The CBD market is expected to hit a value of $25 billion in the US, alone, by 2025. CBD marks one of the most explosive new products on the market.
However, a lot of people express certain hesitations about CBD, what it is, and whether or not they want to give it a try. The concern we come across most often is that people are worried that it may affect them the way THC does.
While CBD and THC come from the same plant, the difference between THC and CBD is remarkable. It’s worth learning about if you have questions or concerns about CBD.
Read on to learn more about these two types of cannabinoids and how they’re different.
What Is a Cannabinoid?
The term “cannabinoid” refers to a large number of different chemical substances. Cannabinoids are found in the Cannabis Sativa plant and interact with our cannabinoid receptors.
What does that mean? Humans have an endocannabinoid system in the brain and body. In this system, you’ll find individual molecules that are called, you guessed it, cannabinoids.
Our natural endocannabinoid system helps to control things like our sleep schedule, appetite, mood regulation, and even our memory. Cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant do interact with the cannabinoids in our system. How they do so can vary from person to person, which is why some may find a compound like THC soothing while others may not.
Is THC Legal?
Before we get into the differences between THC and CBD, let’s talk legality. When we’re talking about the legality of THC, you’re typically going to hear this expressed as the legality of marijuana. As you probably know, some states have legalized medical marijuana use while others have legalized recreational marijuana use–and, of course, some states haven’t legalized it, at all.
Before you seek out THC products, make sure that it’s legal to do so in the state that you’re in. Take a look at this list of where THC products are legal for recreational use.
Remember, if it’s legal for medical use, only, you’ll need permission from a medical doctor to access THC products. Even if THC is legal for recreational use, consult your doctor, first. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.
Is CBD Legal?
It’s probably the same story for CBD, right? Wrong! CBD is legal in all 50 states in America, marking its wider-spread acceptance around the world.
That being said, each state is still allowed to create its own rules and regulations. That means that the types of CBD products or CBD concentrations that are legal in one state may not be legal in another.
The Biggest Difference Between THC and CBD
As we mentioned earlier, cannabinoids interact with the human endocannabinoid system. Some users may find that this produces soothing, relaxing, or relieving effects. THC and CBD products are both popular with individuals who have difficulty sleeping, chronic pain, anxiety, and more.
THC and CBD look quite similar when broken down. They have the same chemical makeup but those chemicals are arranged in a different way, accounting for both their similarities and their differences. As we mentioned earlier, there’s one key difference that is important to remember.
THC is associated with producing psychoactive effects. These are the effects that make a user feel “high.” This can be felt in the body, mind, or both.
CBD products, however, do not produce psychoactive effects. In other words, using a CBD product will not make you feel “high.”
Common Types of THC Products
Dispensaries, both medical and recreational, make it easier to find a THC product that you enjoy using. You can also talk to THC experts about the type of strain that’s best suited to your needs and desires, as well as the dosage you should take.
The most popular form of THC is the plant (aka the flower or bud), itself. You can smoke the plant using a wide variety of ways. For example, you can use a glass piece, a vape, or roll the plant into a joint.
If you’d prefer not to smoke THC, you can look for products like edibles and oils. In states that have legalized recreational usage of THC, you’ll find all sorts of fun and interesting edibles, such as THC-infused teas, candies, and baked goods.
Common Types of CBD Products
Just as we recommended with THC products, we recommend taking the time to learn about the types of CBD and dosages that work best for you. CBD is less likely to produce negative side effects, but it’s still helpful to know more about what will work best with your body.
One of the most popular CBD products is CBD oil, which you can take sublingually. Topical CBD products are also growing in popularity, including products like CBD balms and lotions as well as CBD chapsticks and roll-ons. Whenever possible, look for CBD products that are FDA registered.
As you begin the process of using a CBD product, keep track of how you feel. If one CBD product doesn’t produce much of an effect, there are always others that you can try.
THC vs CBD: Different Compounds from the Same Family
The CBD market is growing rapidly and many consumers are curious about it. Understanding the difference between THC and CBD is the first step towards using CBD in an informed way. If you’re going to try a new product, you should always start with a little bit of research!
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