Cannabidiol, also known as CBD has been growing in popularity over the past few years. More and more people are seeing the many benefits it can have on their health. CBD is a compound found in both hemp and marijuana plants. An extraction process takes the cannabidiol out of the plants and converts it into the oil that becomes a supplement. There is also THC in marijuana plants which is the chemical that is psychoactive, getting you “high.” Cannabidiol is not psychoactive, so you won’t feel “high.”
Consumers continue to look more into the many uses of CBD and what it can bring to their life. CBD comes extracted from all-natural hemp plants. You can find it in several forms from soft gels, to topical creams, sprays, capsules, tinctures, and even in vapes.
So, THC is the psychoactive component that when consumed gives you the euphoric feeling. Even THC can is found in forms from edibles, oils, capsules and more.
While both CBD and THC have interactions on the body, they affect the EC (endocannabinioid) system in different ways. THC can affect the endocannabinioid system in a way that provides physical side effects, which is why people use marijuana as a recreational drug.
Both THC and CBD contain 21 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms. The different arrangements of the atoms determine how they affect someone and the body. Both components are like what’s found in the body. In turn, their interaction has an impact on the interaction CBD has on receptors.
CBD vs. Psychoactive Chemicals
While CBD and THC have similar structures, they have different psychoactive effects. CBD has a non-psychoactive effect. So, while it does offer several benefits to the body, you won’t get high while using it. This makes CBD completely legal to use and buy over the counter and online. THC does contain psychoactive chemicals and components. This is what’s responsible for getting people high.
THC binds with receptors found in the brain producing a sense of euphoria. This is what makes people feel high. This feeling subsides when you use CBD oil which makes it a safer alternative. It’s available for sale online and in many health food stores. CBD doesn’t bind as strong to the receptors and dampens psychoactive effects.
Benefits of CBD Usage
For those of you who take the time to research CBD and all it can do for you, you’ll be surprised at how much it can benefit you. The best part is there are no side effects to worry about. People experience relief from mental disorders, menstrual cramps, inflammation, moodiness, insomnia, seizures, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
When CBD oil first hit the market, it wasn’t available in as many forms as it is these days. It came in droplet form that you placed under your tongue. Some people used it primarily to help them fall asleep or to even ease cramps. Some even used CBD oil for massages.
People now have the option to sip CBD oil in their favorite drinks, use topical gels and creams, lip balms, soft gel caps, sprays, diffusers, vaping it, edibles and even droppers. Some people even get CBD in a form that allows them to roll it up in a joint and smoke it that way. Like how you would smoke weed. Some people choose to use vape pens and smoke it that way.
Drug Testing: CBD and THC
Both CBD and THC get stored in the body’s fat tissues. They show up if you take a drug test. Some may show up for several weeks even after use. However, CBD is not going to show up on all drug screenings. There are, though, some CBD sensitive tests. You’ll find most will primarily focus on THC showing up on the screen.
CBD vs THC When Used for Pain
Research has been done showing CBD helps relieve neuropathic pain and other types of inflammation. THC can excel pain associated with cramps.
With high doses of THC pain symptoms are exacerbated until the high feeling wears off. CBD may be used daily to try to keep pain and other symptoms at bay.
THC can be found in cannabis plants while CBD can be found in industrial hemp and cannabis. THC is the main component in cannabis and what causes people to get high. It alters the mind and has a psychoactive effect. Many people notice the effects within 10 minutes or so which include:
- Increased appetite
- Increased sleepiness
- Relaxation
- Analgesic
- Euphoria
THC may also give you a boost of energy depending on the stain you smoke. It affects the brain differently than CBD does. It’s a psychoactive component of the cannabis plant and is responsible for giving people that feeling of euphoria. As you can see, it’s a much different compound than CBD.
CBD can be viewed as the “boring” supplement while THC is looked at as the “fun” stuff.
CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that THC has, and it’s legal to buy in the US. There’s no high feeling attached. CBD affects CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors found in the body’s brain. These receptors are responsible for pain, sleep, pain sensation, memory, and appetite.
CBD2 receptors can be found in the body’s immune system. They have anti-inflammatory properties to them unlike THC. Some of the most common ailments and effects CBD might help with include as an:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-convulsant
- Anti-psychotic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
CBD has been shown in some studies to be great for helping to alleviate symptoms from medical ailments and mental health issues. Since it’s legal, many people are buying it online and incorporating it into their daily supplement regimen. People are noticing an increase in their mood. Some who once suffered with arthritis find their joints are less inflamed causing less discomfort.
The positive benefits of CBD oil can outweigh any negative. In fact, no negative side effects have been reported by users of CBD. CBD can be found in beauty products from lip balms to even some skin care treatments aimed at helping acne sufferers. You can find CBD oil in several forms making it convenient to find the form right for you.
As always, we recommend that you speak with your doctor prior to trying any new supplement.
THC is legal in some states, but it’s still considered illegal by federal law. CBD that’s extracted from hemp no longer has any legal restrictions in the United States, making it easier than ever before to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol. CBD also offers a better lifestyle by helping to alleviate some of the symptoms you might be currently experiencing.
If you’re interested in seeing what CBD can do for you, give it a try and see why it’s quickly becoming one of the largest supplement industries in the world!