It seems that everywhere you turn these days, people are talking about CBD.
As more states legalize marijuana, people who might otherwise have never considered using cannabis or a cannabis-type product are exploring different options.
That being said, there is still a great deal of confusion when it comes to CBD. One of the most common issues is understanding the difference between CBD and THC, and the different uses, effects, and legality of products with these compounds.
Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are found in marijuana. When someone uses marijuana, the cannabinoid receptors in the body react to the compounds, resulting in specific physical and psychological effects.
Generally speaking, THC is what causes the psychoactive effects (getting high) while CBD has more physical effects, including pain relief.
The amount of each compound in a product depends largely on what type of plant it came from. Marijuana tends to have higher concentrations of THC, while hemp – a plant from the same family – has more CBD.
That’s why most CBD products are derived from hemp, as it provides symptom relief without getting the user high.
However, smoking isn’t the only way one can use cannabinoid products. As the market has expanded, a full array of products, from edibles and topical creams to oils have been made available.
Oils have become very popular, as they can be used in a variety of ways, from adding to food or creams to directly dropping under the tongue.
Before you purchase a cannabinoid oil, though, it’s important to understand the key differences between THC oil and CBD Oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is nearly identical to THC on a molecular level, but it is not a psychoactive compound, so it won’t get you high the same way. That being said, even products that claim to not contain THC may contain trace amounts of the compound, though generally not enough to cause a high or show up on drug tests.
CBD is popular because it can be used to help treat a wide variety of ailments, including chronic pain, anxiety, seizures, epilepsy, migraines, and inflammatory bowel disease.
In addition to not causing a high, CBD won’t increase your appetite like THC can. Some people also use it to help with sleep. Unlike many other medications, it doesn’t have any known side effects.
In fact, according to the World Health Organization, CBD can be used in large doses without any adverse effects, and among those who have experienced effects, it’s usually because of interactions with other medications.
Again, CBD doesn’t usually show up on drug screens, but it is stored in the body fat and if a CBD-sensitive test is used, you could have a positive result.
If you are concerned about this, it’s better to choose a CBD oil product derived from hemp, as it naturally contains less THC than cannabis-derived CBD.
In addition, CBD made from marijuana is illegal on the federal level, even if it’s legal in your state. Federal law does allow CBD products made from hemp, but not all states do.
Therefore, it’s important to check the laws of your state or any state you’re traveling to before choosing a product, as your CBD oil could potentially be illegal.
What is THC Oil?
THC oil isn’t always an oil – and its primary purpose is to get you high.
THC oil (sometimes referred to a 710, budder, honey oil, or wax) is a highly concentrated form of marijuana that has at least 10 percent THC. It can be added to food, smoked, or used in a vape, creating an almost instant high.
The high from THC oil is often much more intense than that from smoking marijuana. In some people, it can cause anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and hallucinations, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Still, many people enjoy using THC oil for its ability to act quickly and create that intense high.
Unlike CBD, which is legal on a federal level, THC oil is federally illegal. It can only be purchased or used legally in states that allow legal recreational or medical marijuana use.
Understanding the differences among cannabinoid products is important to not only avoid running afoul of the law, but for achieving the benefits you want from using the products.
Before purchasing anything, double-check the regulations, and read the contents carefully to be sure you get the best products for your needs.
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