CBD or cannabidiol is an active ingredient in cannabis or marijuana. CBD is derived from the hemp plant directly or is manufactured in a laboratory. There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the potential benefits and hazards of using CBD liberally. Many often confuse CBD products with marijuana or cannabis. Let us analyse some of the common factors that make CBD different from marijuana.
The Major Differences
CBD is usually derived from the industrial hemp plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. The cannabis plant from which marijuana is made typically contains more than 30% of THC. For the unversed, THC is the component derived from cannabis that causes the feeling of high or euphoria in its users. CBD can also be derived from other varieties of the cannabis plant. In any case, properly extracted pure CBD will not have psychoactive effects on its users even in high doses or over an extended period of use. The non-intoxication and non-addictive nature of CBD makes it safer to use when compared to other cannabis products such as marijuana.
CBD And THC
Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids. However, both components react with the endocannabinoid system of the body in slightly different ways. THC binds with the endocannabinoid receptors in a way that would induce the feeling of high or euphoria. CBD works in such a way that it increases the positive effects of other cannabinoids, thereby promoting a sense of emotional well-being. In effect, both these components have a different set of pharmaceutical effects on its users.
The chemical structure of both CBD and THC are the same. Both have 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The difference in their effects on the endocannabinoid system can be attributed to the difference in which the atoms are arranged in the molecules. Both CBD and THC have beneficial effects when used to treat pain, and symptoms of mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, insomnia, etc. however, in comparison, CBD products would emerge as the clear winner for reliable long-term use because CBD delivers results without being addictive, which is in stark contrast to the dependency inducing nature of products containing high levels of THC.
Both CBD and marijuana find uses in medicinal and recreational areas. Most prefer to enjoy the beneficial effects of the components without having to go through any unpleasant side effects. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the popularity of CBD products.