What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a naturally-occurring, non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants. Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC A-9), CD has no intoxicating effects as we typically see with THC-based products. CBD interacts with the receptors in our Endocannabinoid System (ECS), our largest receptor system in the body, that is being studied at a rapid rate due to its relatively recent discovery and identification in the early 1990s. We find that CBD and minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC are outperforming other compounds without the side effects that are caused by THC. Since ECS receptors are found throughout the body, dosing and interaction within the system changes as the form of the product changes. For example, using a topical lotion works best in a targeted area, while an oil-based tincture works across our entire ECS. Learning about the ECS, determining what form of CBD to take, and understanding what amount of CBD works best are the most important steps to finding the right CBD product in today's market.

What Can CBD Help With?

CBD's anti-inflammatory properties are involved in regulating various functions in a number of areas that can be associated with sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. This is not a cure or treatment, but intended to help keep you feeling more like yourself. As always, we recommend starting a conversation with your physician before taking any CBD products, especially if you're on any medication.

What’s difference between Full Spectrum & Broad Spectrum?

Whole plant extract, or Full Spectrum, contains all components of the hemp plant including flavonoids, natural fatty acids found in hemp, terpenes, and other cannabinoids (such as CBG, CBN, and trace amounts of THC). By keeping all components of the plant, cannabinoids and terpenes work together in perfect synergy. Similar to Full Spectrum, our Broad Spectrum products contain all components of the hemp plant but contain non-detectable amounts of THC. To achieve this, our products go through additional processing to remove as much THC as possible while preserving the other cannabinoids and other plant components. Our Broad Spectrum products remain a great choice for our customers who can't have any traces of THC in their system, but still desire the same full plant synergy.

What’s difference between CBD & THC: Similarities

CBD and THC share some important inherent characteristics. First, they come from the same plant family. The cannabis sativa plant features several sub-species, which include both hemp and cannabis. 

Hemp typically features only trace amounts of THC and more CBD. For hemp to be considered legal in the United States, it must contain less than .3 percent THC concentration. Cannabis, however, will have high THC concentrations, sometimes of up to 20 percent or more. And cannabis may feature varying amounts of CBD—anywhere from .1 to 25 percent.

CBD and THC also share a similar chemical structure, which has a lot in common with the chemical base of the endocannabinoids produced by the human body. This may help explain the profound therapeutic effects of both THC and CBD reported by many patients. 

Each of these two cannabinoid compounds consists of 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms and two oxygen atoms—but the atoms are arranged in different configurations, which explains the fact that CBD and THC ultimately have different effects. The slight change in chemical structure allows the two compounds to interact differently with the endocannabinoid system receptors present throughout the body. 

For example, THC’s chemical structure allows it to bind directly to the brain’s CB1 receptor family. In contrast, CBD’s particular chemical structure prohibits it from binding to the CB1 receptor group, but it does interact indirectly with the CB2 receptors—all of which brings about two different responses.

A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the medicinal and health benefits of both CBD and THC, and there have been some striking similarities in their therapeutic effects. In fact, CBD and THC can often be used to treat some of the same conditions; however, largely because of THC’s intoxicating effect, it’s not a good idea to use the two interchangeably in all cases. 

In some cases, THC and CBD may be used together, resulting in what’s known as the “entourage effect” – the concept that the sum of the two cannabinoid compounds, plus other related chemicals in the cannabis sativa plant family, is greater than simply the sum of their individual parts.

What’s difference between CBD & THC: Differences

Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between CBD and THC.

1. Harvest Process

How and from where CBD and THC are derived is the first major difference between the two. While CBD and THC are harvested from cannabis genus plants, CBD can be harvested from both cannabis and hemp, both of which come from the cannabis sativa plant. You can find CBD extracted and used in a variety of consumption methods, including skin care products, oils, gels, gummies, supplements, extracts, and more. 

When purchasing CBD products, it’s especially important to read the label to ensure you are getting a true CBD product, not one made with hemp oil. While CBD oil and hemp oil come from the same plant, they do have very different applications. Check out our hemp oil vs. CBD oil article for an in-depth explanation and shopping tips. 

THC is sourced solely from the marijuana cannabis plant variety, and often appears in its finished form as marijuana cigarettes, edibles, THC oil and tinctures, capsules and others. THC-rich marijuana typically is harvested from the plant’s buds or flowers, while CBD can typically be sourced from the hemp plant’s stalks and seeds.

2. Psychoactive Compounds

One of the key differences between CBD and THC is that THC is intoxicating, while CBD is not. In fact, THC is the key cannabinoid compound associated with the euphoria, or the “high,” that results from smoking marijuana. If you are purchasing a hemp-derived CBD product, it should contain no more than .3 percent THC or less. This means the CBD products will not result in a high. 

CBD is much better known for its health and wellness benefits than for recreational use. In contrast, while THC is not the only cannabinoid capable of producing intoxicating effects, it’s the only chemical compound that is present in high enough concentrations to produce a high—which explains why THC has for so long been associated with the more recreational aspects of marijuana.

In the strictest sense of the word, both THC and CBD have psychoactive properties because they both can help improve emotional balance and regulate mood. The biggest difference is that CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect.

When it comes to the mechanism of action, THC is able to bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which catalyzes a psychoactive process that leads to feelings of calm or even euphoria. Depending on the specific concentration of THC, these pleasant feelings also may progress into mild psychedelic effects. However, CBD’s chemical structure prohibits it from binding to CB1 receptors, which means CBD is incapable of triggering intoxicating effects, even if consumed in high amounts.

