A recent poll found that 52% of Americans have smoked marijuana so chances are you’ve heard of cannabis before. But what about cannabinoids? These organic compounds are important parts of the cannabis plant.
The main cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC and CBD. Each one has its own properties and reacts with the human body in a specific way.
Would you like to learn more about the difference between CBD and THC? If so this guide is a great place to start. Read on for a crash course in CBD vs THC.
What Is THC?
THC—short for tetrahydrocannabinol—is the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It’s one of over 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. THC is responsible for the “high” feeling that consuming marijuana produces in people.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is another well-known chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD doesn’t have psychoactive properties but it has other physical and mental effects. CBD flower actually contains trace amounts of THC but only up to 0.3%.
How Are They Similar?
Although they do have many important differences, CBD and THC do share some striking similarities. Both are cannabinoids and both compounds have identical make-ups. The two are made up of a mix of oxygen atoms, carbon atoms, and hydrogen atoms.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
One of the biggest differences between CBD and THC is that one has a psychoactive component and the other doesn’t. There’s an interesting reason for this.
Although both compounds contain the same molecular parts, they are arranged in different ways. Because of this small difference each affects the human body and brain in its own unique manner.
One of the benefits of THC is that it binds with receptors in the brain that control feelings of pain and your mood which can make you feel euphoric. CBD reacts with other elements in the body. It’s able to produce feelings of calm and reduce discomfort.
The Issue of Legality
Another difference between THC and CBD is the legality of each. Because THC (and by extension marijuana) is a psychoactive substance it’s named under the Controlled Substances Act.
THC is legal in many states in the US but not all. On a federal level, it remains an illegal substance.
The legality of CBD is a little more complex. Certain CBD products are legal in most states but each has its own unique rules and regulations. It’s a good idea to do research on what the laws are in your area.
Know Your Cannabinoids
If you’re going to be consuming a substance it’s good to know what’s in it. We hope this guide has clarified the difference between CBD and THC for you and explained the benefits and effects of both.
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