CBD and THC Oil: What’s the Difference Between CBD and THC?

The cannabis industry has exploded in the last few years and is expected to continue to grow. (No pun intended) In fact, by the year 2027, the industry itself will be worth more than 70 billion dollars.

Even though the industry is expanding, there’s still a bit of confusion surrounding the consumers as to what the difference is between CBD and THC oil. How does this impact your purchases, and which one is better?

Let’s explore these two cannabinoids carefully so you can see how different they are.

What is the Cannabis Plant? 

When people talk about cannabis, it might be a little confusing. Here’s the breakdown.

Cannabis is a family of plants. Within those families of plants are two well-known plants – hemp and marijuana.

The cannabis plant produces types of compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids, when ingested, create an effect on the body, and work with the body’s endocannabinoid system. While both plants produce several cannabinoids, the two most abundant ones are cannabidiol or CBD which comes from hemp, and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which comes from marijuana.

Both THC and CBD are found in both plants, however, THC is more potent in marijuana, and hemp follows the same pattern with CBD.

Main Differences Between CBD and THC Oil

Despite coming from the same family of plants, THC and CBD are very different from each other, almost like siblings in the same family.

Here are some of the main differences between the two.

Psychoactive Properties

One of the main differences lies in the psychoactive properties of THC. When you ingest marijuana, you’re taking in much THC which leads to the feeling of ‘getting high’. THC is the compound responsible for this feeling.

On the other hand, CBD is not psychoactive and cannot get you high, despite what you may have heard. It does not contain psychoactive properties.

This is mainly due to their chemical structure, which is incredibly similar except for the arrangement of the atoms themselves.

Legalities

The largest gray area surrounding CBD and THC is one of the legal stances. Because marijuana is classified as a Substance 1 drug by the DEA, this means that it’s illegal in all 50 states, and this refers to recreational marijuana.

However, with the introduction of medical marijuana, some states allow it only under a prescription from a cannabis-friendly physician.

Because CBD is derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% of THC, it is legal but every state has its laws regarding CBD. Be sure to double-check your state laws before making any purchases.

Medical Benefits of CBD and THC

Many people rave about the amazing health benefits they see when they start taking CBD oil or even medical marijuana. One of the reasons people turn to CBD or THC is because of the lack of serious side effects that often accompany other traditional medications. Or because their traditional medications are not performing well.

But not everyone takes both cannabinoids for the same medicinal purposes or to manage similar ailments.

Here are some ailments people might try to combat with THC:

• Glaucoma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Nausea
• Pain
• Parkinsons
• Anxiety
• Increased appetite

The list of conditions that THC is helping is still growing, but these conditions are where researchers are seeing the most improvement.

People turn to CBD to help manage the following medical conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic pain stemming from diseases like Arthritis or Crohn’s
• Insomnia
• Epilepsy
• Headaches
• Promoting heart and neurological health

Same as THC, the list of conditions is still developing but this is where people are seeing the most progress.

Where to Buy

As aforementioned, you’ll need a prescription from a cannabis-friendly physician to acquire any kind of medical marijuana. It will also need to be legal in your state, so find out if it is before moving forward. The doctor you see will understand your needs and will be able to properly prescribe the correct dose for you.

With CBD oil, in states where it’s legal, you’re likely to see it on the shelves of any grocery or health store. Most CBD oil contains traces of THC for those who want to refrain from using THC, however, there is CBD oil with no THC available.

CBD typically comes in a variety of forms:

The tincture, which is CBD mixed with alcohol and other flavors to make it more palatable

Capsules, a fixed dose of CBD contained within a capsule for convenience

Gummies or chewable, CBD-infused gummies, similar to vitamins

Edibles, CBD-infused foods, and snacks like cookies, protein bars, coffee, and more. This is an ever-growing market.

Vaping, using CBD oil in a vaporizer. Vaping will take CBD oil straight to the bloodstream and bypass digestion.

How you choose to take CBD will be based on your needs and preferences.

Here is a quick word of warning, though, about buying CBD.

Because of its incredible growth and medicinal benefits, many people are creating fake CBD oil and selling it on the market. This is extremely dangerous and even fatal.

Before you buy and CBD oil, be it in-store or online, do some research on the company. Confirm that it’s reputable and trustworthy, with third-party testing for their product. You can never go too far protecting yourself.

Are There Any Side Effects from THC and CBD?

Even with an impressive list of medical benefits, there may be some side effects when taking THC and CBD.

For the most part, CBD oil has a low list (if any) side effects. You may experience:

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness

However, these side effects may only occur with people taking other medications at the time. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe to take CBD alongside other medications.

THC produces more side effects than CBD, but varies from person to person:

• Red eyes
• Mobility problems
• Dry mouth
• Raised heart rate

Again, you may or may not experience all of these side effects.

THC and CBD: Which One is For You?

Both CBD and THC oil have their benefits. It’s up to you to determine which one is right for you!

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