Marijuana VS. CBD | What’s the Difference?

As the horrors of the “Rockefeller Medical Industry” and the health issues caused by lack of knowledge, greed, or both, are becoming more widely known, the demand for natural remedies is beginning to grow in leaps and bounds.

One of the main, sought-after naturals is CBD, and the demand for it is growing rapidly as more knowledge surrounding this centuries-old, medicinal remedy finds its way back into the forefront. Although CBD is closely related to the cannabis industry, it has its own unique and independent market as well. This has caused quite a bit of confusion among consumers regarding the controversy and legal status when it comes to marijuana vs. CBD.

Due to this complication, it is extremely important to know the difference between the two.

Yes, CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and, yes, they are both derived from the cannabis plant family; however, they are, in actuality, vastly different. Learning the differences can help consumers be more informed when making decisions on future purchases and intended use. 

 Know your Plants! 

 Both CBD and THC are naturally present in cannabis. That being said, different species of these plants contain different levels of cannabinoids. For example, when a person takes a CBD-dominant version of cannabis, they are using CBD from the Hemp plant, which is a specific variety of the Cannabis sativa plant.

“The main difference between hemp and other cannabis plants is their amount of THC.”

The main difference between hemp and other cannabis plants is their amount of THC. The 2018 Farm Bill considers Cannabis sativa plants with less than 0.3% THC as Hemp, whereas the other strains (we will be discussing the various strains in an upcoming article) available tend to contain more THC and less CBD.

So, the question is, Marijuana vs. CBD…What is the difference?

Well, let’s find out…

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound found in marijuana and one of the two primary psychoactive cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. Essentially, THC is the main ingredient in charge of creating the “high” that comes from the use of marijuana. This compound works by imitating the effects of neurotransmitters that are naturally produced by the human body.

 While THC can help regulate sleeping and eating behaviors, as well as help reduce pain and more, it is generally known as a recreational drug through the use of marijuana.

Marijuana as a Recreational Drug

Possible Recreational Effects of THC can include:

• May cause alteration of the senses
• Could possibly alter your sense of time
• Enhance mood
• May cause slow body movement
• May inhibit clear thought
• May eliminate nausea and increase appetite

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another major compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is naturally produced in both agricultural hemp and medicinal cannabis. While many cannabinoids live within several different plants throughout nature, cannabis is the only one that contains CBD.

Because of the chemical makeup of the CBD compound, unlike THC, it does not produce a psychoactive effect when consumed. This means that when users ingest CBD, they can experience relief from unwanted ailments, such as anxiety or pain, without the “high” that comes from the use of marijuana and, therefore, is used as a medicinal drug as opposed to a recreational drug.

CBD as a Medicinal Drug

The Medicinal Effects of CBD can include:

• Reducing the effects of seizures by binding to a protein called GPR55 which can trigger seizures.
• Mediate pain signaling and inflammation: It acts on receptors in these pathways
• Relieve neuropathic pain and have an antidepressant effect: It acts like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), which are medications used to treat depression
• Decrease psychotic symptoms: This effect may be seen in people with schizophrenia (a mental health condition in which there is an altered perception of reality)
• Reduces anxiety symptoms.

In the end, CBD and THC are, in fact, from the same plant family. Both are able to increase relaxation and sleepiness, improve mood, and relieve pain. The difference is CBD does not have the same psychoactive properties that are found in THC.

So, whether your intent is for a recreational treat or a medicinal feat, there is no competition! The cannabis plant has a compound perfect for any situation!