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As there is an increment in the legal use of hemp & other marijuana products. Consumers have got more excited about their options. It is inclusive of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). These are two natural compounds that you will find in plants of the Cannabis genus.

You can extract CBD from cannabis or hemp. Consequently, Marijuana and hemp are widely popular for having their origin from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Legal hemp must comprise 0.3% THC or a lesser amount than that. CBD has got sold in the form of gels, oils, extracts, gummies, supplements, & many more.

THC is the major psychoactive compound which you can find in marijuana. It does the production of high sensation. You can do the consumption of it by smoking marijuana. Above all, it is also available in tinctures, capsules, edibles, oils, and more.

Both these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system of your body, but they come with numerous different effects.

Continue to read this article to learn more about these compounds. However, these may come with a lot in common, but they are also having some key differences.

CBD vs. THC: Chemical Structure

Both THC and CBD are having a molecular structure that is exactly similar. It consists of 30 hydrogen atoms, 2 oxygen atoms, and 21 carbon atoms. A slight difference in how the atoms are arranged is responsible for the different effects on your body.

Both THC & CBD have chemicals similar to the endocannabinoids of your body. It facilitates them in interacting with your cannabinoid receptors.

The interaction lays impacts on the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are a kind of chemical. As a result, these are responsible for relaying messages between cells. Consequently, these are having roles in immune function, pain, sleep, and stress to name a few.

CBD vs THC: Psychoactive components

THC & CBD are not having the same psychoactive effects despite their similar chemical structures. CBD is psychoactive, but it is not just in a similar manner as THC. It doesn't do the production of the high which has a relation with THC. CBD is popular for assisting you with seizures, depression, and anxiety.

On the other hand, THC binds in the brain with the cannabinoid 1 receptors or CB1 receptors. It does the production of a high or sense of euphoria. CBD binds extremely weakly with CB1 receptors. Along with this CBD has the requirement of THC for binding, for instance, sedation or euphoria.

CBD vs THC: Medical Benefits

THC and CBD come with numerous similar medical benefits. As a result, these can serve you with relief from several similar conditions. However, CBD is not the reason for euphoric effects which used to occur with THC. Some people may give preference for making use of CBD. The reason is the lack of its side effects.

Epidlolex was the first prescription medication that contained CBD. It was used for the treatment of extremely rare and difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy. Currently, Epidlolex has got approval for any of the other conditions which are given below.

CBD is taken into use for assisting with numerous other conditions, for instance:
  • seizures
  • inflammation
  • psychosis or mental disorders
  • pain
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • nausea
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • migraine
On the other hand, THC is taken into use for assisting with the following:
  • anxiety
  • nausea
  • low appetite
  • insomnia
  • glaucoma
  • muscle spasticity
  • pain
CBD vs. THC: Side Effects

You can tolerate CBD very well even in large doses. Researches suggest that any side effects that occur with the use of CBD are generally the outcome of drug-to-drug interactions. These interactions are between CBD and other medications which you might be consuming.

THC is popular for causing some temporary side effects, for instance:
  • anxiety
  • memory loss
  • slower reaction times
  • red eyes
  • dry mouth
  • coordination problems
  • enhanced heart rate
Side effects of CBD might be inclusive of:
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • appetite changes
These side effects of CBD are basically part of the psychoactive properties of the compound. None of the side effects are fatal. However, the use of high THC might have a connection with the long-term negative psychiatric effects. It is particularly true for adolescents who do the consumption of large amounts of THC. However, there is no conclusive proof that making use of marijuana becomes the reason for psychiatric disorders. For instance, schizophrenia.

CBD vs. THC: Drug Testing

Cannabinoids, for instance, CBD & THC have their storage in the fat of the body. After you do the consumption these they can show up on drug tests for numerous days or weeks.

However, every drug test will not be capable of detecting CBD. But CBD-sensitive tests are available. Most of the standard drug tests will look for chemicals that have a relation with THC. So, the use of marijuana or THC might show up on screening.

Likewise, in addition to CBD hemp can do the production of some THC. So, even if you haven't made use of it, this could be positive for THC. It is very crucial to note that products that claim to be free from THC. They actually might not be free from it. So, if you were tested for drugs, you should not make use of any THC or CBD products.

THC and CBD are the two most crucial cannabinoids which you will find in the marijuana plant. Basically, both hemp and marijuana do the production of THC and CBD. However, marijuana comes with a higher concentration of THC. But, Hemp is having a higher concentration of CBD.

The average marijuana strain in todays' times comprises about 12 percent THC. CBD oil might consist of small amounts of THC. The reason is that it is present in the low levels of the hemp plant. For being legal at the federal level, CBD can have not more than 0.3% THC.