A lot of us are familiar with CBD and THC and how they work. But there are still a lot of people who aren’t sure what the exact differences between the two are. It is a common misconception that they both have the same properties and effects, which just isn’t true. Let’s discuss both chemical compounds and see the similarities and differences between the two.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive chemical that comes from the cannabis plant that holds many medicinal properties. It can be used either topically or internally, depending on what you’re using it for. There are different CBD products that work better for different conditions, such as stress/anxiety and topical pains. Then we have THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of
marijuana’s psychological effects. It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). There are different forms of each, one of the most popular being gummies.

Although CBD and THC are both found in marijuana and interact with the endocannabinoid system, there are some significant differences a person should be aware of, despite both being cannabinoids, CBD and THC interact with slightly different receptors in a person’s brain. However, there is some variation in the uses of each substance. People typically use CBD to help with conditions such as: inflammatory bowl disease (IBS), seizures, depression, anxiety, inflammation (internal or external), migraines, and more. Then there is THC that can be used to potentially help the following: glaucoma, muscle spasms, low appetite, and insomnia. The general common ground that these two shares is that they are generally used for pain, anxiety, and nausea.

There are also side effects to each one, though generally THC has the more noticeable ones. CBD has been shown to have very few to no side effects overall. CBD is safe in large quantities, and the only potential side effects are likely the result of interactions with other medications a person may be taking, or a stomachache and diarrhea when taking too much. There are also the side effects of THC that most people are aware of: red eyes, slower response times, the general feeling of being high, issues with coordination, increased heart rate, etc. There are people who enjoy the feeling of being high, that being more relaxing to them, which is fine when you’re at home. There are many people who want to enjoy the benefits of THC, but do not want the feeling of being high or inebriated, which is why CBD is usually a better option if available. There are many states in North America have approved of people having at least partial use of medical marijuana. Each state differs slightly on how they classify and regulate the legal use, prescription, or sale of any form of marijuana. There is no federal law permitting the legal use of medical marijuana. Thus, it is illegal to use or prescribe medical marijuana in any state that doesn’t have a law allowing people to do so. Many states have authorized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. As with medical marijuana, recreational usage is not legal federally. Laws surrounding the use of medical and recreational marijuana are changing rapidly. A person who is contemplating the using CBD or THC should check their local laws regularly as they may change or be changing.

So, depending on how you want to take either product, there’s always options that work best for you. At AHS, we have specialists and a nurse on staff who can answer any questions you may have on CBD, a condition you may have, or any other product we carry in our store. Always consult one of our specialists or your doctor if you’re on medication and would like to try CBD and check the legality of THC in your state before purchasing.