Let us first take you through the origin of CBD and THC. CBD stands for cannabidiol and THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol. Hemp and marijuana are two types of the cannabis plant family. As both of them originate from the same family, they do have most things in common.
Hemp and marijuana physically look alike but differ in chemical composition and properties. The oil that is extracted from hemp is called CBD oil and the one that is extracted from marijuana is called THC oil. Commonly, both of these oils are named CBD oil.
Now that you know the basic info about CBD and THC, it’s time to dive deep into how they differentiate. Also, you will be learning about the benefits and negative effects of both compounds.
CBD Vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion going around about cannabis products. The main reason for these discussions is the legalization of hemp and marijuana in most states of the USA. However, both marijuana and hemp are not used in the raw form.
CBD and THC are two of the 100 natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. The THC present in marijuana is responsible for the sensation of euphoria in humans. On the other hand, hemp contains much lesser amounts of THC (about 0.3%) as compared to marijuana (15-20%).
There are high amounts of CBD present in hemp. CBD has been used to cure pain, anxiety, and the feeling of nausea.
The Effects of CBD and THC on the Body:
THC is considered a psychoactive compound that is present in large quantities in marijuana. In simple words, you can say that it makes users feel ‘high’. Low quantities of THC help reduce pain and inflammation and improve mood.
When combined, these feelings produce a euphoric sensation, which is referred to as feeling ‘high’. On the other hand, CBD does not cause these feelings. Instead, it induces a feeling of good mood, which is associated with healthy well-being.
Both compounds are known to have medicinal properties and are often used for the same conditions. CBD and THC also have the potential to produce psychoactive effects, though CBD is much less likely to cause intoxication than THC.
Types of THC:
There are two major types of THC, termed as delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is the main component of hemp, while delta-8 THC is its isomer. Delta-8 THC is used as a medical drug, while delta-9 THC is used for recreational purposes to induce euphoria.
If you want a debate on which one is better than the other, read this descriptive study here: https://joyorganics.com/blogs/news/is-delta-9-thc-better-than-delta-8-thc
The main usage of delta-8 THC is to reduce pain, control anxiety, and treat inflammation. Delta-9 THC also has the ability to do the required functions but its side effects are too harmful.
Is CBD and THC Legal?
There is always a little bit of confusion about the updated laws on cannabis. Following the Farm Bill in 2018, the delta-8 THC has been made legal by the U.S federal government. Residents can now cultivate marijuana just for medical use and for the extraction of delta-8 THC from it.
A number of states have passed laws legalizing the use of cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes. As a result, CBD and THC are now available in many states, though there are still some restrictions on their use.
The legal status of CBD and THC in the United States is governed by the federal Controlled Substances Act. Under this law, all cannabis compounds are classified as Schedule I substances, which means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
This classification makes it very difficult to conduct research on these compounds and limits their availability for medical use.
Medical Benefits of CBD and THC:
CBD products are considered a useful remedy in treating chronic pain, neurological disorders, and diabetes. Some people also use CBD products to help control anxiety and ADHD-related disorders.
On the other hand, THC can help ease nerve pain, nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines, and anxiety. Besides providing beneficial effects to the body, CBD and THC may also cause some effects if used appropriately. Some side effects of both substances are given below:
Side Effects of CBD:
- Stomach Ulcer
- Fatigue
- Low Blood Pressure
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Side Effects of THC:
- Vomiting
- Lack of Concentration
- Memory Problems
- Sleepiness
The Difference in Mode of Consumption:
CBD and THC are synthesized and extracted from cannabis. These are two of 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant family. The oil extracted from hemp is referred to as CBD (with less THC), while that of marijuana is called THC (high percentage of THC).
CBD is completely legal and is available for medical use in the form of oils, gummies, and gels. On the other hand, THC is divided into two types. Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is available in the market in refined form for medical and research use.
While delta 9 THC is not yet made legal by the U.S federal government. But its usage is still reported in many states of the U.S for recreational and psychoactive purposes. As there is no permission to synthesize delta 9 THC, it is consumed by smoking the flowers of the cannabis plant.
Are CBD and THC Safe to Consume?
CBD is being used as a safe prescription drug for the treatment of epilepsy. Generally, it is available in the form of oi. But recently, some oil-based capsules and gummies are also sold on the market. In addition to medical use, CBD products are also used as food potions. Some beauty products also contain CBD in considerable forms.
Along with carrying certain benefits for human health, it is also associated with some risks. Some mild side effects include dry mouth, loss of appetite, muscle fatigue, slowed metabolism, etc. So, before consuming any CBD product, you should first consult your doctor.
On the other hand, THC is not yet termed safe to use. Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC can have adverse side effects. Delta-8 is extracted from delta-9 THC using certain chemicals. During this extraction, certain by-products are also manufactured. So, it cannot be said with 100% surety that THC is safe to consume.
It is always recommended to talk to a doctor or healthcare specialist before using such products.
