The demand for hemp-derived products is increasing in the US, with more growers entering the market to meet the demand. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is usually responsible for making the users high, is one of the main compounds found in the cannabis plant. The second most-known product is Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have psychoactive effects.
While these products produce different effects on the body, they’re both known to have health benefits. If you’re a new user, it’s easy to get confused about which one to buy. This article helps you understand THC vs. CBD flower so you can choose the best one for your needs.
THC Vs. CBD Flower: What Are the Main Differences?
CBD is a natural substance found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD doesn’t make you high, but experts believe that it helps counter the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD extracts like terpene are also known for various medical benefits, including relieving anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
CBD products are also widely used in body care hence found in bathing products and body creams. Applying CBD is known to reduce irritation and hydrate the skin. It isn’t known to cure many skin conditions yet.
THC is also known to produce some great medical benefits, especially psychological ones. THC induces euphoric and brain-relaxing effects. Some THC strains are also known to enhance creativity.
The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC makes the users feel high. The users describe this psychoactive effect as energizing, wave-inspiring, and anxiety-reducing. The high feeling that you get from THC is what helps you relax and fall asleep.
THC helps with anxiety and depression symptoms. It can relieve pain and increase appetite. Therefore, THC produces euphoric effects, while CBD is a herbal medication and a nutritional supplement.
THC vs CBD Flower StructureÂ
THC and CBD feature the same molecular structure. They have 21 carbons atoms, 2 oxygen atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms. The only difference in this structure is the arrangement of these atoms.
The chemical structure of CBD and THC is similar to that of the body’s endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact well with the cannabinoid receptors in the body. This reaction releases the brain neurotransmitters.
The neurotransmitters chemicals are the link that relays messages in the cells. They help reduce pain, stress, enhance sleep, and enhance immune function.
CBD vs THC: The Intoxicating Effects
Smoking CBD doesn’t make you high because the buds from industrial hemp contain small concentrations of THC. CBD has only 0.3% of THC, which is not enough to make you high. But the CBD levels are still very potent, making the users benefit a lot from the buds.
THC is a highly intoxicating product. THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CBD1) receptors in the brain, which result in the feeling of intoxication. Many people love THC because it makes them feel high and relaxed.
CBD works in the opposite way from THC as far as the feeling of high is concerned. CBD works with THC to bind with CBD1 receptor, which in turn helps in reducing the high effects of THC.
CBD Flower and THC Medical Benefits
Both THC and CBD come with various medical benefits. Although both are still undergoing clinical trials, the products have been proven to produce plenty of medicinal properties. Here are some clinically proven medical benefits of CBD oil.
- Relieves pain and swelling
- Reduces depression and anxiety symptoms
- Helps with insomnia
- Deals with endocannabinoid deficiency
- It helps reduce skin irritation and other ailments
THC is also not left behind when it comes to medical benefits. Here are the benefits that THC users get.
- It calms and relaxes the brain
- Reduces pain and aches
- Fights insomnia
- Helps improve appetite
- Reduces nausea
- Relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression
Before taking CBD or THC to help with the symptoms above, you need to consult your doctor. Everyone reacts differently to these hemp products, and you shouldn’t rush into them.
CBD vs THC Flower Legality
The 2018 Farm Bill made all CBD and THC products derived from hemp legal. However, products should have less than 0.3% of THC; anything above that is illegal.
But you should still confirm with your state laws about the legality of CBD and THC hemp flowers. Some states allow the use of classic oil tincture but restrict using raw hemp buds. So that you don’t get in trouble, confirm with your state laws before buying or selling any hemp flower product.
CBD and THC Are Highly BioavailableÂ
Using CBD or THC products don’t leave any waste behind because the body absorbs most of the compounds. CBD’s bioavailability goes as high as 50%. With the high bioavailability, users highly benefit from the potency of CBD and THC products.
THC vs. CBD Flower Side Effects
Anything that has medical benefits to the body must also have potential side effects that users must watch out for. CBD can cause various side effects when it interacts with other medications in the body. Be careful when taking CBD while still on other types of medication.
The side effects of CBD include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
THC also comes with a list of negative side effects that you need to watch out for. The effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Possible slow reaction
- Anxiety
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Poor coordination
- Memory loss
While both flowers come with their side effects, nothing is fatal. But you must be careful with THC as it can be connected to long-term psychological problems. Don’t consume large amounts of this plant.
THC vs CBD Flower: Make Your Choice
Both THC and CBD flower come with amazing benefits to the body. Knowing the basics of each is your first step to great shopping and enjoying the benefits. But as a new user, make sure you choose a reputable product, so you don’t end up with marijuana-based products as they’re considered illegal.
Found this article helpful? Well, there’s still a lot you need to learn about hemp flowers and their products. Don’t forget to browse other blogs on this site to get the answers to all your questions.
