CBD vs THC?
Which is better, THC or CBD? Well, first and foremost, we can’t really answer that question. Basically CBD is legal (in the UK and other places, make sure you check) and THC isn’t (in most places, but that seems to be slowly changing).
So let’s tackle a different question, what is the difference between THC and CBD? We have touched on this topic in a few other articles, but it deserves a deeper look, so let’s embark on that journey together now.
As you have probably guessed, there will be some science, so consider this the academic equivalent of a trigger warning. Tread carefully, my friends, there is science ahead.
What is THC?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and from personal knowledge, I can tell you that once you learn to spell that word without spell checking it, it gives a huge amount of pride, perhaps more than one deserves!
THC is probably the best-known phytocannabinoid (a cannabinoid that comes from plants) that is derived from cannabis plants.
THC is found mainly in marijuana plants, and the reason you’ve likely heard of it, is because it is the psychoactive molecule in cannabis plants, meaning it’s the one that gets you high.
THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which contains cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors.
THC was illegal throughout the world until recently, but that is changing. Canada and some US states have legalised recreational marijuana use, while medical marijuana is legal in even more places.
In the shortest and simplest terms, that’s it, THC gets you high, and is illegal in most, but not all places.
What is CBD?
We’ve covered this a few times, but in case you’re starting your inquisitive CBD journey with this article, we’ll do it again here.
Cannabidiol, or CBD to its friends and co-workers, is also a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis plants. However, CBD is more prevalent in hemp plants, particularly industrial hemp plants that are created especially to be used to extract CBD for the products you will find in these pages (other places also sell them, they don’t only make CBD for us, but if you believe they should that’s totally cool!).
CBD is not psychoactive, while it does interact with the aforementioned endocannabinoid system, it does not do it in the same way. Chiefly, CBD will not get you high.
CBD is not psychoactive, that isn’t what it’s for, so any reactions and responses you may have (and there is a lot of different information, science, and anecdotal evidence to suggest what they might be, although ultimately, everyone’s experience is different) getting high will not be amongst them.
Can CBD and THC be Combined?
Well here’s a thing, they usually are. While this is not always true, and we’ll get into that, CBD products usually contain trace amounts of THC.
Under EU law (laws in other countries where CBD is legal tend to be similar, with a few exceptions, such as Japan where CBD products can have a THC content of up to 0.2%.
This isn’t enough to get you high, and is simply a side product of the extraction method, although many believe it makes the product better, thanks to the Entourage Effect.
However, this isn’t always the case.
CBD Without THC
CBD isolate is a form of CBD which is extracted differently. Basically, all the elements are separated, so that the CBD itself is all that remains.
CBD isolate comes in the form of a white powder, and is the preferred choice for those who prefer no THC at all in their CBD products.
Whichever way you go, it’s important to remember that THC and CBD are not the same. For a while, they were grouped together by many, as cannabis products and nothing more.
But CBD not containing psychoactive properties is a big difference between the two.
Do you have a question or opinion on this topic? Why not share in the comments below for the chance at a 10% lifetime discount on all our products.
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Disclaimer:
The products we sell do not have proven health benefits. While research is being carried out, these products are not, and should not, be considered to be medical products.
Any information we give in these articles is taken from scientific research, but should not be considered as a statement of fact. Links and information included in these articles do not reflect the opinion of Plant & Hemp. Any link to scientific studies is for information only, and not intended as a proof of any specific fact, or to validate any specific opinion.
We are simply bringing you the information needed to make an informed decision on what you want to use CBD for, and what you are comfortable using our products for.
CBD products should not be used as a replacement for any prescribed medication, under UK and International Law.