When we see a marijuana bud, it is difficult (if not almost impossible) to identify whether it is CBD or THC. In fact, both acronyms refer to the most well-known cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, in addition to many others (there exist about 140).
Cannabis and hemp (plants of the same family) have been used for millennia in many civilizations for recreational and medicinal purposes. However, the rising use of CBD as a medicinal alternative is taking a lot of prominence in our modern times (maybe in 200 years they will laugh at us…). In any case, let’s clarify in this article the main differences between these two cannabinoids.
Although marijuana has been used for centuries, its consumption is still taboo and considered a dangerous substance. Is it really? What is really dangerous about it?
To begin with, marijuana is a natural product that grows in nature on its own. It is true that there are synthetic strains, but we are going to focus on naturally grown strains, as we do in CBD Alchemy: all our strains come from organic farming in Italy.
The cannabis plant contains a large list of active components present in its leaves and mainly in its flower (better known as the bud). CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are active components called cannabinoids: they interact with our endocannabinoid system, which is in charge of keeping true balance in our organism.
THC
THC is a psychoactive component present in the cannabis plant.
Marijuana with high levels of THC is considered a “soft drug” that comes from drying cannabis flowers. There are different strains (hence also the different names of the varieties) and in fact, hemp is usually richer in CBD and “traditional marihuanna” is richer in THC.
THC: main effects
In its different modes of consumption: smoked, vaporized, ingested (cakes, cookies…), infused, etc. marijuana with THC generally causes the following effects:
Euphoria
Distension
Mouth dryness
Disinhibition
Eye redness
Increased appetite (the famous monchies)
Mood swings
Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Confusion
Increased creativity
Alterations in sensation of space and time
Slower motor skills
Heightened senses
Possible aggravation of existing psychotic symptoms
THC acts on the physical and psychic level, that is why we say that it is psychoactive.
The mentioned effects can last between 3 and 6 hours approximately; each person is different and these effects can vary in each one of us, that is why it is very important to listen to our body. Take always less doses, and just increase when you are in control of it. Moreover, in the case of THC-rich marijuana there is a difference between the two varieties Indica (usually more relaxing and good for sleeping) and Sativa (better during the day, activating).
In CBD this distinction is rather irrelevant, although there are dominances.
CBD
CBD is also a component of cannabis, which unlike THC is not psychoactive. This means that it does not act on the psychological level, but on the physical, especially on the muscular plane. In addition, numerous studies confirm that it helps to mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC, and to reduce the craving for THC.
CBD: main effects
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Antioxidant
Relaxing and calming
Regulates the immune system
Antiemetic (reduces nausea and vomiting)
Antispasmodic
Hypotensive
Relieves stress and anxiety
CBD is generally used for medicinal purposes because of the effects we have just mentioned, and the fact that it is not a psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD has great benefits for our organism, and that is why there is no need to worry about any negative effects. Also known as legal marijuana, because it contains less than 0.2% of THC, its users do not run any risk of suffering any THC-related effects because proportionally, 0.2% THC is too low for anyone to manifest the above mentioned symptoms.
The only risk or negative effect of taking CBD is generally taking it by inhalation with combustion, since the burning process can damage the lungs. For the rest, all other methods of consumption present no health risks.
So, is CBD consumption dangerous?
Absolutely not. From the differences mentioned above, you can see that CBD has very distinct and healing effects on the body, without harming other parts of it, which could happen with other medication. However, it is very important to always consult a professional doctor you trust before starting any CBD or medical treatment.
In general, whenever we take any substance, it is important to note that everyone is different and that the dosage may vary from person to person. Paracelsus, considered the father of pharmacology, said it well: “dosing is everything”.
Differentiating between both cannabinoids is key, since they come from the same plant, but have very different effects and uses.
Now that you know about both, would you like to try our CBD? Find all our products here.
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