3. Effects on Brain Chemistry

Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which often is credited with helping the brain and body achieve homeostasis, or balance. This system helps regulate vital functions such as memory, immune function, hunger, pain sensation, reproduction, appetite, and a wide range of emotions. Both cannabis compounds interact with different components of the endocannabinoid system, which explains their different effects. 

For example, THC stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD does not. Instead, CBD interacts with multiple receptor pathways throughout the body. In fact, CBD needs the presence of THC in order to bind withs CB1 receptors, which means taking CBD and THC together may help reduce a portion of any unwanted psychoactive effect of THC, such as euphoria or sedation. 

And while CBD and THC both have the ability to alter pain transmission in the brain, the key difference is that CBD is able to do so without producing the physical sense of euphoria caused by using THC. The use of either CBD or THC can help reduce the chronic pain often associated with inflammation, physical injuries, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more.

Users of THC often report a relaxed state of mind, a reduction in physical tension, feelings of euphoria, or a case of “the giggles,” and in some cases, improved cognition.

4. Primary Uses

When it comes to how CBD and THC are used, THC has historically been used primarily for recreation, while CBD is mainly known for its potential therapeutic effects on health and wellness. 

Many patients report, for example, that CBD has helped them reduce inflammation, relieve physical discomfort, including chronic pain, speed up the body’s regenerative processes, and even improve resilience to stress and anxiety. How to take CBD oil for best results will vary from patient to patient, along with dosages and frequency.

In other cases, the medicinal use of marijuana, containing THC, has shown positive effects when it comes to pain relief, and may be a safer alternative to traditional opioid-based prescription drugs. Some patients have also reported positive effects while using medical marijuana to control the tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease, symptoms of fibromyalgia, nausea, weight loss, and even glaucoma.

5. Side Effects

By and large, CBD has been shown to be safe for use. It doesn’t show documented toxicity, even in amounts as high as 1,500 mg daily. CBD also has been shown to be safe for animals. Any side effects reported in conjunction with CBD use have generally been mild, and include mild nausea or diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, changes in appetite, fatigue, or dizziness.

One thing to make note of, though, is that there is the danger of CBD oil drug interactions. CBD has been shown to amplify the effects of some medications, and to nullify the effects of others. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your primary care physician about your plans to add either CBD or THC to any existing medication regimen. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that CBD is safe in large quantities, with its only potential side effects likely the result of interactions with other medications a patient may be taking.

THC, on the other hand, is not generally well tolerated in large amounts. Reported side effects of THC include short-term memory loss, dizziness, and confusion, along with feelings of anxiety and paranoid thinking patterns. THC also has been shown to have some analgesic, appetite-stimulating and sedating effects. The “munchies” associated with THC and marijuana use often are the subject of pop culture humor, but according to Science Daily, this hunger-stimulating effect is often essential for encouraging appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS and cancer who otherwise might not get the nutritional benefits they need. 

And while low doses of THC may help with symptoms of anxiety and stress, larger THC amounts have actually been shown to aggravate these symptoms, so dosing is extremely important in order to avoid this negative side effect. Additional side effects reported with THC use include memory loss, increased heart rate, reduced reaction time, anxiety, red eyes, trouble with coordination, and dry mouth.

Fortunately, neither CBD or THC has the potential to deliver a lethal overdose—largely due to their failure to interact with the brain stem area that regulates respiratory functions. However, it’s important to note that excessive use of THC may be connected to long-term detrimental psychiatric effects. This is especially true for teenagers who abuse marijuana, though there’s no conclusive evidence that using THC over the long term causes psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.

6. Legality

This is where things can get a little confusing. CBD products containing .3 percent or lower THC are legal at the U.S. federal level, thanks to the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, which allowed for legal industrial production of hemp. You can find hemp derived CBD products for sale all over the U.S., at pharmacies, vape shops, wellness centers, and specialty stores.

You can also find high-quality CBD oils and other products online through reputable retailers, like FarmerAndChemist.com. The internet offers multiple options for researching potential vendors, such as reading third-party verification reports, user reviews, and expert and consumer blogs that rank the highest quality cannabis products and retailers.

In the same year the U.S. passed the Farm Bill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also approved a CBD-based prescription medication for the treatment of childhood seizures often associated with epilepsy, called Epidiolex. To date, Epidiolex is the only cannabis-based drug that has gained approval from the FDA.

However, THC remains illegal at the federal level. And laws around THC and marijuana are generally fairly restrictive in most countries in the world. As of this writing, THC is legal at the federal level only in Uruguay and Canada. 

Additionally, U.S. state laws vary widely as to their individual stance on CBD and THC. So, CBD may be legal in some states, while THC is illegal. As of this writing, 16 U.S. states have legalized recreational use of THC at the state level, and 48 states have some form of legal medical marijuana use. In general, CBD is legal at the state level for all U.S. states as long as it contains .3 percent or lower THC content.

Ultimately, you’re responsible for understanding the laws of your state. If you are found in possession of cannabis products in a state where they are not legal, or if you can’t show a prescription in states where CBD or THC products are legal solely for medical treatment, you could find yourself facing legal repercussions.

7. Presence in Drug Testing

Both CBD and THC can show up in drug tests for several days, or even weeks, after being ingested. Both compounds are stored in the body’s fat cells. As a general rule, most standard drug tests are designed to detect chemicals related to THC, though some CBD-sensitive drug tests are available. It is possible for some CBD products to contain trace amounts of THC, so if you’re in a situation where you’re regularly tested for drugs, you’ll need to ensure you’re buying a CBD product that doesn’t contain any THC.