What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?

The legal status of marijuana is changing. With this change, naturally, comes confusion. Especially about the difference between CBD and THC. Not many people are aware that the Farm Bill of 2018 declared that CBD is not a Schedule 1 Drug, which is huge! The Farm bill also clarified that Industrial Hemp is legal and differentiated Industrial Hemp from Marijuana. Marijuana and THC are not currently legal in all 50 states. CBD products that are derived from Industrial Hemp and contain less than .03% of THC are considered approved to travel according to the most recent TSA announcement. Both CBD and THC have been praised for their health benefits, but the two stimulate very different reactions in the body. CBD is not a psychoactive compound, which means it cannot get you ‘high’. THC is known for the “high” it produces.

How CBD and THC Affect the Body

THC and CBD are both categorized as cannabinoids. They impact the body by attaching to specific receptors that we have in our bodies: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily present in the brain and skin and influence movement and coordination, mood, appetite, thinking, and pain,  just as a few of its functions. It’s a very diverse receptor! CB2 receptors are commonly found in the immune system and on every organ in the body and have a direct impact on inflammation and pain. CBD either binds weakly with CB1 and CB2 receptors or doesn’t bind at all. Instead, it directs the body’s own cannabinoids (yes, we make our own cannabinoids!) to work naturally to reduce pain and stimulate the healing process. Because CBD does not have the same psychoactive properties as THC, it does not produce a “high” when it is used.

CBD Effects

In some cases CBD has been known to promote health in the following ways:

• Reduce both acute and chronic pain and inflammation
• Control epileptic seizures (the FDA has approved one CBD medication – Epidiolex – to treat two rare types of childhood epilepsy.)
• Relieve chronic anxiety caused by trauma, obsessive behavior and feelings of panic
• Support smokers who want to break the habit
• Help people struggling with insomnia get a full night of sleep
• Promote faster recovery from muscle soreness from exercise

How to Take CBD

There are numerous CBD products available today, allowing you to find the most comfortable and convenient method for you. With that comes so many different options. Choices for you might include gummies, capsules, drops, or topical cream. If you are thinking of purchasing CBD products online, there are a few things to look out for to make sure that the brand you are purchasing from is legitimate and reliable, because you don’t want to order something that’s just going to put unneeded chemicals or toxins into your body! Advertising can be tricky sometimes. In short, you want to make sure that the items on the following checklist are clearly stated on the company’s website:

• Products are all-natural CBD
• Should not contain THC (less than .03% is the accepted regulatory amount)
• 100% organic and natural
• Naturally-flavored (no artificial flavors or ingredients)
• No synthetic chemicals or chemical solvents
• 100% satisfaction guarantee (with refund)
• The company has no problem showcasing (current) lab results

All of these elements are super important! You definitely don’t want to mess around with any company that isn’t transparent about this information. Who knows what you’d be putting in or on your body!?

Dosing instructions are usually included with products and advise users to begin with the smallest amounts and then gradually increase the dose until you experience the desired effects. CBD is a botanical that does not have many of the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects of narcotics and other drugs today. If you have not been able to find relief from traditional treatments, CBD may be the solution to all your problems!