Of the 113 phytocannabinoids isolated to date, there are two that are the most notable: THC and CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both phytocannabinoids that naturally occur within cannabis genus plants, but their effects on the human endocannabinoid system (or ECS) varies.
The Difference Between THC and CBD from the Source
To start from the source plant, CBD is generally extracted from hemp plants, while THC is extracted from marijuana plants. While both cannabinoids exist in both plants, the levels vary making hemp plants better suited for CBD extraction and marijuana plants better suited for THC extraction. Hemp and marijuana are both in the Cannabis genus family. Since the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants are federally legal, while marijuana plants are still only legal in some states.
The Molecular Difference Between THC and CBD
Chemically speaking, THC and CBD have the same structure. Both contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The difference lies in the anatomical arrangement. THC has a hydroxyl group, while CBD is a cyclic ring. These variations contribute to the difference in the phytocannabinoid properties.
What Are the Effects of THC vs. CBD?
From a reaction perspective, THC interacts with chemical receptors in the brain that affect brain chemistry and alters consciousness leaving users with a more euphoric, “high” effect. While CBD offers many healing benefits, this phytocananbinoid doesn’t notably alter reality for users. In products that share THC and CBD, the CBD can actually help reduce the negative effects of psychoactive properties like paranoia based on the way CBD interacts with the ECS.
How do I know if THC or CBD is right for me?
The answer is – it all really depends on your own needs and how your ECS interacts with THC and CBD. The good news is we have products to serve the spectrum of needs. If you want to try CBD we have a wide spectrum of products from gummies to tinctures to topicals and even some options for your furry adventure buddy. If you want to dip your toe into the THC pool, we have a couple easy (and legal) options. Try our Delta-9 THC gummies (sometimes dubbed THC light). They offer an alcohol-free buzz in a tasty (and, again, legal) package.
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