Ever since the 2018 farm bill, hemp has been removed from the list of controlled substances. This left room for scientists to put in some research and learn all about what hemp can do for the body.
Many people get CBD from hemp and THC confused. Have you ever wondered about the difference between CBD vs THC? Are CBD and THC different at all?
We’re here to keep you informed. Keep reading to learn more.
Impact on the Brain
Both CBD and THC impact the cannabinoids in the brain in the endocannabinoid system.
THC overwhelms the system. It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors and takes over some of the standard endocannabinoid functions. This can result in pain relief, euphoria, increased anxiety, decreased anxiety, hunger, and more.
CBD also interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors, though it’s not as clear as to how. It doesn’t side with the CB1 or CB2 receptors. Some people think that it binds to a receptor that we haven’t yet identified, or that it prevents the breaking down of endocannabinoids.
Psychoactive Effects
One of the reasons that THC is so popular as a recreational substance is that it has strong psychoactive effects. They vary from person to person and depending on what strain and method of consumption that you use. This is what we refer to as the “high” feeling.
Some people report feeling euphoria, energy, and calm, while others report feeling anxiety and nausea.
But does CBD get you high?
No, not at all. One of the reasons that CBD is so widely accepted, even by people who don’t approve of marijuana, is that its effects are all considered therapeutic.
Therapeutic Effects
Both THC and CBD are used for medical purposes.
CBD is solely used as a therapeutic product due to its lack of psychoactive effects. People use it for nausea, sleeplessness, anxiety, and more. You can look at the various product categories at Betoken CBD to see all of the ways that people use CBD.
People use THC in the form of medical marijuana for some similar reasons. Many people who suffer from anxiety or other mental health conditions feel relief when using THC products. People with serious illnesses, pain, or going through chemotherapy, often like THC products for pain relief and increased appetite.
CBD offers a softer therapeutic effect, meaning it’s better for day-to-day use than THC which is heavier.
Used In Conjunction
While THC and CBD serve different purposes, many people use them together to get the most out of them.
When small amounts of CBD are incorporated into a THC-heavy product, it may help with anxiety that some people experience with THC alone.
On the other hand, people use the term “the entourage effect” to describe what happens when small and legal amounts of THC are present in CBD products. Research says that THC helps to boost the therapeutic benefits of CBD without the psychoactive side-effects.
CBD vs THC: More Different Than You Think
While CBD and THC often work together to enhance each other, on their own, the two compounds have completely different effects! CBD’s therapeutic benefits shine while THC has more recreational uses (though is also used in medical settings).
If you’re interested in trying out the benefits of CBD for yourself but you’ve been worried about its association with THC, we hope this eased your mind. When it comes to CBD vs THC, the differences are obvious.
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