Do you know the difference between THC and CBD, or are those just random acronyms in your eyes? If you don’t know the difference, don’t worry. There’s massive confusion between the two compounds. Both may be beneficial, but for alternate reasons. In the interest of helping folks like you choose the right compound, we are pleased to present a savvy comparison.
“CBD offers pain relief and some
sorts of disease management
without getting you ‘high’, plus
nutrients, including vitamins,
amino acids, and healthful
omega-3 fatty acids.”
What experts in a legal state say
When Colorado was still a part of the legendary wild west, cannabis was not unlawful to grow, sell, give away, or use. It was not until well into the second decade of the 20th century that the highly beneficial herb was criminalized. All forms of marijuana became outlawed in Colorado in March 1917. Use of the indigenous herb remained illegal for nearly one hundred years, finally becoming legal again for recreational use by adults in 2012.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, and Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, are naturally occurring components of the cannabis plant. The compounds are found in both sativa and indica strains. CBD is found, to a far lesser extent, in hemp plants. For medical purposes, indica and sativa strains are generally preferred. Hemp is cultivated for CBD extraction as well as for fabric making, oil production and a number of other textile uses. Marijuana for medical consumers has been legal albeit very much regulated in Colorado since 2000.
What’s what in the world of cannabis
The simplest way of delineating the difference between THC and CBD is to say that THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not. THC will alter your mind, get you high, give you a ‘buzz’.
THC does offer some medical benefit, especially where an eye disorder called glaucoma is concerned. Numerous studies conclude that THC may also offer some measure of relief to people with multiple sclerosis, or MS. Empirical evidence proves that THC increases appetite and boosts mood in persons undergoing chemotherapy. Relaxation and hunger, a condition nicknamed ‘the munchies,’ are commonly associated with THC use. Sleepiness may also occur, due to THC’s natural ability to mimic a natural nerve transmitter called anandamide.
Another medical malady that may be treated with THC is a devastating nerve disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. Extracted pharmaceutical THC and CBD may be given orally to boost appetite in persons with cancer, notes Mayo Clinic.
CBD offers pain relief and some sorts of disease management without getting you ‘high,’ explains Denver-based Westword magazine. When it comes to pain relief, CBD alone offers plenty of analgesic benefit without the sleepy side effects of THC treatment. Most commonly taken as a highly concentrated oil, CBD oil delivers a host of nutrients, including vitamins, amino acids, and healthful omega-3 fatty acids. Cornell University notes that marijuana and marijuana derivatives may relieve nausea, boost appetite, and alleviate spasticity.
What to look for
When shopping for CBD oil for pain relief, look for a product produced under low pressure at low temperature. Eschew CBD products made with a butane or CO2 extraction process.
CBD for pets
Yes, it’s a thing. If your pet suffers from achy joints or skin problems, you may wish to try CBD products made specifically for our furry friends. Imbue Botanicals offers a range of soothing products designed for dogs and people, too. Balms, salves, tinctures and CBD supplements offer hope and comfort to pet owners who wish to do right by their dogs and cats.
When in Colorado
The state of Colorado reminds visitors and residents alike that cannabis may only be used by adults aged 21 and older. To obtain medical marijuana, residents must present a ‘red card’ at an authorized cannabis dispensary
Some people understandably conflate CBD oil with hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is a nutritious dietary supplement that delivers a healthful load of the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids that are essential to cardiac health. Hemp seed oil does not typically contain psychoactive THC, however.
About the Author
Charlie Hartley is an herbalist and alternative medicine healer. He loves to look for great ways to help people feel better and posts his findings on many health and wellbeing websites.
Are you aware of the differences between THC and CBD?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
My mother was diagnosed with ALS in May 2014. Her doctor put her on riluzole, letting her know there was no cure but the medication might provide her a few more months of delayed symptoms. ALS progresses at different rates and affects different body parts first. My mother, being 73 at the time, fell into a category of what they call “fast progression” (older female). Her arms weakened first, then her hands, her mouth, and throat, and finally her lungs. Throughout her two-and-a-half-year ordeal, she was able to walk with assistance nothing was really working to help her condition.I took her off the riluzole (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started her on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis herbal formula i ordered from Health Herbal Clinic, her symptoms totally declined over a 5 weeks use of the ALS disease natural herbal formula. She’s now almost 76 and doing very well, the disease is totally reversed!! Visit there website www . healthherbalclinic . net
Hi Deborah,
I have tried the CBD oil that are not Medical Marijuana and that are available in all 50 states made from the industrial hemp plant. THere so many companies claiming all these wonderful healing power of hemp plant and claim they are using the flower and the whole plant.
I have seizures, chronic pain among many other disorders.To me they were useless and I wasted a lot of money on them. I had originally use CBD Medical Marijuana that has more THC than the .2% or whatever it is that makes it not legal in most states or to transport across state lines and i never had anything that ever helped me as much as this did. It controls my seizures completely and the longer I used it the more benefit my body got from it. It helps with sleep, anxiety and so much more. Unfortunately even though it has been legal in my state for over a year it is still not available. For about 6 months I was able to get but lost my contact and now have to wait until they get all the pharmacies, greenhouse and all set up.
I did a lot of research and tried some of the best brands of CBD oil and it just is not the same thing as the medical type. The CBD capsules I took that was Medical Marijuana never made me one bit high – it only relaxed me . There is a lot of misinformation out and a lot of snake oils. Even the legit CBD oil that is not Medical Marijuana does not have the same properties and does work for some people, but other people like myself need some of that THC in it to help. I had never smoked pot and still wouldn’t.
People need to beware of the many companies that are making claims that I consider fraudulent. Thanks for sharing your information.
I just hope and pray that what I need will be soon available in my state, but right now it is at least another 8 months or longer and until then I have to try my best to keep my conditions under control. I haven’t found any pharmaceutical seizure medications that continue to work for me and they all had horrible side effects.
Hi Marla,
I am so glad you shared your experiences with us. It is critically important because we all learn from each other. I sincerely hope and pray that you will be able to find relief for your condition.