Difference Between THC and CBD?

There are a lot of terms to learn when it comes to cannabis and hemp. At first, this may seem overwhelming. Then, as you gain a better understanding of terms like CBD and THC, you begin to wonder about the finer points that distinguish them. The distinctions between CBD, THC, marijuana, cannabis, and hemp are explained.

Quick Overviews

Let’s start with a quick overview to help you sort out the various terms in your head before getting into more detail.

• CBD (cannabidiol)  is the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. It does not cause a high when consumed.
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. It’s the source of your “high.”
• Cannabis and marijuana are the same thing.
• Hemp is the same type of plant as cannabis is but with less than 0.3% THC content

Take a closer look at the differences between each and how they all connect.

The Basic Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana/Cannabis

Hemp and marijuana are both plants, but the amount of THC in each differs significantly. The limit in most countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe, is 0.3 percent THC. Anything more than this is considered marijuana, and anything less is considered hemp. Each country can set its own limit, but the most common standard is 0.3 percent.

The History of the 0.3% Limit

In 1979, Ernest Small published “The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics,” which established the 0.3 percent THC as the distinguishing line. He stated in the book that there are no taxonomic distinctions between hemp and cannabis. He proposed the 0.3 percent rule as a solution, but he fully acknowledged that he chose an arbitrary number.

Hemp Plant Uses

It’s also worth noting that hemp is widely used in a variety of industries. Body care, textiles, industrial textiles, paper, food, building materials, and more all have applications.

Marijuana Vs. Cannabis

Cannabis plants with THC concentrations of more than 0.3 percent are referred to as marijuana or cannabis. The origins of the two terms can be traced back to the early 1900s.

Cannabis was more popular in the early twentieth century, and it was legal. Mexicans immigrated to the United States in the 1910s and 1920s. Marijuana was linked to those immigrants in racist campaigns. The anti-cannabis campaigns then exacerbated racism by using the term “marijuana.” As a result of these campaigns, the plant was made illegal in the 1930s. In essence, the term marijuana has racist roots, which most people are unaware of. Because of this history, some businesses avoid using the term.

The Basic Difference Between CBD and THC 

CBD and THC are cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp, though in different amounts. Cannabinoids are chemicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies (ECS). They can affect memory, sleep, mood, pain, and more by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, but THC and CBD have the highest concentrations.

THC and CBD have the same chemical formula, but their atoms are arranged differently. The slight variation in effects is due to the difference in the arrangement.

Do THC and CBD Both Appear in Both Cannabis and Hemp? 

CBD and THC are cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp, though in different amounts. Cannabinoids are chemicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies (ECS). They can affect memory, sleep, mood, pain, and more by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, but THC and CBD have the highest concentrations.

THC and CBD have the same chemical formula, but their atoms are arranged differently. The slight variation in effects is due to the difference in the arrangement.

Which Are Psychoactive? 

We’ve already established that THC is psychoactive, but CBD is not. This is an important distinction because it explains why they have different legal status.

You’re probably aware that marijuana is psychoactive, which makes sense given its high THC content.

Hemp, unlike marijuana, is not psychoactive. The plant does not have enough THC to cause psychoactive effects because its THC concentration is less than 0.3 percent.

That is why many people think of hemp as a marijuana substitute. It has the same effects as marijuana but is not psychoactive.

CBD Can Make THC Less Psychoactive

It’s worth noting that, in addition to not being psychoactive, consuming CBD alongside THC can actually reduce the THC’s psychoactive effects.

This, according to experts, is due to the way each cannabinoid interacts with our CB1 receptors. THC binds to those receptors, giving you a buzz. CBD, on the other hand, binds weakly and can even prevent THC from binding.

What Is Legal? 

The legality of something is entirely dependent on where you live.

Cannabis was legalised in Canada only a few years ago. Cannabis, hemp, CBD, and THC are all legal in the state.

In the United States, things get a lot more complicated. Hemp and CBD are both legal in the United States. This was enacted as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, and it is due to the fact that hemp has numerous industrial applications. Hemp was legally defined as having less than 0.3 percent THC under that farm bill.

