CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference and What to Choose Depending on Your Needs

CBD is found in some amount in all cannabis plants. This means that it can be derived from either hemp or marijuana. Hemp is very similar to its cousin marijuana, which is known for getting people high. This leads to a lot of confusion between the two plants, with some thinking that CBD is a compound that gets you high, but this is not the case.

The substance that does get people high is THC.  Although CBD doesn’t get you high, however, many people still use the compound as a supplement. Here we take a closer look at the differences between them.

CBD vs. THC: Chemical Structure

The two compounds are both types of cannabinoids that are very similar to each other in terms of chemical structure. Both compounds are made from 2 oxygen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms, and both weigh exactly the same. Where the two compounds do differ is in the way their atoms are arranged, and this difference means the compounds interact with the body in different ways.

CBD, like THC, is classified as psychoactive, which means it alters a person’s mental state by affecting their nervous system and brain. The compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate our mood and some other bodily functions including the immune system. The endocannabinoid system has two types of receptors that we know of which are known as the CB1, and CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors are found in various places in the body, while CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain.

The structure of THC allows it to interact with the CB1 receptors, causing the high sensation that people experience when using marijuana. CBD’s structure, however, only allows it to interact with the CB2 receptors – which are not located in the brain. Thus, CBD doesn’t cause the same high the THC does.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of CBD?

The CB2 receptors that CBD can interact with help to regulate things like our mood, and the immune system. This interaction means that CBD has the potential to provide a range of health benefits to its users. These benefits include helping people to manage the day to day stresses that life causes us*, and helping to manage inflammation caused by exercise and injuries*. Many people use CBD as a supplement that helps to make them feel more comfortable and more relaxed.

We still don’t know all the facts about CBD and a lot of research is still being carried out, but a lot of people claim it has helped them even if it’s not been confirmed by science yet. One thing we do know, however, is that CBD is safe to use so there’s no reason not to give it a try and see how it works for you.

Are There Any Medical Benefits of THC?

Although many people look to CBD for its potential health benefits, THC may also provide some health benefits similar and medicinal marijuana has been legalized in 36 States in America. THC has also been approved by the FDA to help treat some types of epilepsy.

Some CBD products will contain some THC, and how much THC they contain will depend largely on how the product has been made. However, CBD hemp oil can have no more than 0.3% THC according to United States law. Raw CBD oil will contain no THC, and full-spectrum extract will contain the full range of cannabinoids. The low levels of THC in CBD hemp oil are not typically enough to make people feel high.

Is CBD better than THC and Why People Prefer CBD Instead? 

In addition to the high that THC causes, it can also cause some unwelcome side effects. Some of the side effects include:

• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Disorientation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

A lot of people would rather avoid the potential side effects of THC. Not only that, but being high can make it difficult for people to get things done and it’s especially not a good idea to be high at work. For this reason, and others, CBD is the preferred choice for many people because they can use it and still function normally.

Conclusion 

There is still a lot of research that needs to be done on CBD, but many people have claimed that using it has helped them in numerous ways. CBD is also very easy to use and can be used in edibles, taken in oil form, and can also be vaped. It is also safe to use and it is not possible to overdose on CBD. However, using too much can cause some people to feel nauseous so it’s good idea to experiment with low dosages first until you find a dose that works for you.

* Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) statement at the bottom of the website

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