THC vs CBD

A Tale of Two Cannabinoids

By Mia Jane

THC and CBD are two buzzwords that seem to be on everyone’s lips when they have got cannabis on the brain. Being the two most well-known cannabinoids make it no surprise that these two acronyms have got everyone wondering…what’s the difference when it comes to THC vs CBD? We’ll discuss the science and hearsay around these mysterious cannabis components and delve into whether one really is that much better than the other. Look no further for your comprehensive guide to everything you want or need to know about THC vs CBD.

The plant genus cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, with a little over a hundred of the chemicals known as cannabinoids being present in varying strengths. With THC and CBD being the most prominent, you might have heard of one or the other or both. However, THC has long been associated with cannabis because of its effects on the human endocannabinoid system, creating the “high” that has made this weed so popular with many people. These mind-altering effects created by THC have also been used to vilify the plant for many years, creating a source of contention about the safety and potential for abuse by using cannabis.

THC vs CBD: The Science

THC is also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol. When ingested through smoking or vaporizing flower or cannabis oils or with eating edibles, THC will bind to the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, creating a cerebral or euphoric effect. This feeling is similar to the naturally occurring brain chemical known as anandamide and results in effects to memory, coordination, and sensory and time perception. THC will make a lot of people feel relaxed, and even a little drowsy, with a slight elation and sometimes a heightened appetite, also known as “the munchies.” This psychoactive effect is what makes being under the influence of THC generally more impairing than CBD.

THC vs CBD: The Legality

Besides making you feel some special kind of way, THC is only legal in a handful of states in the U.S. that permit medical and recreational use. That makes it not only less accessible, but less safe to consume THC because of potential for legal issues in states where laws do not permit the use of this substance.

THC is derived from cannabis which can only be legally grown in certain states. Cannabis plants are generally used for medical and recreational consumption and only the flowers, and sometimes the leaves are used. Plants qualifying as “Cannabis” are those that have any amount of THC over 0.3%. Now that we’ve covered the well-known THC, let’s get into the mysteries around CBD vs THC.

CBD is newer to the list of things to know about weed but is an enormously important compound nonetheless. CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is known to be non-psychoactive and is found in both cannabis and hemp plants. Hemp plants are those with only 0.3% THC or less. CBD derived from hemp is legal in all 50 states to varying degrees, while CBD derived from cannabis is only legal only states with approved medical or recreational cannabis programs.

 

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THC vs CBD: Different Uses and Benefits

When it comes to THC vs CBD, THC despite its questionable legality has been said to aid greatly in pain relief, helping with sleep and stress disorders, as well as epilepsy and variety of other health conditions.  You can learn all about THC and how it is grown on a cannabis tour of your own.

Hemp plants are used for wellness and medicine, as well as industrial purposes. The flowers are generally higher in CBD making them prime ingredients for CBD-infused oils, edibles, capsules, and the like. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, works in the body to fight inflammation and has been studied as an aid for a variety of mood disorders and neuropathic pain. CBD is also considered a “neuro-protectant” and is being studied for the treatment of neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. Hemp stalks – being more fibrous and thicker than regular cannabis plants –  are often made into things like hempcrete, batteries, or textiles.

Learning all about the wellness benefits of CBD is hands-on on one of these Cannabis Wellness tours, too.

THC vs CBD: The Psychoactive Difference

When you get down to the psychoactive effects of THC vs CBD, since CBD is non-psychoactive, it does not give the user a “high” per se. The cannabinoids, once ingested, will connect to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors but in a different way from THC. While THC likes to connect with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD is partial to the CB1 receptors but does not connect in the same way as THC, so it does not have the same psychoactive effects.

THC vs CBD: The Entourage Effect

As far as absorption, when it comes to THC vs CBD, some people and scientists believe that CBD is absorbed into the body better with a little bit of THC, but the jury is still out on conclusive evidence. The CBD connects to these CB1 receptors causing the user to feel less depression, anxiety, and stress without the feelings of dysphoria associated with THC. The theory that various cannabinoids work better together Is known as “the entourage effect.”

THC vs CBD: Get Educated on Tour

In between the calming and pain relieving effects of THC and the anti-inflammatory powers of CBD for pain management, these two cannabinoids are not entirely different. While one causes psychoactive effects and is legal in only a few states, and the other is non-psychoactive and is legal throughout the U.S. Different as the may seem to some, when you’re comparing THC vs CBD, they do both come from different varieties of the same plant and bring up a feeling of elation and wellness that, while unique, is undeniable. You can learn all about cannabis plants, cannabinoids, their effects, uses, and even more on an in-depth cannabis growhouse tour so make sure to check one out today!

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