Whether you are a fan of CBD oils or have kept yourself at bay in modern American society, you can’t deny CBD’s popularity. Alongside CBD products, THChas also garnered a lot of attention for mixed reviews around its benefits and side effects.

In any case, CBD and THC are becoming increasingly popular, and estimates suggest that this industry will likely generate over $80 billion in the next few years.

But as a layman or someone with limited knowledge of CBD and THC, you can’t decide whether these cannabis-derived substances are good for you or not. To put the debate to rest (at least for you right now), here’s a detailed comparison and explanation of what are CBD, THC, and various other Cannabis-related terms you have heard in recent years.

First, Let’s Discuss Basics

Both CBD and THC are derived from cannabis plants. The two isomers, compounds with similar chemical structures, are the most commonly found substances in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Owing to various known and ongoing research, CBD and THC can help in improving or alleviating the symptoms of various mental and physical conditions.

Cannabis Plant’s Classifications

The Cannabis Sativa plant is divided into three categories. Here’s how:

Type I – this type of cannabis plant has more than 0.3 percent of THC and less than 0.5 percent of CBD

Type II – this type of cannabis plant has more than 0.3 percent of THC and more than 0.5 percent of CBD

Type III– this type of cannabis plant has less than 0.3 percent of THC and more than 0.5 percent of CBD.

Type I and Type II are known as marijuana, whereas Type III is the legal CBD-producing plant hemp.

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What is CBD?

Cannabidiol CBD comes from hemp flowers and hemp plants. But what exactly is CBD? CBD is a compound, the second most common one in cannabis, that is used to make oils, edibles, pills, and many more products.

What is THC?

Like CBD, TetrahydrocannabinolTHC is another compound, the most commonly found substance in the Cannabis plants. THC oil tinctures, THC vapes, and other CBD-THC infused products are also widely popular.

Source

CBD and THC are derived from different sources and thus have different properties.

CBD

CBD is procured from hemp plants that have less than 0.3 percent THC.

THC

THC is sourced from marijuana plants classified as type I and type II and is illegal in most parts of the U.S.

Chemical Structure

Both CBD and THC have nearly the same atomic structure. There’s a slight difference in the arrangement of these atoms that makes CBD and THC different from each other. However, in essence, the two compounds are known as isomers with the same chemical structure.

Interaction with the Body

So if CBD and THC have the same chemical structure, why are they looked upon differently? Well, it’s because of their interaction with the body.

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CBD

Here’s the interesting part! Both CBD and TCH, alongside having the same chemical structure, also possess the same properties as a human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for internal neurotransmission and response to external factors through CB1 and CB2 receptors.

When you consume a CBD edible product like a gummy or capsule, CBD doesn’t interact with either of the two ECS receptors, thus leaving no impact on your brain’s functioning.

THC

On the other hand, THC interacts with CB1, causing the feeling of euphoria or high. This is what makes THC known for its intoxication properties.

Full-Spectrum CBD and THC

But if you want to benefit from THC’s health-benefiting properties and avoid getting stoned (or punished as per your state’s laws), you can take the entourage approach. The Entourage Effect recommends using full-spectrum products that contain more than 0.5 percent of CBD and less than 0.3 percent THC. This way, you can fully benefit from a CBD product while avoiding the blur lines in the law.

What’s the Legal Status?

Because THC and CBD act differently in the human body, here’s what the law says about using CBD or THC products.

CBD

All isolated, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum CBD products containing less than 0.3 THC are allowed to be bought and sold in most parts of the U.S. After 2018, almost all 50 states have legalized the medical use of cannabis Sativa with some exceptions in the laws.

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THC

In most states, marijuana-derived THC is still illegal. Whereas in some states, prescription drugs and controlled use of THC vapes and THC oil tinctures is allowed.

Health Benefits

Here are some benefits of CBD and THC.

CBD

CBD is said to help with managing diabetes, arthritis and other chronic pains, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and epilepsy.

THC

THC is said to be beneficial in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s, insomnia, glaucoma, anxiety, and nausea, as well as reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.

Side Effects

The positive and adverse effects of THC and CBD are one of the most researched topics in the current times. Like there’s a need for more data to support the positive attributes of these two substances, very little research is present on the side effects of CBD and THC.

Some of the side effects of the two include:

1. Dry mouth
2. Diarrhea
3. Palpitations
4. Dizziness

What’s Better: CBD or THC?

As discussed earlier, due to THC’s interaction with CB1 receptors in the brain, intoxication can take place. But studies suggest that when CBD and THC are used together, CBD blocks THC’s interaction with the CB1 receptors and thus prevents intoxication.

So if you’re looking to benefit from CBD fully, you must opt for full-spectrum products. And if you’re keen to try THC, then opt for Delta 8 THC oil vapes offered by reliable manufacturers.

Buy CBD and THC in Miami

Try organic CBD products and THC yourself in Miami! Reach out to Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. to purchase premium hemp flowers products, CBD topicals, CBD gummies, and Delta 8 THC vapes and oils.

Author Bio

The author is a local of Miami and an avid supporter of the use of CBD products for medicinal usage. After trying CBD edibles personally and witnessing the benefits, the author endorses the goods to others.