Cannabis products are becoming a larger part of mainstream America as they become legal in more states. Two natural compounds that have been getting a lot of attention ever since legalization began are CBD and THC. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products, and both CBD and THC work with the same endocannabinoid system in your body. While there are some differences between the two, it’s also important to learn about what makes these compounds different from each other.
1. The Feeling You Get
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters in your brain to regulate pain, mood, sleep, and memory. It’s also involved in regulating numerous other functions like appetite, immune response, and others.
While both CBD and THC act on the endocannabinoid system, they do so in different ways. THC is more psychoactive (making people feel “high”), while CBD does not carry that same level of psycho-activity. This is why cannabis oils (aka CBD oils) and other products with a high CBD content are more available for use. While THC is a psychoactive substance that alters your state of mind, CBD does not make people feel high.
It’s related to promoting feelings of well-being in the body, without the “stoned” feeling that THC produces. This is perhaps the most important way CBD and THC are different from each other since it’s the most poignant one.
2. Potential Benefits
When talking about potential CBD benefits, it’s important to note that it’s illegal in most places to sell any CBD product if it’s marketed as something that can bring medical benefit to the user.
On the other hand, one CBD-based drug was already approved by the FDA, and the compound, in general, gets a lot of scientific attention as well. Some of the potential benefits of CBD include helping with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more. It’s also thought that CBD could help people stop smoking cigarettes, but more research is needed before additional conclusions can be drawn about this theory.
THC, on the other hand, is known for its ability to produce a temporary high and can also be used as a recreational drug (as long as you’re in a state that legalized the use) and it can help with things like nausea and pain. Many people use THC as part of cancer treatments – however, it’s not thought to be as helpful for things like anxiety and depression, but research has shown that THC can interact with the endocannabinoid system in a way that may benefit people with these conditions.
3. Legal Status
In the USA, it’s important to differentiate between federal and state law. Federal law is uniform, but it only governs the United States as a whole. State law, on the other hand, can be different from state to state.
What this means is that, while some things may be legal in different states, you cannot necessarily do those things while crossing states’ borders if it’s against federal law. When we’re talking about CBD and THC, this means that they might not be legal when it comes to federal law, but are legal in certain states. A good thing to remember when talking about legal implications is that you should always look for the most current information since laws can change over time.
If you plan on buying CBD products, check your state’s laws related to them. If you live in a state where it’s legal to have CBD, then that means that the CBD oil you’re buying is safe since there are no rules against taking it. The same goes for THC products.
4. Products Available
When it comes to products, CBD is available for purchase in numerous forms including oils, tinctures, edibles, and more. THC is also available in many different forms – some of which are similar to CBD products, and others are more specific to smoking.
One of the most important things to do when buying CBD is to check labels for any warnings or concerns about side effects. For example, you might find that CBD products are not safe for pregnant women – so it’s always best to make sure you know what your body can handle. While it should be safe to use most of the time, some people do report feeling a bit nauseous, so it’s always best to start off small and take it from there.
A lot of THC products are meant for smoking or vaping, but some can be included as ingredients in food, too. If you’re buying THC, just like with CBD, check labels to make sure they don’t contain anything that could be upsetting for you. However, legally sold THC products shouldn’t generally be laced with anything that could pose a health risk.
Overall, CBD and THC are both types of cannabinoids found in plants – specifically hemp and marijuana plants. The main difference is that THC produces a high, while CBD is more of a relaxant. Practically all other differences, like product availability and the legalities surrounding them, are circumstantial. If you’d like to use one of these for a medical reason, make sure to talk to your doctor first. While there is some evidence that they could be beneficial, it’s always better to consult an expert instead of self-medicating to ensure you’re in your best health.
