The marijuana or cannabis plant contains more than 120 phytocannabinoids that can harmonize our bodily functions and bring us into balance. Out of all, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most efficient compounds. These can be consumed separately or simultaneously for different effects based on your ailment.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, was first discovered in the 1940s and has since become a popular, natural treatment for various health conditions. The strain is derived from the marijuana plant or hemp. CBD extracted from the marijuana plant has higher THC traces than hemp extract.
What Is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is a cannabis ingredient that causes the characteristic ‘high’ the plant is known for. The compound triggers our brain’s reward system by triggering the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone. This is a neurotransmitter that regulates our mood and pleasure levels. THC can release a higher-than-normal amount of the chemical, causing euphoria.
CBD vs. THC – Differences and Similarities
To understand how these two compounds work together in cannabis products, we need to understand the following:
Chemical Structure
THC and CBD have similar chemical structures, i.e., two oxygen atoms, 30 hydrogen, and 21 carbon atoms. The atoms are arranged differently, so they have different effects. But both CBD and THC are similar to naturally occurring endocannabinoids in our body which is why they can interact with cannabinoid receptors.
When doing so, they trigger the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for delivering messages between cells and affect our stress levels, immunity, sleep, and pain threshold.
Psychoactive Components
CBD and THC have different psychoactive components. Both are psychoactive but in varying degrees – CBD doesn’t produce the high THC is known for. The latter does that by binding to the brain’s CB1 receptors, resulting in a euphoric state. The high is immediate if the product containing THC is inhaled via a vape.
CBD, however, doesn’t bind with CB1 receptors well, if at all. It needs THC to do that. This is why products that contain both CBD and THC have the benefits of both compounds without the psychoactive effects of THC.
The Source
Most CBD is derived from hemp, even though it can also be derived from marijuana since the latter contains higher traces of THC. THC is only derived from marijuana. Some CBD products made from cannabis may contain higher traces of THC than those mentioned on the label.
Legal Aspects
Products made from hemp, such as CBD, are legal as per the Farm Bill of 2018 since they do not contain more than 0.3% THC. Any cannabis product with higher THC levels is considered illegal in the US or federal law. But the legality of the substances can be tricky.
From the end of 2021 onwards, 19 states allowed the recreational and medical use of cannabis, 11 for both CBD and THC products, and 7 for the medical use of the substance. CBD and THC are still illegal in three states.
Some cannabis products are mislabeled because of changing state and federal laws which can increase your confusion.
Drug Testing
Conventional drug tests are designed to test for THC, not CBD. But some can be used to search for CBD traces depending on who orders the test and what they are meant to evaluate. It should also be noted that CBD products containing 0.3% of THC (i.e., the legal amount) can also appear in drug tests.
Prevent this from happening by sticking to broad-spectrum or isolated CBD products. These don’t have any traces of THC. Also, consider consulting a medical professional about usage and learning more about drug tests.
Trying THC and CBD Products for the First Time
Both THC and CBD products are consumed similarly. Some of them include the following:
- Via inhalation after burning a dried cannabis flower
- Through edibles such as sour patch edibles
- Through tinctures or plant extracts
- Through vapor inhalation via a vape pen.
If you are trying any of these products for the first time, follow these tips for safe consumption:
- If you are trying CBD, maintain your dosage between 5 and 15mg
- If you are trying THC products, maintain your dosage between 5mg and less
Experiment by taking both together but ensure the dosage is within safe limits. It will help you determine how long the substance takes to take effect. Try different delivery methods as well to see which one you like. Common ways include:
- Capsules
- Food products
- Gummies
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Vapes
The bottom line is that while CBD and THC are derived from the same cannabis plant, they are quite different when used in products. They have different properties – CBD is known for its health benefits, while THC is famous because of its psychoactive effects. Before using any of the products, consult with your physician first. Let them know about the medications you are taking as well. Some drugs may react adversely to CBD and THC products, so better be safe than sorry.
Get Premium Quality CBD Treats, Edibles, Tinctures, and Vapes from Mary Jane’s Bakery
If you are searching for the best place to buy CBD hemp flower, sour patch edibles, CBD buds, and other CBD products, take a look at the Mary Jane’s Bakery inventory. Besides creating delicious CBD and THC-infused baked goods, we offer other edibles, oils, tinctures, and topicals that can treat various ailments.
Our shipping team ensures each package is custom packed before it is sent for delivery, so nothing is damaged. We understand the health benefits of THC and CBD and can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
For more details about our products and the ingredients we use, contact us via email at info@Maryjanesbakery.com or call us by dialing +17869613146. We are open 24 hours a day and all seven days of the week so we can answer your queries promptly.