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What Is the Difference between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC

CBD and THC, what’s the difference? This is an age old question. CBD, or to use its proper name, cannabidiol, is a compound in marijuana that is non-psychoactive. For a compound to be considered psychoactive or psychotropic, it has to change a person’s mental state. It will do this by having an effect on the way the brain and the nervous system work together. Cannabidiol doesn’t have this kind of effect. It is considered by many to have a different kind of effect on the human body and is being taken by an increasing number of people because of its therapeutic effects.

A lot of research has been done on this component, and there is still plenty going on. Retailers all over the world have started to market a wide range of CBD products, from vape pens and dog treats to lip balms, lozenges, oils, and lotions. In some states of the US, for example, it is legal to purchase the oil when it has been sourced from hemp.

What Is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a compound found in marijuana that gives people a euphoric high.  A cannabis, or marijuana plant, will produce around 400 different chemical compounds during its lifetime, but THC is the one that millions of people have been taking advantage of for possibly hundreds of years. THC is a cannabinoid. There are several of these produced by the cannabis plant and they interact with the brain and the body. Various effects are the result, but the most talked about, when it comes to THC, is the “high.”

THC was first isolated by an Israeli chemist in 1964. Once it had been isolated it was synthesised from Lebanese hashish. This marked the beginning of research into cannabis, and thus CBD and THC began. It lead to the discovery of other cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors in our body, and THC-like compounds we produce in our body naturally.

What Is CBD?

Also known as cannabidiol, it’s another cannabinoid that is specific to the plant genus Cannabis. It is different than THC, because it will not get you “high.” When it is taken on its own there is no sensation of being stoned, which is important, from a legal and medical perspective. Any products that contain it are able to bypass the legal ban that is in place, in many countries around the world, on marijuana. There are two sources used for obtaining it. These are hemp plants and marijuana. Which one is used depends on the legal stance on marijuana. Hopefully this answered your questions regarding CBD and THC.

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