5 Parameters That Differs CBD From THC

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The cannabis plant comprises more than a hundred cannabinoids, and CBD and THC are just two. Cannabidiol or CBD is also the second primary active compound besides tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in the Cannabis Sativa plant. The molecular structure of THC and CBD are similar to the cannabinoids produced naturally in your body by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In such a scenario, one must understand how THC and CBD complement each other. 

Here we try to understand the all-important differences between THC and CBD.

Psychoactive Effect

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Both CBD and THC have identical chemical makeup, but the primary difference between THC and CBD is the psychoactive effect. THC causes the psychoactive effect, and it makes you feel high.  THC is intoxicating and produces the high, stoned feeling associated with marijuana when consumed in high amounts. 

On the contrary, CBD does not have a psychoactive effect. CBD is not intoxicating, and it is not psychotropic. It doesn’t have any of the strong mental effects like THC. When CBD is consumed in a therapeutic amount, one does not experience any intoxicating effects, but it usually gives a relaxing effect. You can buy amnesia strain seeds to calm your instincts as they are ideal for treating mood disorders.

Side Effects

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There are no noticeable side effects of CBD. As per WHO’s research, all patients could tolerate CBD, and they did not show any severe side effects or signs of toxins. Any adverse effects reported were a result of drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications. 

On the other hand, when taken in high amounts, THC can have adverse effects such as reduced blood pressure, nausea, increased heart rate, dizziness, and tachycardia. It can cause confusion, anxiety, paranoia, and drowsiness. Many individuals have also reported coordination problems, slower reaction time, red eyes, dry mouth, and memory loss. Most of these side effects are associated with the psychoactive properties of THC.  

Legal Standings

The amount of CBD and THC dictates whether the cannabis plant is classified as hemp or marijuana. Although marijuana is entirely illegal at the federal level in the USA, some states have made it legal for recreational and medical use.

On the contrary, CBD is entirely legal as long as it comes from hemp and does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Hemp is higher in CBD, while marijuana contains high THC concentrations. Hence, you must be aware of the laws governing your area. If you possess cannabis-related products in a place where it’s illegal, or you don’t have a medical prescription, you can face legal penalties. 

Medication

Although USFDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has not approved cannabis to treat any condition, a few approved drugs contain CBD or THC. The approved drug Epidiolex for treating seizures related to severe types of Epilepsy contains CBD. The pills Syndros and Marinol contain dronabinol, a synthetic THC. These are for treating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy during the treatment of Cancer. The drug Cesamet has nabilone, a synthetic substance similar to THC. It is used for treating weight loss and appetite problems associated with chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS.

CBD can ease depression and reduce seizures. On the other hand, THC can increase appetite and help with psychosis. However, both of them are anti-inflammatory and help with insomnia when taken in the correct dosage.

Drug Testing

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Since THC is the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, the standard drug tests can detect them. However, many drug tests cannot detect CBD as they are not designed to check for cannabidiol. Many CBD products contain traces of THC. No doubt, these amounts are small. Some drug tests might still detect them if you consume large quantities of CBD. It may also fail drug tests if the product contains more THC than the amount claimed on the packaging label. 

Surveys have shown that 70% of CBD products are incorrectly labeled. The CBD products contain significantly more THC than the amount mentioned in the product label. Due to the lack of clarity of regulation of these products, it isn’t easy to know the exact amount of THC you are consuming. Since THC and CBD are stored in body fat, both can still get detected during drug tests for a small duration after you have stopped using them.

Bottom Line

Although THC and CBD are derived from the same Cannabis Sativa plant, they have distinct properties. THC is associated with a high feeling due to its psychoactive effects, whereas CBD gives a relaxing feeling and is known for its medical benefits. CBD and THC are complementary compounds that can effectively support the functioning of your endocannabinoid system. The health benefits offered are unique, but when they are used together, they can allow you to enjoy the full therapeutic potential of cannabis. 

However, if you are on medication, you must discuss with your doctor and review how cannabis will affect your existing health and medicine. If your area has not legalized marijuana, you can still enjoy the benefits of CBD from hemp. Hemp-derived products are legal in all the states of the USA as long as they contain less than 0.3% of THC, which will not get anyone high.