Since the legalization of hemp and hemp-derived products in 2018, courtesy of the Agriculture Improvement Act or Farm Bill, CBD has become a talking point in the mainstream media. If you have been paying attention, you will have heard about its effectiveness in treating various health conditions. You would almost think it was a wonder drug put on Earth as a panacea for all ills. While that might be going a bridge too far, CBD has provided great relief to many people with chronic health problems, especially with pain management.

If you live in Tampa CBD products are available over the counter in grocery stores, convenience stores, shopping malls, and various other stores. However, if you want to combine them with THC for better pain relief, you will require a prescription from a licensed physician.

CBD vs. THC: What’s the difference?

CBD and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, are the two main chemical compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plants. They have the following differences:

Molecular structures

The molecular structure is the same for CBD and THC. However, they differ from each other in their molecular arrangement. That is responsible for the different bodily effects they produce in users.

Source

Both CBD and THC are present in varying amounts in the hemp and marijuana plants. The law classifies hemp plants as those containing no more than 0.3% THC. They have a higher percentage of CBD, and it is extracted typically from hemp. Since marijuana plants contain a higher amount of THC, it is derived from marijuana. You can also get CBD from marijuana, but it could contain THC and would not be ideal if you want to avoid using THC.

Psychoactive properties

Psychoactive properties are the ones that cause the intense high that is commonly associated with marijuana. It contains more than 0.3% THC, and THC is what causes people to experience a high after smoking or eating marijuana. And THC is the reason that marijuana is banned in a lot of places.

CBD is derived from the hemp plant, and in its pure form — that means, as long as it is not contaminated with THC traces — it is not psychoactive. You will not experience any high after using CBD products.

Effect on the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system regulates emotions, moods, sensation, immune function, cognition, memory, appetite, pain, and sleep. To do this, it releases neurotransmitters throughout the body. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send necessary signals to the cells, tissues, and organs in the body. They tell them to react in specific ways.

While research studies on the matter are scant so far, it appears that both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system and influence the signals it sends. Since THC is more potent than CBD, its effects are more noticeable.

Legal status

CBD is legally available for sale in all 50 states in the United States. Since it is psychoactive, THC is classified by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule I controlled substance and illegal on the federal level. However, some states have relaxed their regulations regarding its sale. If you live in Tampa CBD products are available for medicinal purposes over the counter. However, you will need to have a valid prescription from a licensed physician.

Prescription medicinal use

CBD is used in prescriptions to treat epileptic seizures and the muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. THC and synthetic substances similar to THC are used in drugs to alleviate nausea and vomiting during cancer chemotherapy treatments.

Side effects

CBD is generally safe to use and does not have too many side effects. Some people have reported side effects like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, but nothing more serious than that. THC can give you a high. You may experience euphoria, excitement, relaxation, restlessness, irritability, confusion, and stress.

CBD vs. THC: Which should you take?

It depends on your specific reason for wanting to take them. CBD may be a good choice if you need to get better sleep or reduce your stress levels. THC may be better for improving your appetite. Both are effective for pain management and reducing the symptoms of chronic conditions. Consult your doctor before using either of them.