What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?

Now that weed is legal in Scottsdale, AZ, you might be interested in learning more about the different types that are available. We’re not talking about different strains here, or sativa vs. indica, but THC vs CBD. So, how are THC and CBD different?

Long story short: THC gets you high, and CBD doesn’t. Both molecules come from the same plant, but have different effects on the body. Both do have effects on the body, to be sure, and they are used as healing treatments at times and can be used in a number of different forms.

The CBD cannabinoid does contain up to 0.3 percent THC. This is not enough to get you high, though. For reference, the average strain of marijuana contains about 12 percent THC. Some contain up to 30 percent THC.

Here’s a closer look at the differences:

• Extraction: CBD and THC are both extracted from cannabis, and CBD can also be extracted from hemp. While both cannabis and hemp are varieties of the cannabis sativa plant, legal hemp does contain more than 0.3 percent THC. Therefore, THC is not extracted from hemp.
• Psychoactive components: CBD and THC have different psychoactive effects. CBD does not give users the “high” feeling that THC does. While CBD and THC are both technically psychoactive, THC bonds to the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain to produce a “high.” CBD does not bond with these receptors, and can actually reduce the psychoactive effects of THC in your system.
• Medical benefits: Anxiety, pain and nausea are some of the ailments that both CBD and THC are prescribed to treat. CBD is also commonly used to treat inflammation, migraine and depression, as well as many other ailments. THC is often used to treat glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite and more.
• Side effects: Temporary side effects of THC include coordination problems, increase in heart rate, dry mouth, memory loss, anxiety, red eyes and slower reaction times. Temporary side effects of CBD include appetite change, fatigue, dizziness and diarrhea. Neither of these compounds is fatal.
• Drug tests: THC will show up in most drug screenings (company policies may differ), while CBD will not show up in most standard drug tests.
• Legality: THC is a controlled substance under federal law. While CBD does naturally contain THC, it is federally legal as long as it does not exceed 0.3 percent THC.
• Forms: THC is most often consumed by smoking cannabis flower, while CBD is generally consumed in edible and topical forms. CBD can often be found as oils, extracts, gummies, gels, supplements, lotions, balms and as an addition to many foods and drinks, like coffee, soda and baked goods.
• Cumulative benefits: While THC use results are quick, usually coming within the hour of ingestion, benefits of CBD can be felt as quickly as 15 minutes and sometimes over a longer period of time, like 30 days.

To learn more about how THC and CBD are different in Scottsdale, AZ, consult your friendly neighborhood experts at Coughing Canary today.

Categorised in: Smoke Shop

This post was written by Writer