CBD vs. THC
To understand the difference between CBD and THC, you must put on your chemistry hat. CBD is short for Cannabidiol. THC is an acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol. We like to think of these two as fraternal twins. At a molecular level, they are identical with one exception. CBD contains a hydroxyl group that THC doesn’t have. This key ingredient is the difference between a high + healing and a high. THC can aggravate psychotic symptoms. Whereas CBD is legal in many parts of the world, THC is not. It’s the hallucination that governments are opposed to.
The Chemistry Behind CBD and THC Try to remember your 8th grade science class as we describe the molecular difference between CBD and THC. C21H30O2 is the molecular derivative of cannabis. Both CBD and THC are derived from the marijuana plant. This is one key difference between the two. CBD contains a hydroxyl group that THC does not. It is the piece of the puzzle that dictates whether or not you feel high when consumed. If you eat a product with THC, you will experience some form of hallucination. The degree to which it is felt differs from person to person. Psychotic Symptoms CBD is preferred by medical users because it is not psychoactive. THC has a molecular component that fits within your body’s endocannabinoid system. It is nearly perfect match and that is what makes your mind experience a ‘high’. CBD operates in a way that it attaches to the endocannabinoid system but will not induce psycho activities of the brain. It is up to the user to determine what is right for their particular set of circumstances. THC is not recommended for people living with schizophrenia. It can aggravate hallucinations. THC should not be used when treating patients with addictions or anxiety. High versus Not High The beauty of CBD is that it can be used any time of the day or night. Its primary characteristics are healing. CBD heals the body, mind and spirit. THC does the same, only there is one added ingredient that causes the brain to experience a ‘high’. To be high or not to be high, that is the question. Each user must determine what is right for them. Make an informed decision Depending on your needs, health conditions and lifestyle. You may determine that you like both but can only do THC on the weekends and CBD can be enjoyed during working hours. Where is it Legal? CBD can be legally purchased in many parts of the world. Laws are continuing to change as proponents of marijuana and CBD continue to push for change. Marijuana is completely legal in Alaska, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Washington DC. Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wyoming will only allow CBD and no other marijuana substances. Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Germany and Greece have legalized medical marijuana. Israel, Italy, The Netherlands, Peru, Poland and the UK have hopped on the bandwagon too. |
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