How is CBD different from marijuana?
The cannabis plant is known to produce more than 80 cannabinoids among which Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most prominent cannabinoid compounds. These cannabinoids are meant to be the chemical compounds secreted in the cannabis plant and can be derived from Marijuana and Hemp plants as well. The plant that contains the lowest THC compound is classified as hemp whereas; the plant with higher THC compound is classified as marijuana. The jobs of these cannabinoids are to interact with receptors present in the brain and immune system.
Though CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp, it is usually extracted from the hemp plant to serve the medical purpose as it won’t produce a psychoactive effect on the user.
The individuals who are willing to get high consider smoking marijuana since it is high in THC and excellent for altering the state of mind. Though smoking marijuana is illegal in most of the states, the people are more inclined towards using CBD infused products to reap maximum health benefits.
Benefits of CBD
- Pain (neuropathic, chronic, cancer-related, etc.)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s
- Acne
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Dyskinesia
- Psoriasis
- Inflammation
- Mad Cow Disease
- Broken Bones
- Bacterial Infections
- Depression
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Nausea
- Diabetes
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Heart Disease
- Substance Abuse/Withdrawal
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Benefits of THC
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasticity
- Nausea
- Glaucoma
- Anxiety
- Low appetite
Chemical structure of CBD & THC
CBD and THC tend to have an exactly similar molecular structure that comprises 21 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms. Though there is a slight difference in the arrangement of atoms and this is why both the compounds have different impacts on our body. Hence, the THC compound has the ability to stimulate the CB1 receptor while producing a psychoactive effect.
Almost 40% of cannabis plant contains CBD compound. However, organically driven hemp extracted CBD is coupled with the zero efficacy of producing ‘high’ effect on the user. Hence, the medicinal properties and zero THC have contributed CBD to become a medical alternative to the pharmaceutical industry.
Legality
Many states have passed a law where CBD can be used for treating medical conditions among children and adults. However, CBD extracted from the marijuana plant is still considered illegal since it has may contain higher traces of THC. Any CBD infused product is considered legal only if the THC status meets the guidelines of having less than 0.3% THC.
The conclusion
CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant but in a smaller quantity. Marijuana is highly known to offer THC (a psychoactive) cannabinoid and therefore, consumption of products extracted from marijuana plant is considered illegal in most of the states. On the contrary, CBD is also found in the hemp plant and is highly used for medicinal purpose.
