Did you know that 18 states have legalized recreational marijuana as of January 2022? In addition, Congress legalized hemp in the Farm Bill back in 2018.
It’s no wonder that since legislation has passed and facts about cannabis consumption have become mainstream, interest is growing around the difference between THC and CBD.
Keep reading this comparative guide to understand more about THC, CBD, and the differences that distinguish them.
Overview: Chemical Compounds in Cannabis
The cannabis plant contains over 113 chemical compounds also referred to as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most known and prevalent chemical compounds that come from cannabis.
CBD and THC Chocolate are both found in marijuana and hemp. While hemp contains a lot of the CBD compound, marijuana contains a lot more of the THC compound. They have the same chemical formula and the only difference is how the atoms are arranged.
The slight variation in the chemical properties changes how they work with the receptors in the brain. By triggering certain neurotransmitters, CBD and THC can affect the body in different ways.
What Is CBD?
After THC, CBD is the most prevalent compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD derived from hemp and marijuana will have varying amounts of THC. To be legal at the federal level across the United States, CBD products must contain 0.3% THC or less.
The key features of CBD are that it is non-psychoactive and is typically sourced from hemp. While only containing a low level of THC, legal CBD still has the ability to stimulate receptors in the brain that affect comfort, mood, and memory.
Because it sources from hemp and does not produce a high OneStop – Sour Cherry Lime THC Gummies, CBD may be used for health concerns like stress, anxiety, and insomnia. While Congress did legalize hemp, there are strict rules around where and how products with CBD can be sold.
What Is THC?
THC is the most prevalent psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It triggers a higher-than-normal release of dopamine, which often causes people to experience feelings of euphoria. The average strain of recreational marijuana contains about 12% THC.
The key features of THC are that it is psychoactive and is mainly sourced from marijuana. THC predominantly affects the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that impacts mood and pleasure.
Any products that contain over 0.3% THC fall into the categories of medical or recreational marijuana. Since marijuana is only legal in 18 states, do your research and visit sites like HarvestHOC for more information around specific states.
See the Difference Between THC and CBD
While THC and CBD are both derived from the same family or species of cannabis plants, the key difference really comes down the how the chemical compounds affect the body. Whether cannabis consumption happens through smoking, capsules, edibles, or oils, the difference between THC and CBD determines the effect on the brain and legality.
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