CBD vs THC
With the rapid rise in popularity of CBD, there’s still a lot of confusion as to what exactly CBD is. There are folks out there that still believe it’s actually a type of THC or weed. While THC and CBD are related, there are a lot of differences amongst them.
So, what’s true and what’s not?
That’s the goal of our Blog today, to dispel any falsehoods about these two cannabinoids.
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What is CBD?
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What is THC?
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Does CBD have THC?
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Does THC have CBD?
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CBD vs THC similarities
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THC vs CBD differences
This will be a broad overview of the two most abundant cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. There are more similarities and differences, however the below should dismiss any major falsehoods you might have had.
What is CBD?
CBD, which stands for cannabidiol is one of over 100 cannabinoids or compounds found in the Cannabis plant. More specifically it is abundantly found in the Hemp variety of the Cannabis plant.
Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp production and cultivation has been legalized. As a matter of fact, hemp was legalized on a federal level and removed from the Controlled Substances Schedule I DEA list.
Since then, cannabidiol has become increasingly more popular and you can now easily order CBD online.
CBD on its own is non psychoactive, meaning it will not give you a “high” that most people associate with Cannabis.
To make things clear, the CBD that’s easily available online and in hemp oil shops has to be extracted from Hemp.
There are two main variations of the Cannabis plant, hemp and marijuana.
The hemp variety is high in CBD content and extremely low in THC contact. In order for a Cannabis plant to be classified as a hemp plant, the THC content cannot be more than 0.3% by dry weight.
That is a minimal amount and will not cause any psychoactive effects.
Hemp extracted CBD is legal in all 50 states on a Federal level.
The marijuana variety is just the opposite. High in THC content and low in CBD content. CBD that’s been extracted from a marijuana plant is only legal in states that have legalized marijuana, or medicinal marijuana.
Even in those states, marijuana extracted CBD can only be purchased at a dispensary, or medical dispensary. It will not be legally available anywhere else.
In states that have no laws legalizing marijuana, this type of CBD is illegal.
CBD comes in three main spectrums:
Full spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, and that includes up to 0.3% of THC. It is the most complete spectrum.
Broad spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, but has been processed one step further to remove THC.
CBD isolate is the most processed but also the most pure CBD there is. There are no additional cannabinoids, terpenes of flavonoids. Just CBD.
There are additional minor cannabinoids that have recently become wildly popular. Those include CBC, CBG and CBN.
However our discussion today is about CBD only.
Cannabidiol works with the ECS receptors in the body, to help maintain homeostasis.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol is one of many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. Unlike it’s cousin CBD, THC is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects.
THC stimulates cells in the brain to release the chemical dopamine, creating euphoria, according to NIDA. It also interferes with how information is processed in the hippocampus, which is part of the brain responsible for forming new memories.
THC may potentially prompt hallucinations, change the individual’s thinking and cause delusions.
It is also heavily regulated, so make sure you check and know your local state laws.
Does CBD have THC?
From a strictly technical perspective the answer is no. While closely related, CBD and THC are two separate chemicals. Therefore, CBD by itself does not contain any THC.
From a practical perspective, the answer can vary. When considering does CBD have THC make sure to take the context of the question into consideration. After all, someone asking this question will most like ask it about the CBD oil you are consuming.
If you’re ingesting full spectrum CBD oil, such as NuLeaf Naturals 1800mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil then the answer will be different. Full spectrum CBD oil can contain up to 0.3% THC.
In this practical instance, CBD does contain THC. Or to be more precise, the CBD oil contains THC.
If you’re ingesting broad spectrum CBD, such as ReLive Hemp Extract by Relive Everyday, or CBD Isolate oil such as the CBDistillery 2500mg Isolate Oil, then the answer will be no. Both of these spectrums are THC free.
Does THC have CBD?
Same answer as above.
On a technical level, THC and CBD are two separate compounds. Therefore, pure THC will not contain any CBD.
On a practical level, marijuana extracted THC oil, or smokables will have some level of CBD. Just not as high as the hemp extracted products do.
CBD vs THC similarities
There’s a good number of similarities between CBD and THC.
For starters both come from the Cannabis plant. They’re also both cannabinoids that are thought to have medicinal benefits.
There’s a lot more research that needs to go into both of the cannabinoids, but the potential is massive.
They’re both relatively well tolerated by the human body and are considered safe. To this date, there have been no deadly overdose cases reported from either THC or CBD.
THC vs CBD differences
The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not.
CBD itself is also legal in all 50 states on a Federal level, while THC is heavily regulated and, in some states, requires medicinal prescription card.
If you’re looking for a great place to buy your CBD online, you’ve come to the right hemp store. At The CBD Haven, we offer a large selection of America’s most trusted brands, in all three spectrums.
Whether you’re looking for CBD oils and tinctures, gummies, softgels or topicals we’ve got your covered.
Don’t forget to use CBD Discount code WELCOME15 to get 15% OFF your entire first purchase.
We hope to see you soon.