Cannabis has always been the center of controversy, mostly because people relate marijuana to it. However, people need to be aware that the cannabis family consists of more than just marijuana; hemp also plays a vital role as a cannabis variant. As cannabis is getting legalized in various states, people are interested in knowing more about the options that are available.
Mostly, customers want to know about CBD and THC. These elements are the two main chemicals that are extracted from the cannabis genus. CBD oils like Charlotte’s web CBD oil, are made of CBD extract that is taken from industrial hemp plants. CBD is also infused into other products like vape oils, lotions, creams, supplements and so on.
THC and CBD have similar effects on the human body, except THC is what results in intoxication or a “high.” This is because THC is a psychoactive component, and CBD isn’t. Both the compounds react with your brain’s receptor’s and activate its cannabinoid production, thus relieving pain and reducing anxiety.
In this article, we will go through the various points of similarities between the two compounds, and what makes them different as well. We will also go about the multiple ways they are used.
Chemical structure:
Both the elements have a similar chemical structure, that is, twenty-one carbon atoms, thirty hydrogen, and two oxygen atoms. The difference is in how the atoms are arranged, and this is what affects the body. Your body produces a certain number of cannabinoids. THC and CBD encourages the release of neurotransmitters in the brain; they are chemicals that transfer messages to your brain. These messages regulate your daily routine, like sleep, pain, immunity functions, and so on.
Psychoactive components:
Let’s get this out of the way, CBD is not psychoactive, but THC is; even though they share similar chemical elements, they do not produce the same psychoactive effects. THC connects to the CB1 receptors of the brain, and this is why you get high when you use marijuana; it’s rich in THC. CBD does not connect firmly to the CB1 receptors, and if taken with THC, it can interfere with it and reduce any psychoactive effects.
Legal:
When it comes to the legal stance, for CBD and THC, the rules are constantly evolving. In many states in the US alone, most forms of cannabis are illegal (especially marijuana). However, some states are flexible towards the use of CBD oils, and this is because they are not intoxicated and have minimum THC levels. When you talk about federal law, marijuana and THC come under controlled substances, so they are deemed illegal. However, you can still purchase CBD products like Charlotte’s web CBD oil, without having a fear that you’re going against the law. CBD products are not strictly regulated because they are extracted from legal cultivation of hemp and have minimal THC levels.
Nevertheless, it’s always wise to go through your state’s laws so that you don’t face the consequences in the future due to ignorance.
Medical benefits:
CBD and THC are accessible because they have similar benefits, the only difference is that CBD can give you the same result without any intoxication. Due to this, many people opt for CBD because of the limited side effects, and not everyone wants the feeling of getting high.
In 2018, The FDA granted distribution rights to the company Epidiolex. They were the first medication (prescription) that included CDB in their products. The medication was recommended for people who were diagnosed with rare forms of epilepsy that were difficult to control.
CBD oils, like Charlotte’s web CBD oil, is usually taken to gain relief from illnesses like:
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- IBS
- Migraines
- Nausea
THC products are used to help with illnesses such as:
- Muscle rigidity
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
Note: CBD and THC products are not a sure-fire cure for the illnesses mentioned above. However, they do help relieve the pain and discomfort that comes from these diseases, and it’s best to consult your therapist/physician before you decide to purchase a THC/CBD product for yourself.
Side effects:
Patients prefer CBD oils from brands like Charlotte’s web CBD oil because they have limited side effects that are triggered only if you take more than the recommended doses. However, THC is known to have side effects like an increase in heart rate, dry mouth, memory loss, and slower responses to stimuli; these side effects are usually caused due to the psychoactive properties.
