As the use of hemp and other cannabinoids increases daily, their legal status and curiosity among the public also increase. If you are also new to this field or even an experienced one, you may have wondered about their facts. You may have been hearing about the terms used by the people who discuss them and must be wondering what they are, whether it is legal to use them, whether it is harmful or beneficial to use them, what the scientific research says about these products, when and how to use them, etc.
CBD and THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Here we will discuss them realistically. The following are the key points covered in this article:
- What is CBD?
- What is THC?
- From where do they come?
- What are the similarities and differences between the two?
- What is their legal status?
- What are their medicinal benefits and side effects?
- What is the right way to use them?
- What is the perfect time to use them to get their maximum benefits?
- How can these things affect your body?
- Are CBD and THC addictive?
- Which is best for you?
- And many other facts you must be aware of before using them
What is CBD?
The word "CBD" is a short form of "cannabidiol," a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound. Non-psychoactive means that it doesn't cause you to feel high. It possesses many therapeutic effects to deal with some common health problems, like
- anxiety,
- insomnia,
- pain,
- inflammation,
- and more.
It is one of the most commonly used compounds in the cannabis plant. It is sold in various forms of products,
- Foods
- Oils
- Lotions
- Capsules
- Cosmetics etc.
What is THC?
THC is a short form of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the main compound in cannabis that has psychoactive activity (makes you feel high). This compound makes people feel "high" when they use marijuana. It also possesses many therapeutic effects, like,
- relieving pain,
- reducing nausea and vomiting,
- and appetite stimulation (making people eat more).
From where do they come?
Both of them come from the same plant called cannabis. However, CBD can also be derived from hemp, which is the type of cannabis plant that contains a low level of THC. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids that are found naturally. These are the most famous among them. They can be taken from the plant using different methods, such as CO2 or solvent extraction, and then made available to customers in a wide range of products, like oils, capsules, gummies, and creams.
The main drawback of THC, which keeps it at the back of CBD, is that it causes a psychoactive effect. It can also be obtained from the plant in different ways, like butane extraction. It can be smoked, vaped, or eaten.
The concentration of these compounds may vary depending upon the strain and how it was grown. Usually, CBD is obtained from the hemp plant, which contains less than 0.3% THC. If obtained from the cannabis plant, it usually has a higher level of THC.
What are the similarities and differences between the two?
While they have many similarities, they also have some key differences. Following is the detail of their comparison:
| CBD | THC | |
| Source | Extracted from the cannabis plant or hemp | Found in the cannabis plant |
| Psychoactive effects | Non-psychoactive | Psychoactive; causes a "high." |
| Potential therapeutic benefits | Anxiety relief, pain relief, inflammation reduction, sleep aid, and seizure management, among others | Pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation, among others |
| Interaction with CB1 receptors | Does not bind directly to CB1 receptors | Binds directly to CB1 receptors |
| Legal status | Legal in some countries, legal for medical use in others; derived from hemp with < 0.3% THC is legal under US federal law | Schedule-I drugs in the US; some states and countries allow them for medical and/or recreational use. |
| Potential side effects | Nausea, fatigue, irritability, and interactions with other medications | Anxiety, paranoia, impaired judgment, and potential for dependence and addiction |
| Long-term effects | Not well-understood | This could lead to tolerance, dependence, addiction, and problems with brain growth and development, especially in teens. |
| Chemical structure | Non-intoxicating cannabinoid with a similar structure to THC | Intoxicating cannabinoid with a distinct structure |
| Extraction methods | Can be extracted using various methods, including CO2 extraction and solvent extraction | It can be extracted using various methods, including butane extraction |
| Method of consumption | It can be consumed orally, topically, or inhaled | Typically consumed by smoking or vaping, but can also be consumed orally |
| Interaction with other medications | May interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver | It may interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting the brain. |
What is the right way to use them?
While we have discussed the benefits of these two compounds and their comparison, the question now comes to mind: how can a person avail themselves of these benefits, or what is the right way to use them? The best way for a person to accomplish a specific purpose depends on many factors. The common factor may be, for what purpose does one want to use them? From where are they obtained? Here are some general guidelines for using them,
- The reaction of bodies varies from person to person. So, one should find the right concentration for him himself. He should start with a minimum amount with a gradual increase.
- If these are to be used for medicinal purposes, a doctor's or nurse consultation should be sought before using them.
- Intake or topical use depends upon the purpose for which it is used, like taking it by mouth for systemic effects or putting it on your skin for local effects.
- The quality of products is a major concern for any purpose or person. Buy from the source where you should receive the standard, tested compound.
- Don't drive or use heavy equipment after using THC.
How can these things affect your body?
These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that helps regulate numerous physiological processes. The potential benefits and their side effects are given in the above table.
Which is best for you?
Whether CBD or THC is best depends on your needs and preferences. The factors given in the above table must be considered when choosing between CBD and THC.
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