How Does CBD Differ from THC?
With the popularity of CBD and hemp-derived products, many consumers are curious about the relationship and, more importantly, the differences between THC and CBD. While both come from the cannabis sativa plant family, they have some differences. Here’s a full CBD vs THC comparison.
CBD vs THC: Sources
While cannabidiol (CBD) is sourced from industrial hemp, THC is sourced from cannabis plants. Industrial hemp is cultivated for high CBD concentrations and only contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Industrial hemp is also often used for other purposes, like hemp fibre production. Hemp fibre products can be used to make clothes and even bioplastics. CBD products include CBD oil, CBD balm, and pure CBD isolate.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is used to produce a wide variety of cannabis products rich in THC.
The Endocannabinoid System
Both CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids, which are naturally-occurring, botanical, and chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa family. As phytocannabinoids, they interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. This endocannabinoid system is found in all humans and every living creature-- except for insects.
The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate mood, emotion, pain, perception, and memory. It has two primary components: Cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoids. Your body produces cannabinoids of its own, but external cannabinoids can also bond with your body’s cannabinoid receptors.
Both CBD and THC interact with the CB2 and CB1 receptors, but THC bonds much more aggressively. Many believe this explains how the psychoactive compound works.
In contrast, CBD does not bond directly with these receptors. Rather, scientists believe that it limits the reuptake of your body’s natural, in-born cannabinoids. Some believe this explains why CBD delivers so many of the benefits of the cannabis sativa family without any psychoactive components.
While both CBD and THC are currently being studied for chronic pain relief and recovery programs, only CBD is deemed safe by the World Health Organisation and widely legal.
Constituents of the Cannabis Sativa Family
There are two primary bioactive compounds in the cannabis sativa plant family: terpenes and phytocannabinoids. THC and CBD are only 2 of 113 different phytocannabinoids. Out of all these phytocannabinoids, only THC is psychoactive. All the other phytocannabinoids work together to produce health-promoting benefits. Cannabigerol, for instance, has been shown to produce a calming, inflammation-fighting benefit.
Terpenes, on the other hand, are naturally-occurring hydrocarbons. These botanical hydrocarbons aren’t just present in the cannabis sativa family; they’re also present in essential oils, citrus fruits, herbs, conifers, and other plants. They help to produce the aromas of the industrial hemp plant.
In industrial hemp, terpenes work with CBD and other non-psychoactive, health-promoting cannabinoids to naturally produce the entourage effect in full-spectrum CBD oil. In the entourage effect, all the hemp-derived compounds present in full-spectrum CBD help to augment CBD’s health-promoting properties.
If you’re searching for a full-spectrum CBD product, select a certified organic product from a supplier like Canzon that gets great TrustPilot reviews. Canzon offers CBD oils of varying strengths, sources their organic hemp from the EU, and also provides their third-party lab tests for public perusal are among the most reputable.
CBD vs THC: Non-psychoactive and Psychoactive
While CBD is deemed safe, non-psychoactive, and non-addictive by the World Health Organisation, THC has abuse potential. Because of its safety, CBD is used in the US FDA-approved pharmaceutical, Epidiolex, which is used to treat Dravet Syndrome.
Studies have found that controlled amounts of THC could be useful in treating severe mental disorders, such as PTSD. More study is necessary before conclusions can be reached.
While CBD is legal across the United States, Canada, and Europe, THC access is severely governed by federal law. Although some US states and EU nations have relaxed regulations towards THC-rich cannabis products, most still regard the negative side effects of THC as dubious.
CBD vs THC: The Effects
While THC is associated with a spaced-out euphoria, users praise CBD for its ability to promote focus, enhance concentration, calm the nervous system, and manage activity-related physical soreness.
Some individuals CBD to help them navigate everyday stresses; others use CBD after physical therapy or a strenuous workout. You can even incorporate CBD into your home-spa bath routine for a luxurious and sumptuous soak.
Canzon uses a rigorous quality control process to provide CBD products which do not cause psychoactive effects. The amount of THC in Canzon products is 0.2%, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of CBD without the detrimental mind-altering effects of THC. Craft bath bombs and soaps from full-spectrum, high-quality CBD oil for ultimate relaxation and calm.
Final Thoughts
Although THC and CBD are naturally-occurring phytocannabinoids, they come from two distinctly different plants. CBD is sourced from the industrial hemp plant and THC comes from cannabis plants.
They also interact differently with the endocannabinoid system. CBD works with the human body’s cannabinoid receptors in a gentle, natural way. This is perhaps one of the reasons why so many individuals have fallen in love with CBD products. Some prefer CBD balm for sore muscles. Others love CBD e-liquid for vaping or prefer full-spectrum, ingestible CBD oil.
If you feel CBD may be helpful for you, talk to your doctor about incorporating CBD into your healthcare routine. Search for CBD suppliers with excellent TrustPilot reviews and a variety of products you can try to help boost your overall well-being.
YES, CBD AND THC ARE DIFFERENT, READ MORE...
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD OIL AND CANNABIS OIL?
OR..
