It is quite new that people stop considering cannabis as a drug. Well, technically, it is still a drug, but recent studies to learn more about its medicinal properties are helping define its image. However, as this is quite new, there is still much more room for research, so we can’t say what’s right and wrong.
Anyways, some of the most basic concepts that are linked with cannabis are CBC and THC. Depending on the legal status, medicinal help, and addiction level both are different yet the same. So, in this article, we will cover 6 basics you must know about them.
Cannabidiol aka CBD
CBD is the chemical compound that is found in the cannabis plant. Of course, the main constituent is still THC, but it’s the second most found compound in this plant. It was identified in 1940 working with different medicinal plants in a dispensary, but its uses weren’t discovered then. Now, this component of cannabis plants is all the rage because of its natural treatment for a variety of conditions.
CBD comes from two plants, one comes from cannabis while the other comes from marijuana. The only difference is the concentration of THC. CBD from cannabis contains less THC than the CBD coming from marijuana.
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol THC
It is the main psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. As per the American National Institute on Drug Abuse, it tricks the brain and gears into a reward system by inducing it to release dopamine. This higher-than-normal release of dopamine causes the experience of euphoria, which is the true addiction. It is mostly found in marijuana, but also a trace amount can be found in cannabis and that’s why the excessive use of cannabis products is questionable too.
THC vs CBD Comparison
These components affect the endocannabinoid system (which deals with behavior, moods, and neurologic disorders) that maintains homeostasis (A state of balance among all body systems to survive and function). There is still so much to learn about such complex systems, but the link of this with basic human functions like sleep, mood, appetite, and fertility is known.
If we summarize the differences between CBD and THC, then;
- CBD comes mainly from cannabis and it is non-psychoactive.
- THC comes from marijuana or cannabis. It is psychoactive.
Psychoactive Properties
Although CBD contains a trace amount of THC, it doesn’t affect brain receptors, which means it doesn’t make you high. On the other hand, THC coming from marijuana is highly addictive. It causes euphoria and causes addiction.
Medicinal Use
Mostly CBD is prescribed in case you are suffering from
- Depression
- Bowl diseases or inflammation
- Migraine
- Mental disorder
While THC is prescribed in case of
- Severe pain (such as cancer patients)
- Glaucoma
- Muscle spasticity
- Insomnia
Legal Status and Final Say…
The legal status varies by state but they are not legal under federal law. However, some states allow the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes to a certain extent, while others don’t. So, you should check your local law regarding the use of cannabis or marijuana before taking it.