In the case of marijuana and THC, however, things are more complicated. Both substances are still classified as Schedule 1 substances at the federal level, making them illegal. States, on the other hand, are free to create and legalise their own laws.

Epidiolex

Any discussion of legality should include Epidiolex. This was the first CBD-containing prescription medicine to be approved by the FDA. It was approved by the FDA in 2018 to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy in rare cases.

What About the Effects of Each? 

Every hemp or cannabis strain will have a slightly different set of effects. It depends on their CBD and THC concentrations, as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

You should look at what most people experience when they consume a strain if you want to experience specific effects from it. However, keep in mind that everyone’s body chemistry is different. You might react differently than the average person. As a result, it’s best to experiment with a cannabis or hemp strain when you’re free of obligations.

The distinction between CBD and THC’s effects is more obvious.

Above all, CBD is not psychoactive, whereas THC is. CBD is also calming and relaxing, whereas THC can increase appetite while also causing drowsiness and euphoria.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect should be considered when selecting a hemp or cannabis plant, as well as a CBD or THC product. This effect occurs when a cannabinoid is combined with other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids to increase the cannabinoid’s effect. Assume you have the ability to measure the pain-relieving effects of cannabinoid A and B. When you combine the effects of A and B, the pain-relieving effects are greater than what you would expect just by adding the results of A and B.

Side Effects

It is extremely rare for people to experience CBD side effects, and when they do, they are usually minor. Weight loss, appetite changes, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhoea are all possible side effects.

THC is more likely to cause side effects, which are usually only temporary. Anxiety, memory loss, slower reaction times, red eyes, coordination issues, a faster heart rate, and a dry mouth are all possible symptoms.

It’s also worth noting that neither THC nor CBD are poisonous. Adolescents, on the other hand, should avoid consuming large amounts of THC because it may have long-term psychiatric effects.

What Do Drug Tests Check For? Can I Pass a Drug Test If I Take Hemp or CBD? 

Taking a drug test while using hemp is a bit risky. That’s because hemp can contain trace amounts of THC, and drug tests have different levels of sensitivity. THC may also be processed differently by your body. This means that passing a THC-sensitive drug test is a bit of a gamble if you consume hemp.

If you’re worried about passing a drug test but still want to benefit from CBD’s effects, look for a THC-free product. There are, however, a few caveats. First, as previously stated, CBD-sensitive tests are available. If you consume CBD, you will obviously fail the test. The fact that CBD products are largely unregulated is another issue. This means that even if a product claims to be THC-free, it may contain trace amounts of THC. The government is unlikely to intervene as long as it has less than 0.3 percent.

What to Do If You Need to Pass a Drug Test

Getting a THC-free product from a company with laboratory analysis is the safest way to get the effects of CBD or THC while still (hopefully) passing a drug test. Third-party laboratories test most reputable companies’ products and publish the results on their websites. This may allow you to confirm that the product is truly THC-free. Just keep in mind that there’s still a chance that trace amounts of THC could show up on an incredibly sensitive test, but this is extremely unlikely.

How Do You Know How Much CBD and THC Is in a Product? 

You’ll notice that the amount of CBD and THC in a product is a common theme when determining whether it’s legal, how it affects you, and whether it shows up on a drug test. However, how do you know how much of each ingredient is present?

Always look for products or flowers from a company that has undergone laboratory testing. Companies will typically give you an approximate percent concentration of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids that occur in large enough quantities when it comes to hemp and cannabis flowers.

You should look for laboratory analysis and the product description when purchasing tinctures, gummies, oils, capsules, and extracts. If you buy from a reputable retailer like BC Chronic Bud. The product description should give you an idea of how much you’ll get. However, looking for third-party analysis will always be the best option. You’ll get exact percentages this way, and you can usually get the data in batches. This means you’ll be able to see the exact percentage of the product you’re purchasing.

The Takeaway

Marijuana and cannabis are two different names for the same plant. THC levels are high in that plant, while CBD levels are typically low. Hemp contains a low amount of THC and a high amount of CBD. Hemp and CBD are federally legal in the United States, but THC and marijuana are not, though states are free to legalise them.