5 Shocking Differences Between CBD vs. THC That You Might Not Already Know

For centuries now, cannabis has been used for both its medicinal and recreational purposes. The stigma behind it has grown and waned and grown again in this time, but one thing is clear, beyond everything, the benefits are vast. 

Cannabis has two core components, THC and CBD. One is the chemical responsible for the high effect of the drug so commonly associated with recreational usage. THC, on the hand, contains the medicinal components. Separating one from the other, and understanding the differences between CBD vs THC is crucial to be able to understand the benefits of cannabis products. 

How do these two chemical differ exactly? The answers may surprise you. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know. But first, let's take a look at what CBD and THC really are. 

Understanding the Cannabinoids

If you want to understand the differences between THC and CBD then you first need to know what they are and how they are similar. 

Both are compounds that are extracted from cannabis plants and both have been shown to have strong medicinal properties. 

THC is the brain-altering substance that gives weed its high, while TBC is the more potent medical compound. 

Common Uses for THC 

THC or medicinal marijuana is used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Cancer
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Crohn's Disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Multiple Sclerosis and more 

THC is often consumed either as an edible, where the plant is infused with a recipe, such as brownies or cookies or smoked in the form of a joint. You can also get THC oil in oil form which can be smoked in a pipe or applied to a cigarette. 

Common Uses for CBD

While THC is used in medicine, it is often is pain relief element that is used to help those with serious medical conditions. CBD has a far more wide-ranging list of uses. These include:

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Acne
• Parkinson's Disease
• Epilepsy
• Pain Management
• Loss of Appetite

CBD is most commonly used as an oil which can be ingested as it which a few drops being applied beneath the tongue, or if needed mixd with a drink. 

You can also find CBD in gel form, tablet form or even as edibles. CBD gummies are a tasty treat that are packed with all of the benefits of THC oil. 

The use of CBD in vape liquid is also on the rise, with the vape liquid being the perfect way to combine a hobby with CBD ingestion. 

1. CBD Won't Get You High

One core difference between CBD and THC is that CBD will not get you high. It lacks the mind-altering properties of its Marijuana-derived cousin. This is all to do with how the extracted compound binds or rather doesn't bind with receptors in the brain. 

THC activated the CB1 receptors in the brain, triggering the euphoria and high associated with smoking weed. CBD actually counters the CB1 receptors, and this is why you won't get high from CBD vape or any other CBD product. 

2. Concentrations of CBD and THC Differ Based on the Plant

The discussion of CBD vs THC is one often fought on the basis that they are the same thing - cannabis. Technically, this is true, but there are different types of the cannabis plant. 

Marijuana is a cannabis plant with his THC concentrations, while hemp plants have high CBD but low THC levels. As low as 0.3%. The plant from which is compound is derives is an important element in the ongoing legality debate. 

Both hemp and Marijuana plants look and smell the same, and only the THC content can distinguish between the two. Since 2018 and the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill it has been legal for farmers to grow industrial hemp - providing they have the correct license. Growing cannabis plants, however (with a THC concentration greater than 0.3%) remains a hot topic in the US with there being many different rules, from private growth, commercial growth, and full illegality.  

3. A Single Hydrogen Atom Makes all the Difference

While the two compounds are very different in terms of the effect they have on both mind and body, there is but a very small difference between the two. 

A single hydrogen atom is all that separates THC and CBD. While the difference may be small, it changes the structure so much that one has almost the opposite effect on the human body. 

4. CBD has No Discernable Side Effects

Many people know about the side effects of using THC, the munchies and paranoia being some of them. Yet a major difference between CBD and THC is that there have been no discernible side effects found for the usage of CBD.

While there have been some reports of negative effects, these have been attributed to a reaction of other medication to the introduction of CBD.  

5. A Question of Legality

The legality of THC is a long-randing one, whereby only a handful of states have declared medical marijuana legal. Eleven states plus Washington have legalized marijuana, whereas CBD is technically legal under federal law. 

Some states have rules regarding it, but essentially, as long as the CBD is derived from a planT with a low THC level (hemp) then you will be fine. 

There's Only One Winner When Talking CBD vs THC

The debate of CBD vs THC is going to rage for a while. It will only end once everybody understands the science of the compounds and learns to see cannabis not just as weed, but for its individual parts. 

If that's where you are, and you can think you're ready to start feeling the benefits of CBD usage, then you're in the right place. We have all the resources you will need to learn about the health benefits of CBD as well as the best vape pens and juice to get you started right. 

Check out our other posts and browse our online catalog you won't be disappointed:

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By Alex Gross

I am a  experienced writer primarily pertaining to social components such as the LGBT community, humanism, progressivism, current events, the tobacco and electronic cigarette industry and the social climate.

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