While the terms “CBD” and “THC” are sometimes used interchangeably, CBD products are actually completely different from THC products. If you’ve decided to start using either of these products, you’ll have to read the labels carefully to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. One product is subject to legal restrictions and gives you the “high” feeling associated with marijuana, while the other is completely legal across the United States and used solely for medicinal purposes. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between CBD and THC.
CBD and THC: What’s the Difference?
CBD and THC are both compounds that can be extracted from the marijuana plant. However, these compounds have key differences. THC is the chemical that makes you feel “high” when you smoke marijuana. It might cause feelings of euphoria and intense relaxation, as well as mild hallucinations. People who use THC might also crave snack foods and experience mild anxiety and paranoia. In other words, THC is what people usually think of when they think of marijuana.
CBD is another component of marijuana, but unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a “high” feeling. Instead, it contains medicinal properties that can relieve stress and anxiety, ease pain and inflammation, help people get to sleep easier, reduce nausea and vomiting, and much more. Some strains of marijuana have more CBD than others, making them a popular choice for medical marijuana products.
Are CBD and THC Both Legal?
Another major difference between THC and CBD is that THC is only legal in certain states. THC is a controlled substance because it creates the “high” you get from marijuana. While some states are permitted to sell THC-infused products like brownies and tinctures, most states prohibit the sale of THC.
Conversely, CBD is perfectly legal and available throughout the entire U.S. CBD is legal because it contains none of the chemicals that get you “high.” Instead, it’s a safe, all-natural dietary supplement that relieves pain and improves your mental health. CBD products are not strictly regulated by the FDA, so you’ll want to do your research to make sure you’re buying a pure product. But overall, CBD is a safe pain reliever that’s completely legal wherever you go. You can buy it online or buy it in-person at your local CBD store.
Are There Products With Both CBD and THC?
If you live in an area where marijuana use has been legalized, you can buy products that have been infused with CBD and THC. These might include pre-rolled joints and marijuana flowers, as well as tinctures, topicals, brownies, cookies, beverages, capsules and more. These products allow you to get the medicinal benefits of CBD along with the traditional “high” feeling that you get from smoking marijuana. Some products have more CBD than others, so make sure you know what you’re looking for before you make a purchase. A product that’s high in THC and low in CBD won’t have many medicinal effects.
Kristina Shafarenko is a relationship and health and wellness psychologist and a part-time freelance lifestyle writer covering health and fitness, sex, sexual wellness, and relationships. When she’s not writing, you can find her planning her next getaway, taste-testing every coffee spot in sight, and lounging at home with her cat, Buddy.
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