You might have been living under a rock for the past few years if you missed CBD’s massive rise to popularity. It seems now that you can scarcely walk past a corner store without seeing advertisements in the window for CBD products of all sorts. 

If you’re new to the world of cannabis in general, you may be confused about how these products differ from marijuana-related products, which contain THC. What is the major difference between the two? 

If you want to learn more about CBD vs. THC, read on and we’ll walk you through the similarities and differences between these two substances. 

What is CBD, Anyway? 

Let’s start with the basics. If you’re not sure what CBD is outside of a three-letter acronym that everyone seems to be chatting about, you’ll want to get familiar. 

CBD is actually short for cannabidiol, and it is the second most prevalent compound found in the cannabis plant. The first, of course, is THC, but we’ll get to that compound in a second. 

CBD, in recent years, has become popular as a natural treatment for a wide range of different medical conditions. CBD derived from hemp still has trace amounts of THC in it. However, it doesn’t have enough to have any sort of real impact. 

THC, on the other hand, is the main psychoactive element of cannabis. Let’s break down the differences and similarities between them.  

Psychoactive Elements

Let’s start on the topic that most people are likely curious about when it comes to CBD: does it get you high? 

The short answer is no, it does not. 

Unlike THC, CBD has nothing in its chemical structure that would provoke the experience of being high. In order to understand why we have to look into what actually produces the feeling of ‘being high.’ 

When a person smokes marijuana, the compound THC is brought into the body. The cannabinoids in THC then bind with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. The binding of these compounds and receptors releases a great deal of serotonin and thus a sense of euphoria, or high.

When you take CBD products, this experience does not happen. CBD does not bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain, meaning this release of serotonin just does not occur. CBD products are not psychoactive in this way.

It is for this reason that people tend to gravitate towards CBD products. They provide many of the benefits of marijuana without any of the more psychoactive side effects.

Legal Nature

Laws regarding cannabis in the United States are in a current state of massive transition. In many states, the legal nature of marijuana is changing, though it is still illegal to obtain or sell at the federal level.

Even CBD is technically still considered a Schedule I drug under the government’s federal law. However, hemp has been removed from DEA’s many lists of criminalized drugs.

At this point in time, a majority of states have passed laws related to the sale of both marijuana and CBD. 

President Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill into law in December of 2018, and this legalized CBD that was derived from hemp across the country. This act is likely what helped to produce the CBD craze that swept many states in the months that followed. 

You should be able to buy CBD products in just about any state and be perfectly within your rights under current laws.

The same can’t be said just yet of THC-related products. There are several states where recreational marijuana has been legalized. However, the majority of states have not taken this step. It is still illegal to possess or sell products with THC in most states across the country, but this continues to change.

You can look into outlets such as cannabuzzhamilton.com to see what a legal cannabis store might look like.

Medical Benefits

Many people seem to look towards CBD products for a wide number of medical benefits. But do these benefits differ from those products that THC offers?

Overall, the medical benefits between CBD and THC are not terribly different. Both provide a sense of relief from a number of similar conditions, CBD just does so without providing the euphoria that THC would bring about.

What are some of the maladies that both THC and CBD can help to combat? Those that are dealing with pain, inflammation, and soreness can often find relief through either CBD or THC. 

It can also help with stress, migraines, depression, and anxiety. 

Those that suffer from epilepsy or seizures can also find relief in both CBD and THC products. The legality of CBD products makes it the preferred product for many who are seeking it out for its medical benefits, along with the lack of high.

Potential Side Effects 

What side effects might someone experience when trying CBD or THC products? The good news is that with CBD products, there is a very slim chance of side effects.

If you are taking other medications alongside CBD, there is a chance that side effects could result. However, with CBD alone you shouldn’t experience much.

On the other hand, THC products might result in nausea, dry mouth, red eyes, and anxiety. Side effects might vary from person to person.

Understanding CBD vs. THC

If you’re looking to dip your foot into the waters of cannabis, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. If you can look into the difference between CBD vs. THC, you can have a better understanding of what products might appeal to you and to your needs.

Need more cannabis advice and information? Keep scrolling our blog for more.