Marijuana CBD VS THC: Everything you Need to Know

Knowing the differences between marijuana and hemp plays a key factor in the overall understanding of the cannabis plant. Aside from that, it is also important to familiarize yourself with the 2 most talked-about cannabinoids which are CBD and THC. Most of the public still sees cannabis per se as taboo. What they do not know is that the cannabis plant is so complex that researchers have been busy understanding this plant for the longest time already. In this article, we will discuss the differences between marijuana CBD vs Hemp CBD. Yes, they do differ. 

CBD products have been cropping up everywhere in recent years. There are hemp-derived products and marijuana-derived products. With hemp being excluded from the Schedule I substances, it has been considered legal to transport and be in possession of hemp-derived products such as hemp-derived CBD oil. Remember that these products are all related to the cannabis plant and are therefore not regulated by the FDA. 

There is a lot to learn so let us start by defining CBD, THC, Hemp-derived and Marijuana-derived CBD products.

What is THC?

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the one responsible for the psychoactive effects that cannabis plants have on the human brain. THC seeks out the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and activates them thereby affecting human behavior, perception, thinking, coordination and senses. This compound helps the brain to release dopamine which is the chemical in our brain responsible for making us feel happy or euphoric. 

This is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of consuming a cannabis plant. This is, by far, the main reason why cannabis has been socially unacceptable and illegal. It is also safe to say that the legalization or regularization of cannabis cultivation has been based on the THC levels that the plant can produce.

What is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is also a cannabinoid produced by a cannabis plant. The main difference is that CBD has mental, physical and therapeutic benefits to the human body without the psychoactive effects found in THC. Because of this, There has been an increased interest in the research and the medical community at that for CBD.

CBD does not stimulate our bodies Cannabinoid Receptors namely CB1 and CB2 thus it does not give us the feeling of getting “high” like what THC does. What it does though is work with the proteins found in our brain and nervous system responsible in regulating our body’s cell activities. This compound is not considered problematic and is somehow acceptable socially. 

CBD or Cannabidiol is activated when the plant is heated in a process called decarboxylation. The original compound is called CBDA or Cannabidioloc-acid. CBD acts as an antagonist on CB1 and CB2 where it acts as a blocker for the effects of THC thereby lessening the “high” that certain marijuana strains provide. For consumers, look for strains with low CBD content because they give a better high. 

Understanding How the Body Processes CBD and THC

Our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is in charge of keeping our bodies regulated to ensure that balance is maintained. Our ECS has three components: Cannabinoid receptors, Endocannabinoids and Enzymes. These components all work together to keep our internal system balanced. 

CB1 and CB2 are the cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in our body’s central nervous system and the immune system. If these receptors receive external stimulation such as THC or CBD, they affect our motor, cognitive and neuro functions.

The anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the endocannabinoids in our body. They actively seek out the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 to activate them. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) differs from one person to the next. Some have more levels of CB1 affecting the nervous system and the immune system. Some may have more levels of CB2 affecting our neuro functions. Some may have a higher rate of anandamide production than 2-AG. These differences are the reason why marijuana, CBD, and THC affects all differently despite consuming the same product.

What is Hemp-derived CBD?

Hemp is a cannabis plant that produces high levels of CBD (Cannabidiol) and very low levels of THC. Hemp-derived CBD has been legalized because of the approval of the Farm Bill back in 2018. 

What is Marijuana Derived CBD

Marijuana is also a cannabis plant but unlike Hemp, it produces very high levels of THC. CBD made from Marijuana is still considered by CSA as a compound that can be abused because of the presence of high THC levels in the marijuana plant. 

Marijuana CBD vs Hemp CBD

CBD functions pretty much the same way whether it comes from the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. CBD as mentioned acts a blocker for the effects of THC in our body. Due to the high levels of THC found in Marijuana CBD, this product can cause the user to get stoned or high though with less intensity compared to consuming marijuana strains. 

THC Levels for Marijuana CBD vs Hemp CBD

The THC levels in Marijuana goes as high as 30%. With this level of concentration, Marijuana-derived CBD can make a person feel “stoned” or “high”. This psychoactive effect brought about by THC is the main factor attributing to the public’s weariness with the marijuana plant and its products. It is worth noting that the effect of marijuana-derived CBD oil is less intense than consuming marijuana strains. This is because CBD acts as a blocker for the effects of THC.

Hemp CBD, on the other hand, contains only trace amounts of THC which are barely detectable at 0.3 percent. This level of THC will not get anyone stoned or have the feeling of being “high”. 

Legal factors surrounding Marijuana CBD vs Hemp CBD

Under federal law, marijuana is still considered illegal. This goes to say that any resulting products derived and created from marijuana is considered illegal and is a federal offense. You can be prosecuted should you be caught in possession of such products and this includes marijuana seeds and even marijuana-derived CBD oil. Hemp-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are now considered legal in most states. 

Marijuana-derived CBD can normally be found at dispensaries where marijuana has been legalized such as Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Illinois.

Final Thoughts

Marijuana CBD vs Hemp CBD does not have any difference when it comes to the medical benefits it offers to the human body. The main difference and would probably sway the public’s opinion towards the use of Hemp-derived CBD products is the psychoactive effects brought about by marijuana-derived CBD products. 

Conservative type is mostly leaning towards Hemp CBD while the more adventurous types would prefer the Marijuana CBD. No matter what product they choose, they can still enjoy the benefits that CBD strains bring.