In recent years, marijuana and other types of cannabis-based products have gained a new level of legality. Now, more and more consumers are searching for insight into the options they have and how to use these products. What is CBD exactly?
The two main products receiving attention are those that contain cannabidiol (CBD) and the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
While both of these substances stem from various types of plants and crops under the cannabis genus, they are distinct from one another. So, what’s the difference between CBD and THC? Continue reading to learn more.
What Does CBD Stand For?
The abbreviation “CBD” stands for “cannabidiol”. It is a distinctive cannabinoid and chemical compound that is commonly found in hemp and marijuana.
Despite this, it is not considered to be a psychoactive substance.
This means that it will not result in the feelings of euphoria or the “high” that is produced when utilizing marijuana. In fact, CBD is considered to be a safe substance that has no potential for addiction.
While closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not THC.
CBD Benefits
Each of us has special compounds in our body. These are medically referred to as “endogenous cannabinoids”.
These developed their name because they are similar to the compounds that are contained within the cannabis plant.
These body-specific cannabinoids are a part of a unique body system referred to as the “endocannabinoid system”.
This system is responsible for a variety of functions.
Examples include the regulation of our body, the energy levels that we experience, the immune system’s functionality, the density of the bones, the ability to metabolize glucose, how we perceive such events like pain, hunger, and stress.
It has been discovered that if there is a problem within the endocannabinoid system of the body, medical problems will quickly follow.
Utilizing CBD products can aid in ensuring that this system is performing optimally. As a result, it has the potential to slow the progression of certain medical conditions and completely stop other types of medical problems.
CBD does more than just relax the mind and body; it helps to repair and ensure that the body is performing in an optimal manner.
CBD products provide an instant boost to your health and overall well-being.
CBD Oil Side Effects
On the most part, only positive side effects have been associated with CBD oil and other types of CBD products. There have been a few side effects that are currently being researched to determine if they are caused by the substance.
To date, these side effects are not confirmed; however, it is best to know of these potential side effects just in case – in future studies – it is confirmed that they stem from using CBD products.
Most side effects are positive; however, there are side effects that may be associated with CBD (studies have yet to confirm) that you should be aware of:
- CBD products have been known to produce changes in the mood. In most instances, the mood was uplifted and evened out.
- Many individuals have taken CBD to reduce anxiety and have been successful in the endeavor; however, there are a few instances where the products seemed to increase anxiety.
- Many individuals have experienced a change in appetite. This may or may not be positive, depending on if the appetite is increased or decreased.
- Gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been associated with CBD products, but have not been confirmed.
- Due to the relaxing nature of CBD, many have found that they feel drowsy when using oils and other products that contain the substance.
- Dizziness may occur when taking CBD. It is advised that users start off slowly and gradually work their way up to higher dosages.
- Many have suffered from dry mouth. While this seems to be linked to CBD usage, it is still being researched.
- There are studies evaluating increased liver enzyme levels when taking CBD; however, this is still being evaluated.
If you have the desire to try CBD oil and other types of CBD products, it is advised that you discuss this thoroughly with your doctor.
They know your health history and are familiar with any prescriptions and other medications that you take. They will be able to identify any potential side effects and/or any potential adverse reactions that you may experience while using CBD.
While deemed a safe and effective product that aids in the overall enhancement of the health, there may be a small percentage of individuals that are at risk for potentially unwanted or uncomfortable effects.
In addition to the possible health-related effects of CBD, the substance may have a direct impact on your ability to drive or operate types of machinery – such as a vehicle.
As with any substance, there may be a risk for having memory issues, mood issues, attention issues, and mental health issues; however, this has yet to be concluded in any studies.
In fact, the research that has been done concludes that CBD oil and other CBD products are positive – for both mental and physical health.
What is THC?
“THC” is the abbreviation for the chemical, “tetrahydrocannabinol”. It is the substance that produces most of the psychological-based effects when one uses marijuana.
Just like CBD, it, too, is much like the cannabinoids that are naturally produced within the body.
There are special cannabinoid receptors located in the brain. These are responsible for memory, the process of thinking, pleasure, the perception of time, and even coordination.
THC has the capability of attaching to these brain receptors and affects all of the previously outlined.
THC encourages cells to release dopamine and that is what creates the euphoric feeling that marijuana users experience.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
While CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and are both similar to those that are produced naturally in the body. They are different in THC produces a “high” and CBD does not.
Ironically, both CBD and THC have similar a molecular structure; however, the slight differences in the arrangement of the atoms is the reason that each interacts with the body differently.
CBD is nonpsychoactive and THC is considered to be psychoactive.
THC strongly adheres to the CB1 receptors in the brain, whereas CBD does not bind as strongly.
In fact, it has been determined that if an individual uses marijuana that contains THC and CBD products at the same time, the CBD has the ability to reduce the number of psychoactive effects that occur with the THC.
The medical marijuana available today does offer many health benefits, most prescriptions do not contain THC, they contain CBD; however, there are medical marijuana products that do contain small traces of THC.
It has been established that both THC and CBD can be beneficial to the health; however, being that CBD products fail to produce the “high” that THC causes, most people are opting for CBD as a treatment to their health. The following outlines just a few of the medical-based issues that CBD can help with:
- Seizures
- Inflammation within the Body
- Various Types of Pain
- Mental Disorders
- Psychosis
- Nausea
- Depression
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Headaches and Migraines
- Anxiety
- Spasticity of the Muscles
- Insomnia
- Glaucoma
- Appetite Problems
The next difference between CBD and THC are the side effects that may occur. According to most studies, CBD is a product that is well tolerated and produces very few side effects.
In fact, this is the reason why many prefer to use it – apart from the fact that it does not create a “high” like THC.
If side effects are experienced, it usually stems from the fact that the CBD is interacting with other types of medications. THC – on the other hand – results in many side effects. The following outlines the most common:
- The heart is known to speed up during usage
- Many suffer from problems with coordination
- The mouth is likely to become very dry
- The eyes may start to water and will look red
- The reaction times will become slow
- Memory problems may occur
- Long-term usage could result in psychiatric problems
What’s the Takeaway?
While both THC and the CBD compound are both beneficial to the health and are generally considered to be “safe”, CBD is the safest option as it does not produce any type of “high” and does not have the potential for addiction. Today, the Federal Government consider both to be illegal; however, many states have deemed them “legal” for use. More states have made CBD legal than THC.
We here at Back to Motion now offer a multitude of legal CBD products that you may use to provide a boost to your health.
For more information on CBD and how it can assist you contact us.