The use of marijuana is becoming an increasingly accepted practice across the globe, with many countries legalizing the consumption of the herb. Although over 200 million people smoke weed globally, there is still some confusion surrounding the plant. You have probably heard many people using the terms CBD and THC, most likely interchangeably. This is probably due to the fact that CBD and THC are both available in many different forms such as gummies, gels, extracts, supplements, oils, and more. If you want to see the vast range of ingestion methods of CBD you can see all the options available from Smoke Cartel here if you browse the rest of the site you will be able to see the various THC ingestion methods as well.
A lot of the confusion is mainly due to the fact both cannabinoids are extracted from the same plant and serve similar purposes from a medicinal viewpoint. This viewpoint is important because it is a standoff between Western vs traditional ideas of medicine, and adds to the confusion since Western medicine aims to identify one molecule to treat a disease while traditional medicine is more holistic. As a result, there is confusion as to what both of these compounds do, especially since the sale of THC is still not legal in some countries, even though CBD is available almost anywhere from vaping stores, drug stores and some supermarkets.
CBD vs. THC – The Psychoactive Components
To clear some of this confusion, CBD is not a psychoactive component, this means that it won’t get you high. THC on the other hand, like alcohol and caffeine, is a psychoactive drug that alters your mental state and using it induces a psychotropic high. There are many therapeutic benefits of using THC such as it can act as an anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, appetite stimulant and sleep aid, among other useful benefits. It achieves this by mimicking the effect of 2-AG and anandamide which are neurotransmitters that are naturally produced by the human body. They are responsible for regulating eating and sleeping habits as well as the perception of pain, and countless other bodily functions. Many enjoy the experience of the high that THC provides, however many people don’t, and this is where CBD comes in. Cannabidiol or CBD is the major non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It offers the same benefits as THC; however, it is also an anticonvulsant, antioxidant and antipsychotic agent. CBD has the same chemical formula as THC, however the atoms are arranged differently. It is mainly used to treat anxiety, depression, ADHD and seizures. While the cannabis plant contains both THC and CBD, hemp contains barely any THC and is a rich natural source of CBD.
CBD vs THC – The Law
Laws related to marijuana are constantly changing around the world as more and more countries adopt a less strict approach to the sale and consumption of the plant. These laws also differ from country to country when it comes to CBD and THC. Because products that are made using CBD only contain trace amounts of THC, they are generally completely legal for personal use in most European countries. In America for example, hemp has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act, however CBD is still classified as a Schedule I drug the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Dutch law contrasts this as CBD is not legal at all, while a tolerance policy has been adopted by the Netherlands; cannabis cultivation and production is not legal however the sale and consumption of CBD is. The general rule of thumb is if the consumption of marijuana is legal in your city then so is the consumption of CBD, but be sure to research the specific laws before having either in your possession.
Are THC And CBD Safe To Use?
Both THC and CBD are generally safe to use. THC can cause several side effects such as an increased heart rate, dry mouth, slower reaction times, red eyes, memory loss, coordination problems and anxiety. It is advised to not operate heavy machinery when under the effects of THC, and high THC use may lead to long-term negative psychiatric effects. CBD side effects may include appetite changes, fatigue, weight loss, dizziness and diarrhea. It is physically impossible to overdose on CBD, the worst-case scenario is you might be extremely sleepy, however it is advised to consult your doctor about the effects when combined with other medications. It is also physically impossible to overdoes on THC although you should consult your doctor before using it if you have cardiac conditions.
*collaborative post
