Many people don’t understand what the differences between pure THC and CBD are. Learn more about what THC and CBD are and what they’re used for.
CBD is the latest natural health kick. While pure THC can get you very high, CBD can treat ailments like depression and anxiety, and manage pain and inflammation without psychological effects.
To know how you can get the most benefits from CBD, you need to understand the real difference between THC and CBD, and how to pick high-quality products.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Human Endocannabinoid System
All vertebrates — including people — have a natural endocannabinoid system. Its main function is to maintain homeostasis. But it also affects things like sensations of pain, mood, memory, appetite, sleep, stress, metabolism, immune functioning, and reproductive functioning.
THC and CBD are both cannabinoids from the hemp family. When used, they affect the human endocannabinoid system, and all the things it affects.
But the endocannabinoid system has been a part of vertebrates for over 500 million years, and humans have been smoking pot for about 2500 years.
But marijuana is classified as a federal schedule 1 substance. So we can’t do controlled studies and we don’t know much about how marijuana affects people long term. Here’s what we do know.
Pure THC
THC is a compound that’s naturally found in marijuana. It’s what’s responsible for creating a high. THC is in every form of marijuana designed to get you high, but most often at relatively low concentrates. For example, a powerful strain of pot has about 30% THC.
In concentrates like chocolates or vapes, the THC content can range from about 40% to 80%, and an average dab is about 70% THC.
In Seattle, there is now a 100% THC product available, and it kind of looks like crystal meth. It’s called THCa crystalline. It’s designed to give an intense high, but it’s reportedly not that different than just smoking a lot.
Effects of THC
THC gives the user an intense, relaxed high. Users may feel more creative, foggy-headed, or lose track of time. The most common side effects include red eyes, cottonmouth, and cravings – typically called the munchies. Users can also experience anxiety, and short term memory loss.
Compared to other drugs, THC is a pretty predictable high. That’s why several states have opted to legalize THC and recreational pot. But not all states agree.
THC’s Rocky Legal Status
Eleven states have legalized recreational pot, and many others have decriminalized marijuana. But not everyone agrees with the idea that marijuana should be legal. Federally, THC and marijuana are still illegal, which can lead to some confusing territory.
For example, if you’re in Colorado, recreational weed is legal. But if you’re on national forest service, you’re considered to be on federal property — and thus federal laws apply. If you have marijuana on you, this can land you in a ton of trouble.
Other areas may ignore small amounts of marijuana, but consider THC concentrates on par with drugs like meth and cocaine. In Texas, for example, possession of a single THC infused chocolate bar is a felony.
If you’re using THC, make sure you know the exact laws in your specific area.
Pure CBD
CBD is a different cannabinoid from the hemp family. It doesn’t give a high at all, but it has proven and suggested health benefits that are worth considering.
Federally, pure CBD is legal but must have less than 0.3% THC. It’s used in forms like gummies, juices, cigarettes, tinctures, lotions, and oils. The most common form of consumption is sublingually – or applied under the tongue, usually in pure CBD drops.
You can learn more about CBD here.
Effects of CBD
Most often, CBD is used to treat anxiety or high levels of stress, though it has other health benefits we’ll also look at. As we mentioned, it doesn’t provide a high.
High doses of CBD aren’t lethal but can create side effects like dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or drowsiness.
Health Benefits of CBD
CBD is well known to treat and ease symptoms from many diseases. Most often, CBD is used to treat seizures, inflammation, pain, psychosis, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, migraines, depression, and anxiety.
CBD can be a more natural way to treat these ailments without nasty side effects from commonly prescribed drugs.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the CBD Industry
As much as we’d like to buy any old CBD product and start enjoying health benefits and less stress, not all CBD is created equally. Because it can naturally treat so many ailments, there’s a huge demand for CBD, and markets are filling the void.
But there are several steps along the process that affect the purity and quality of CBD. These are things like the hemp it was extracted from, the process used to extract CBD, how well it’s tested before it hits the market, and even the packaging used.
So when you’re looking to use CBD, do research on the specific brand and manufacturing process they use to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Use CBD Safely and Responsibly
CBD won’t get you high, so it’s typically safe to drive and go about your day as normal while using CBD. But it’s best to start using CBD in a safe environment to see how it specifically affects you.
Make sure you get your CBD from a reputable brand to ensure the highest quality.
Pure THC vs CBD: Now You Know the Difference
Pure THC and CBD are two very different compounds with completely different effects. THC is the compound in marijuana that gets you high, and it’s still federally illegal, although some states have legalized it.
CBD, on the other hand, is federally legal and has many proven health benefits. However, not everyone in the CBD industry is scrupulous, and many are jumping on a profitable bandwagon. Should you opt to treat your ailments with CBD, do some thorough research on the brand to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product.
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