CBD vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

Introduction

Are you thinking about giving CBD a try but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for you? CBD can be an incredible tool to add to your health regime, but it helps if you know what you’re dealing with.

Is CBD legal? CBD is entirely legal as long as it only contains .03% of THC or less. Any more than that, and you’ll have to live in a state where marijuana is legal.

We’ve created this short guide to help you fully understand the differences between cbd and marijuana. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know whether CBD or marijuana is right for you.

The Chemistry of CBD vs Marijuana

To grasp the difference between cbd vs marijuana, you’ll need a quick chemistry lesson! Marijuana is full of chemical structures called cannabinoids. CBD is one of those cannabinoids.

Another one of the cannabinoids that marijuana famously has is THC. The chemical forms of CBD and THC are incredibly different.

When you hear someone referring to marijuana, they’re likely referring to THC and the effects it has. Marijuana can contain  CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids to create an entourage effect. Working together, all of these cannabinoids can help you read a reach a peak state of relaxation.

However, not everyone is interested in the mind-altering effects that full-strength marijuana has to offer. That’s where specialized CBD strains can help save the day.

What Is CBD Anyway?

Now you know that CBD is a cannabinoid. It’s a cannabinoid that you find in marijuana plants. But what exactly is it?

CBD is a unique cannabinoid because it doesn’t have any psychoactive properties. In other words, taking CBD doesn’t get you high or alter your state of mind.

Instead, CBD has the potential to usher in all sorts of health benefits. For instance, CBD has great potential at fighting chronic pain. One of the ways CBD is helpful with chronic pain is by reducing inflammation.

Inflammation can occur when your body decides to go into fight mode. Trying to fight off some type of threat, the tissues become inflamed. The inflammation can cause pressure on different nerves, which results in excruciating pain.

CBD can gently interact with your body’s endocannabinoids system. Influencing your CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD can help balance things out.

Along with inflammation, CBD also can help with other health ailments. For instance, some people report CBD helps them manage anxiety or depression. It’s all about finding the perfect dose and sticking to it.

More About THC

The other cannabinoid that we’re talking about, THC, also has health benefits. However, it’s important to remember that THC has psychoactive properties.

In other words, when you consume THC, you’re going to get high. Exactly how high you get depends on the potency of the strain you’re using.

What type of health benefits can THC bring to the table? For one, it can be an excellent tool for individuals who are having trouble stimulating their appetite.

Marijuana is famous for creating munchies, which will make it easier for you to get the nutrients you need. Just make sure that you have healthy snacks on hand instead of just potato chips.

Another way THC can help is by regulating pain levels. Along with producing pleasurable psychoactive effects, THC can also alter the state of your body. If your body is in a tight, tense state, THC can help loosen things up.

As your mind unwinds, so will your muscles. Eventually, the pain will melt away. Since THC has psychoactive properties, it’s not safe to take it all the time.

For instance, you wouldn’t want to take a dose of THC and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Instead, THC is a product that should be used with wisdom and in a safe setting.

How to Take CBD vs THC

Now you know a little bit more about what cbd vs THC. However, you’re probably still wondering what the best consumption methods are.

There are a ton of different CBD oils out there, and each of them has its own benefits to bring to the table. However, oils and tinctures aren’t the only way to enjoy CBD or THC.

You could also enjoy smoking CBD flower. You can see more here about the strains. Like smoking THC flower, you’ll be able to use a water pipe or glass pipe.

You could even roll your CBD flower up into a joint. If you decide to smoke THC or CBD, the effects will kick in almost immediately. You’ll also be able to experience fast-acting effects if you choose to vape THC or CBD.

If you want to give your lungs a break, we suggest looking into an edible form of CBD or THC. There are all sorts of fun gummies, mints, cookies, and practically anything you can imagine in edible form.

What About Topicals?

Finally, there are also topicals that you should explore. CBD topicals can be especially helpful in combating localized pain.

Localized pain is any type of pain that occurs in one area. For instance, if you have arthritis in your hands, you would probably have localized pain in the joints of your fingers.

Rubbing a CBD lotion onto the arthritic joints could help you get the best, fast-acting effects. You can also find THC-infused topicals that have excellent pain-relieving properties.

You’ll want to clean your skin before applying the CBD or THC topical for the best results. Then thoroughly dry your skin and use a generous amount of the topical during the application.

You can talk to your doctor about Saran wrapping certain areas after applying the topical. Sometimes Saran wrapping an area of skin helps the cannabinoids absorb more efficiently.

Understanding the Difference Between CBD and THC

Now you know all about the differences between cbd vs marijuana. After reading this article, which cannabinoid do you think is right for you?

If you’re looking for a holistic experience that won’t get you high, then CBD is the best choice. However, if you want to take advantage of the entourage effect and all of the healing properties marijuana has to offer, give THC a try.

Of course, a strain that contains THC and CBD will be able to provide you with the most benefits! Discover more eye-opening comparisons by looking around our website.