CBD vs. THC; how do we differentiate the two? Before 2018, federal law prohibited planting or use of cannabis of any kind in the United States. But the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill thrust the cannabis plant, more specifically hemp, into the limelight when it descheduled some cannabis products from the controlled substance act. It allowed for large scale hemp cultivation and made hemp-derived products legal. Does hemp have THC or CBD? Yes, but the law only allows the planting of hemp plants containing
0.3% of THC or less. Now let's delve into the difference of CBD and THC, and we'll start with their legal status.
Is CBD or THC legal?
Manufacture, sale, and use of medical cannabis is legal in 33 states of the United States and four of the permanently inhabited US territories. Nonetheless, fourteen of those sates curated laws limiting the THC content. This is where you find more products rich in CBD without THC.
Does CBD have THC? No!
CBD is a separate compound found in cannabis, and so is THC. In states where THC content is restricted by law, the question that begs is; will CBD oil test positive for THC? The answer is Maybe! if tyhat is a concern to you, then a isolate product may be best.
CBN, THC, CBD: Cannabis Compounds
THC CBD, CBN, are all compounds found in the cannabis plant.
CBN (Cannabinol) and CBD have similar medical properties but vary when it comes to how they are produced; CBD occurs naturally, whereas CBN is produced by the action of light and heat on THC. CBD, CBN effects are similar in that none of them produces an intoxicating high. However, they both affect the high produced by THC. Products with CBD and CBN can work wonders for people with sleeping disorders. How? CBD negates the adverse effects of THC like paranoia, while CBN produces gentle sedative high, thus inducing sleep. Other active compounds in cannabis include
CBC (Cannabichromene),
CBG (Cannabigerol), and
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid).
THCA vs. CBD
THCA is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in raw cannabis, which eventually converts to THC or CBD after drying and/or heating. However, THCA is believed to offer an assortment of health benefits. Just like CBD, THCA is non-intoxicating, and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Other perks of THCA include its Anti-proliferative properties (which help curb the spread of prostate cancer cells), Neuroprotective properties (to protect against neurodegenerative diseases), and it's the ability to increase appetite and reduce nausea.
THC v CBD in medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana products are available with a considerable range of THC and CBD concentrations; it depends on the product you settle for. You can get CBD oil with low THC. If you're not interested in the non-psychoactive effects of THC, then buy CBD oil with no THC.
Cannabis: THC vs. CBD Ratios
When purchasing marijuana products, you may notice a flurry of numbers on them. This is the CBD: THC ratio in the product. Initially, growers were bent on breeding weed with increased amounts of THC; but that has since changed. After the discovery of
CBD benefits, now growers are breeding marijuana with lower THC ratios. If you want to know how much THC is in CBD oil, read the label. When you see something like
CBD: THC 3:1, it infers that the product has more CBD as compared to THC, and using it will not result in you experiencing euphoric effects.
CBD oil vs. THC oil
We will analyze the difference between CBD oil and THC oil from how the two interact with the two cannabinoid receptors in the
endocannabinoid system (ECS);
CB1 and
CB2.
THC, due to its molecular structure, binds directly to CB1 receptors (found abundantly in regions of the brain). The result of the reaction are signals which are seent to the brain resulting in one experiencing psychoactive effects.
CBD does not bond directly with CB1 receptors; they combat the conditions of an overactive immune system and help moderate inflammation and the immune response to pathogens through CB2 receptors.
Does CBD oil have THC in it? If yes, would using it result in the user getting high? CBD negates the bond between THC and CB1 receptors, and this neutralizes the psychoactive effects of THC.
Does CBD oil work without THC? Yes, it does. Most CBD oils do not have THC, and they work perfectly well.
Hemp oil Vs. CBD oil
Does hemp oil contain CBD? No, hemp seed oil only contains trace amounts of CBD. Hemp seed oil is a popular ingredient for topical skin care products. Its ability to stop clogging of pores, moisturization and anti-inflammatory properties make it popular for skincare products for sensitive skin . It also helps heal acne, rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.
CBD high vs. THC high
One clarification when looking at CBD versus THC is whether both compounds make users high. We mentioned some products have both CBD and THC. But if one has high CBD low THC, you're not going to get a "high" using them. This is because CBD does not have psychoactive properties found in THC. Studies have shown that for you to get the full benefits of CBD, you should use CBD oil without THC.
CBD vs. THC effects
Both THC and CBD offer medical benefits for human beings. However, when it comes to side effects, high CBD strain products are well-tolerated by the body, even in high doses.
Research suggests that any side effects that occur may be as a result of CBD interaction with other medications you are using. THC, on the other hand, causes some side effects, including dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, and memory loss.