laws that allow people to consume them for medical and recreational purposes.
Washington DC has a law that requires consumers of marijuana and THC to seek a prescription from doctors before using them. This shows the variety of requirements that various states have put in place. However, what is apparent is that these products are becoming more popular, and the laws are likely to change.
As for CBD, it is legal when sold in certain forms in most states. However, the details of the laws allowing their consumption vary from one state to another, and so you have to be aware of this before seeking them. It is more important when you are moving from one state to another because these laws change rapidly.
Consuming CBD and THC
Before you think about consuming any cannabis product, you should know how to take each type. This is because these products come in various forms. For instance, you do not use CBD oils the same way you use tinctures, sprays, or vape products.
You can know the best way of consuming any of these products by checking if there are any dangers related to them. You also need to look at your situation because you do not have to force yourself on something that makes you uncomfortable. However, it would be best if you did not worry because regardless of your preferences, you will always find something that suits you.
Lotions and Salves
You may want to know that you do not have to ingest or inhale these products to get the best results. If you are not comfortable with that, you can have them applied to your skin. Manufacturers are coming up with creative ways such as lotions and sales, which you can use the same way you consume the ordinary ones.
When you choose lotions and salves, you should check if your skin reacts to them. People with allergies and other conditions may experience rashes, itchiness, or other effects when consuming these products. You may also want to try several brands to see if the problem is with all of them.
Edible CBD Products
Are you the kind who likes candy, beverages, or other items you can buy from the local store? What if you found out that you can consume CBD the same way? You can indeed consume edible CBD and THC by buying food items prepared using them.
If you look at the list of products available in the stores, you will notice that the number of those that have cannabis is growing. It has been made even more prevalent by the acceptance of CBD by various groups of people. Because of that, you should not be ashamed of buying a drink that is labeled as containing these ingredients.
Your choice between CBD and THC should depend on what you want to achieve. Think about the conditions that led you to search for these products and buy the one meant for that purpose. You may also use all of them too if you want to manage multiple health conditions.
Get CBD and THC From a Reliable Retailer
If you choose to take CBD and THC products, ensure that you get them from a reliable retailer to avoid getting into apparent problems. You may want to buy them online or from a local retailer. Regardless of how you get them, the most important thing is to get high-quality CBD and THC products.
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