Home
Shop Online
Pick Up Locations
Lab Testing
About
Contact Us
Blog
In this blog post, we will be discussing the difference between the two cannabinoids THC and CBD. THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are both cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, along with over 100 other known cannabinoids. THC and CBD have many similarities and differences that can be gone over. Let’s first go over what each cannabinoid is and what they do for the user.
What is THC?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is most commonly known for its psychoactive properties within the cannabis plant. It is the main reason users experience a “high” from smoking or ingesting THC. Marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug, even though in some states it has been legalized, however, recently the DEA has announced its plans to reschedule the substance as a Schedule 3 drug, putting cannabis in the same category as ketamine and anabolic steroids. Rescheduling marijuana will also allow more clinical testing and trials now that the government has admitted that there are medical benefits that have been looked over for decades. We will soon have an even better understanding of how THC works and how it can be used to benefit people’s lives for years to come.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is another compound found within the marijuana/hemp plant. CBD is non-impairing, which means the user does not experience a “high”. It has all the relaxing, anti-anxiety, and anti-stress properties that THC has, just without the intoxicating feeling. This specific cannabinoid is mostly found in hemp, which Congress has decided to remove from the Controlled Substances Act. This allows for hemp to be federally legal and regulated within the United States of America, and also allows for its research and clinical trials.
Similarities
There are plenty of similarities between both delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Cannabis is a plant genus that includes both marijuana and hemp. They both contain cannabinoids like CBD and THC, but hemp typically has more CBD and less THC compared to marijuana, which has more THC and less CBD. Legally, marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, while hemp contains 0.3% or less THC. This difference in THC content affects their legal status and how they’re used. It can be argued that THC has less similarities and more differences than CBD. THC’s mind-altering effects contributed to marijuana’s legal status, while CBD’s calming properties have made hemp a popular choice in dietary supplements. Despite their differences, both marijuana and hemp have rich historical backgrounds, with humans utilizing them for various purposes over a long period of time.
Differences
The most obvious difference between THC and CBD is the intoxicating effect that THC has, and the calming effect of CBD. Cannabidiol is most commonly used to relieve stress and anxiety without the intoxicating effects of THC. Individuals who abuse marijuana are typically drawn to the psychoactive effects of THC, which can lead to addiction or habituation for some. While there’s debate about whether marijuana is technically addictive, it can certainly become a habit for some users. In contrast, CBD, lacking psychoactive properties, isn’t considered addictive or habit-forming. This difference highlights the varying risks associated with the two compounds. Besides the effects that users experience, there are differences in the laws surrounding both THC and CBD. CBD is a compound found in both marijuana and hemp plants, but it doesn’t make you feel high like THC does. It’s kind of like THC’s more mellow cousin. People use CBD for its potential health benefits without worrying about feeling intoxicated.
