In the United States, THC is banned on a federal level, while CBD is legal. But what is the difference between THC and CBD and why do we sell THC-infused products if THC is the “bad” one? Despite the stigma, we think that THC is actually awesome. And that’s why we’re going to tell you a little more about CBD vs. THC…
What Is the Difference between THC and CBD in the Cannabis Plant?
Found in the sticky trichomes of cannabis buds, cannabinoids like THC and CBD are the molecules that make marijuana such a powerhouse for patients and recreational users around the world.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is produced when the cannabinoid acid THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is exposed to heat through smoking, vaping, or distillation – a process known as decarboxylation. CBD or cannabidiol, comes from the heated cannabidiolic acid that changes its chemical structure under the same conditions.
What Is the Difference between the Effects of THC and CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The most infamous of cannabinoids, THC is the substance in marijuana that gets you high. Without THC, cannabis wouldn’t be much fun, now, would it? Fortunately, this natural chemical has other positive effects as well — many of which are being explored through clinical trials:
- Increases appetite
- Reduces anxiety (high doses can have the opposite effect!)
- Blocks an enzyme that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease progression
- Helps to regulate the excitability that leads to seizures
- Reduces pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy
- Reduces intestinal permeability for a healthier bowel
By binding itself to the body’s own cannabinoid receptors, THC affects the areas in the brain that regulate your emotions, coordination, physical sensations, and sense of hunger. This is great when you want to feel relaxed and euphoric, but not so great when you need to make decisions.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
When comparing the effects of CBD vs. THC and learning what the difference is between THC and CBD in the body, we discover that CBD works on the endocannabinoid (EC) system in a different way from THC — modifying the way that the system’s own enzymes and transport proteins work for widespread and more calming effects. That means that you won’t get high on CBD — no matter how much you take!
With the Farm Bill 2018 making CBD from hemp legal across the country, clinical trials are in full swing with initial results indicating its usefulness as an:
When taken together with THC, CBD helps to “tame” the effects of THC for less of the psychoactive side-effects.
What is the Difference between THC and CBD as Far as the Smell?
The strong, earthy smell of cannabis is attractive to some and repugnant to others. In any case, those who want to enjoy their cannabis discreetly might wonder how CBD vs. THC compares in terms of smell and taste. Well, the good news is that both of these chemicals are completely odorless! The smell of cannabis comes from the terpenes found in the hemp or marijuana plant itself, and this disappears when the terpenes are removed in the distilling process.
The THC distillate that we use in our THC gummies and THC inhalers is not only smell-free, it’s also free from lipids, solvents, and impurities that could put your health at risk. Check out how your product stacks up by searching the batch number and state of purchase on our Certificate of Analysis page.
**FDA disclaimer about the products not being sold to prevent or cure any disease
Images:
https://unsplash.com/photos/3asJBdzehoc
https://pixabay.com/photos/cannabis-pot-weed-marijuana-drug-2152602/
