Did you know that 33% of American adults have used CBD products once or more? Though THC products are all starting to gain popularity and recognition in America, there’s still plenty of confusion.
People are still unsure about their specifics and are wondering what’s the difference between CBD and THC until now. So, how do we get to classify them? These are the questions we’ll be answering today!
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about hemp and its benefits. Let’s get started!
The Different Types of CBD
CBD is available in a variety of forms, each with its own benefits and effects. The main types of Cannabidiol include:
Broad-Spectrum CBD Products
Broad-spectrum CBD also contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant but has THC removed. Depending on the quality, it can provide a range of effects, from enhancing emotional well-being to helping with physical issues like joint pain and inflammation.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant and is believed to provide the most powerful effects. It includes terpenes, flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, and essential fatty acids.
Also, it provides an “entourage effect” because the various compounds interact synergistically in the body.
CBD Isolate
Isolate CBD is one of the most popular types of CBD available today. It is a pure, crystalline powder that contains 99% CBD, making it one of the purest forms of cannabinoids on the market.
Chemical Structure of CBD and THC
Cannabidiol is a hydrocarbon, meaning it has carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. On the other hand, THC is a tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, meaning it has three molecular ring-sized units of carbon and hydrogen atoms that are arranged in an aromatic configuration.
Both have an atom of oxygen, but THC contains two phenolic carbon rings. Additionally, CBD contains many more hydrogen atoms than THC, which makes its chemical structure more hydrophobic.
This causes CBD to have a higher affinity for fat than THC, making it more soluble in fat than in water. In turn, this impacts the way that it is processed by the bodyâs enzymes and its therapeutic effects.
Investigating Their Effects
THC is psychoactive, meaning that it can cause a high when used. However, CBD is not mood-altering and therefore has no effect on the mind or body when ingested.
Also, CBD has seen an increasing amount of study in recent years due to its health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties. However, THC can:
- Induce relaxation
- Enhance sensory experiences
- Make the user feel more upbeat
While both compounds contain advantageous results, only THC has been shown at this time to produce psychoactive effects. Therefore, when analyzing their outcome, there is a clear distinction between the two main compounds found in cannabis.
Examining Their Legality
In investigating their legalities, THC is classified as a schedule 1 drug due to its mind-altering properties and is illegal at the federal level, and has no accepted medical use.
Meanwhile, CBD, which lacks psychotropic effects, is legal in most states and has been approved for certain medical purposes across the US. As such, it is generally more accepted by the public and has fewer restrictions placed on its use.
Further, both of these offer potential benefits, but the legality depends on the location, amount, and type of compound you are consuming. Therefore, it is important to understand the regulation of each to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Managing Their Inflammation
While both substances contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to control swelling, CBD does not produce any of the aftereffects that THC is known to cause, such as anxiety, paranoia, or euphoria.
As no psychoactivity is present with pure CBD, it also eliminates the risk of developing a mental dependence. Additionally, it is this difference that makes CBD an attractive option for those seeking to manage inflammation without side effects of THC.
In combination with other cannabinoids, however, THC can be a valuable tool in helping to reduce inflammation without the risk of intoxicating reactions.
Discriminating Psychoactive Properties
THC is responsible for the mind-blowing effects associated with cannabis, while CBD is not linked to any type of impairing mental effects. If they are both present in a product, they’ll have a synergistic effect and the psychoactive qualities of THC will become more pronounced.
However, it can only be found in goods that contain small amounts, as most countries have regulations about the amount of THC permissible in products. On the other hand, CBD can be found in a variety of products ranging from:
- Tinctures
- Food
- Supplements
Ultimately, CBD and THC both offer therapeutic potential, but the main difference is that THC possesses intoxicating qualities while CBD does not.
Comparing the Health Benefits of CBD and THC
CBD is known to have many potential benefits depending on the user. Also, it can be used to treat certain conditions without causing mind-altering effects.
Further, THC is a psychoactive compound and is commonly associated with feeling high or experiencing euphoria. Additionally, THC is not generally used for medicinal purposes and is typically found for recreational use.
When comparing their health benefits, it is crucial to remember that THC has more potential for causing side effects than CBD.
Risks Associated Between THC vs CBD
A major risk associated with THC use is intoxication or impairment. Because THC has a high affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain, it can create long-term effects on the nervous system.
In some cases, this can lead to an increased risk of schizophrenia, anxiety, and even psychosis. Moreover, CBD has far less of an impact on the human brain. It doesnât produce a high and instead hit the body through its anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects.
Though more research is needed to make any substantial claims, there is evidence that CBD can potentially reduce the risk of seizures and even relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. While THC carries with it a risk of serious mental health issues, CBD may help protect against it.
A Guide to the Key Difference Between CBD and THC
The main difference between CBD and THC is that THC produces mind-blowing effects, while CBD does not. Cannabidiol is typically used for holistic benefits, and can even be combined with THC.
To know more about the advantages of CBD, reach out to your healthcare provider and learn more today.
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