THC CBD: What’s the Major Differences?

As the world progresses toward legalizing cannabis, two of its compounds get lots of attention. The first is THC which can be found in cannabis varieties such as marijuana. The other is CBD, found primarily in industrial hemp. Each of these compounds has the potential to do good. In fact, many use THC CBD products hoping for medicinal help. But these cannabinoids are different. So here’s an overview of what these each can (and can’t) do.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol is a naturally-forming chemical found in cannabis. It’s known for its psychological effects. But it may provide positive benefits, too.

THC compounds connect with cannabinoid receptors in your body. And once they do, your sense of pleasure may improve. Some people say they get a memory or sensory boost. And early research hints that THC may one day help with diabetes and cancer. Still, because this compound has psychoactive properties, it’s illegal or controlled in many states.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is also a compound found in cannabis. It seems to offer beneficial properties similar to THC, but without the psychoactive element. As a result, many companies are investing money to research this compound. And, while the research is early, it already seems like its potential medicinal qualities could help millions of people.

Medical Benefits Of THC CBD

Both compounds are linked to potential medical benefits. In fact, many are the same. Each cannabinoid seems to assist people who suffer from chronic seizures, inflammation, and chronic pain. Either one may offer nausea relief for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. You may even find relief from migraine headaches, depression, or anxiety. (But we need more research to understand why.)

Still, with all these conditions, both THC and CBD may offer symptom improvement. At the same time, you may choose THC for certain conditions, including glaucoma, muscle spasticity, and insomnia. While concerns like epilepsy may do better with CBD.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Here again, each compound is different.  For THC, some temporary side effects include increased heart rate, dry mouth, coordination problems, red eyes, and much slower reaction times. THC may also cause anxiety and memory loss. CBD has side effects, too. (But usually only in very high doses.) These may include diarrhea, dizziness, weight loss, fatigue, and changes in your appetite. Still, despite these temporary side effects, neither compound is fatal. No one has overdosed on CBD or THC alone, though THC may lead to use disorders. And this is why the World Health Organization considers CBD a safe supplement.

Why May People Prefer THC Over CBD?

Some prefer THC because of its psychoactive properties. Smoking weed gives them a unique feeling, helping them to relax and tune out from the world around you. Many people state that their best thoughts come while smoking or using cannabis with THC.

Reasons That People Prefer CBD Over THC

Since CBD products aren’t psychoactive, or federally controlled, many people prefer this cannabinoid. So, if you want to explore symptom control using cannabis compounds, but don’t want to change your mental state, CBD is your best choice.

For others, job concerns send them straight to CBD. (But if your job requires regular drug tests, you may only be able to use CBD isolate. That’s because, in rare cases, the trace THC content in full-spectrum CBD could trigger a drug test failure.)  That’s why CBD is becoming more recognized as an all-natural alternative supplement. And it’s one you can enjoy without the psychoactive nature of marijuana.

Legality of THC CBD and Other Cannabinoids

Although marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, this is not true with CBD. That is because the amount of THC, if it is less than .3%, there are no federal laws regarding its use. However, states have their own laws and in some of them, both of these products may not be legal. Fortunately, there are many states that have passed laws that pertain to the medicinal and recreational use of both THC and CBD. That being said, it is still very difficult for growers to maintain a profit due to the many regulations and rules that they must adhere to. Some of those pertain to where the products can be sold, the packaging, and the fees that must be paid for the ability to be a vendor for these products.

Can THC or CBD Replace Pharmaceutical Counterparts?

Always take the medication that is prescribed by your doctor. For example, if you are taking certain medications for pain, or for depression, you can’t simply switch over to CBD or THC. But if you have insomnia, lack of appetite, or suffer from anxiety on a regular basis?  Try talking to your healthcare provider about these compounds.

At the very least, these all-natural products may help enhance the effects that many pharmaceutical drugs can produce. The primary difference is that THC CBD products don’t have the many adverse side effects often listed on prescription drug bottles. It is still a good idea to consult with your doctor to make sure that these products will not affect your current treatment.

Is This Something That Everyone Should Use?

First of all, you have to consider why you would want to use it. For decades, people have used marijuana as a way to relax. This was due to the psychoactive and relaxing properties that THC could provide in regular marijuana. However, with the advent of CBD, it is possible for people to start feeling better without the grogginess that often accompanies the psychoactive nature of marijuana. If you can try one of these, CBD might be the best way to begin. It will allow you to start seeing changes in the way you feel. Perhaps you will begin to sleep better at night, experience less anxiety, or think more clearly. All of these possibilities are certainly possible for those that begin with cannabidiol.

If you have never used a cannabis product before, CBD might be the best place to begin. If this is purely for the medicinal qualities of cannabidiol, you should begin with something small. You can monitor the changes that occur, and if they are positive, you will want to pursue this further. For those that are looking for a much more potent experience, products with THC would be the next likely step. Just make sure that using these products is not going to compromise your ability to drive or do your job. They do have many positive benefits, with very few side effects, that can assist many people in simply feeling better.