For those unfamiliar with hemp and marijuana products, it can be confusing to figure out the difference between CBD and THC. Can you take CBD with THC? Does hemp produce THC, or just CBD? And what are the benefits and potential drawbacks of each?
Too often going unanswered, these questions can be a roadblock for many people who would otherwise become enthusiastic fans of the many benefits provided by these compounds. We will explore how these substances differ, how they are similar, and even what happens when combined. Read on further to find out!
Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is a naturally-occurring, prominent active cannabinoid. CBD is the active ingredient derived from either marijuana or hemp that can be used to create a variety of CBD products. However, CBD is typically extracted from hemp due to its naturally higher concentrations of CBD and much lower quantity of THC.
As one of the primary cannabinoids, CBD provides a wide range of holistic benefits. CBD has recently seen a big increase in popularity due to these benefits and, as a result, can be found in many different kinds of products.
CBD produces many therapeutic benefits, all without any of the intoxicating effects you might experience from THC. CBD does this by supporting your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), indirectly affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. Because CBD doesn’t bind to the cannabinoid receptors, it doesn’t produce any intoxicating effects. Instead, CBD helps you reach homeostasis so you can live your best life on your terms. CBD can help us reach improved wellness, a positive mindset, and better living through this balance, naturally!
CBD can help provide relief from:
Besides the benefits covered above, one of the things that often leads people to consider CBD is that there are very few associated side effects. The majority of people tolerate it extremely well, and most of the time, the side effects are minor and temporary. In addition, there are no known cases of an overdose related to CBD consumption.
Here are some of the side effects you could experience from consuming CBD:
If you are concerned with how CBD may affect you or want to determine proper dosage, we recommend to talk to a licensed physician to provide medical advice.
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the other primary cannabinoid and is famously known to cause the effects that make one feel high. You can find THC primarily in marijuana, but hemp can also have very low concentrations present.
In some states, THC is available through state-sponsored medical marijuana programs and recreational businesses. This allows consumers access to high-quality products and to consume products containing pure THC extract without fear of repercussion. Check the rules for your home state to see if there are any THC products available near you!
The benefits of THC can appear similar to CBD despite the major differences in how they interact with the ECS. However, THC comes with many more potential side effects than CBD. In addition, due to the controlled substances act, THC is still illegal under federal law.
The effects experienced when ingesting cannabis or THC are much different because THC binds directly to the cannabinoid receptors. Due to this, THC produces a euphoric, intoxicating effect that may be undesirable for many people.
THC creates the euphoric state we associate with being high. This can only be acquired through THC binding to the cannabinoid receptors. Some of the same wellness and medical benefits are present in THC that we can find in CBD like:
However, THC can have many undesirable side effects, and following consumption, one may experience:
Some people may enjoy the buzz provided by THC as it is a quality not provided by other medications. However, it may not be for everyone due to its side effects and intoxicating qualities. Luckily as a consumer, you have options!
No, CBD does not contain THC because CBD and THC are two different cannabinoids! However, CBD products can sometimes contain THC, but the two are not always bound together. Due to the introduction of the 2018 Farm Bill, federal law states CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC up to 0.3% to be legal. Any CBD product over the legal limit is considered marijuana products which are still federally illegal.
All CBD products must also be derived from hemp and not marijuana. In hemp-derived CBD products, this 0.3% THC limit makes sure consumers can avoid the euphoric effects of marijuana while still getting it’s benefits. Because the THC content in these CBD products is so low, you should not feel high after consuming anything that has been confirmed to fall within this range. However, it is still not recommended to take CBD if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or subject to regular drug screening for marijuana.
CBD and THC share many similarities and differences. One similarity is that THC and CBD consist of the same chemical makeup of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms! However, a slight difference in their molecular structure causes a difference in effect between THC and CBD. This marks one of the biggest distinctions between CBD and THC.
On the other hand, CBD is non-intoxicating because it indirectly interacts with your cannabinoid receptors. As a result, CBD does not induce euphoria or sedation but instead supports systems promoting positive feelings and stress relief, providing a boost without potentially becoming overbearing or intoxicating. This is also why CBD can provide so many of the benefits present in THC without as many side effects!
Another of the other biggest differences between the two comes from legality issues in the plants they are derived from. Almost all CBD products you find come from hemp plants, while most THC products will be derived from the marijuana plant. This distinction is responsible for CBD’s widespread availability and THC’s restricted status.
Often marketed as separate products, taken together CBD and THC can provide strengthened, more multifaceted holistic health benefits through what is called the “entourage effect”. Essentially, the entourage effect suggests that when all the compounds in hemp work together, it can actually create a synergy that enhances the beneficial effects of CBD. Even better is that they can do this without disrupting each other, resulting in a naturally beneficial synergy.
Most CBD products are either full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate:
Taking CBD after THC is a great option for people who find themselves in need of the more sedating benefits associated with THC without too strong of a sensation of euphoria or highness. CBD does this by reducing the intensity of THC’s psychoactive effects to make us feel less intoxicated and provide a more well-rounded experience with fewer side effects.
Consuming CBD with THC can provide us with the benefits present in both compounds while enhancing one another. CBD notably can lower some of the less desirable reactions associated with THC, and generally, when these two natural compounds are used together, they are well tolerated. That being said, there are typically no associated side effects.
However, it is also possible that CBD or THC might affect other drugs or medications you may be prescribed. For this reason, we recommend talking to a medical professional who can provide medical advice appropriate for your specific situation.
Now that you understand the benefits of CBD, you might be interested in getting some for yourself! To get your hands on the most exciting, high-quality products, Hollyweed CBD is your new best bud! Hollyweed provides a range of products to help you find your favorite way to consume CBD, including:
Unlike other companies, we make all of our products with vegan, all-natural ingredients, so you can be sure you never have to worry about consuming harmful or unethical materials. Hollyweed is committed to providing lab-tested and carefully researched CBD products to meet the needs of all people interested in CBD’s benefits, so look around and try a CBD product that suits you!
CBD is a versatile compound with the potential to aid in a variety of commonly experienced issues. When taken with THC, CBD can help soften some of the uncomfortable effects associated with cannabis. Even better is it does this while still providing a relaxing and harmonious experience you won’t want to miss!
Combining THC with CBD can actually increase the benefits of both to be more beneficial than if they are taken individually. If you are looking to get more value from your CBD, cut out unwanted side effects, or increase THC’s benefits, CBD and THC will prove themselves well suited for each other, and in turn, for you as well!
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