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Even since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, a common question has been: what’s the difference between THC and CBD? As most people who understand cannabis as marijuana, this difference can be confusing. Not only because of the common nomenclature people incorrectly use around the plant, but in understanding that there’s an entirely different strain of the cannabis plant most haven’t been exposed to. Which, if you find yourself in the category of trying to get a grasp on the similarities and differences between each, then luckily, we’ve provided a simple explainer breaking them down. Check it out below: The Basics The biggest reason why people get CBD and THC confused is that they both come from the cannabis plant. While most also mistake marijuana and cannabis as the same thing, the taxonomy of them is wildly different. To put it simply, marijuana is a member of the cannabis family, as well as CBD. According to CBD Web, cannabis is often classified as marijuana if it contains greater than 0.3 percent of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component that gets people ‘high’.  The Psychoactive Component (AKA: What THC Does To The Body) The biggest difference between CBD and THC is that THC is considered a psychoactive ingredient. According to Live Science, cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in certain areas of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, movement, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory. With THC, the brain releases dopamine, as well as interferes with how information is processed in the hippocampus- the brain’s function for storing new memories. Additionally, THC can also cause hallucinations, alter thinking, and even cause delusions. Often, this is what people describe as the ‘high’ of marijuana, with CBD providing a different alternative. CBD still interacts with cannabinoid receptors (hence, why we mentioned that both chemicals are derived from different variations of the cannabis plant), but is nonpsychoactive. Essentially, this takes a lot of the positive side-effects many THC users experiences, only without the altered thinking and hallucinations. We’ll note that both CBD and THC affect everyone differently, and as CBD has become incredibly popular, there are some bad actors in the industry selling bunk products...and as a result, skewing people’s perception of its effects. However, that’s why it’s important to rundown the effects of each. What Are The Effects of CBD vs THC? Although there are some similarities, CBD and THC have drastically different effects on most people. Healthline details many uses for THC and CBD in this article. We’ll note that the nuances of each can play a role based on the strain. For example, some strains of THC cannabis can help with depression or migraines, however, that’s predominantly something people grow CBD for. And as one of the fastest-growing industries, CBD has become a product that’s being produced at a larger rate than THC products. Not only because of the legal status, but because of new sectors of customers that otherwise haven’t been into CBD before. Yet, now that they are, the demographic of CBD users vary greatly in comparison to THC. Why CBD Became Popular Beyond the fact that CBD is nonpsychoactive, a lot of people have gravitated towards CBD to replace a lot of over-the-counter medicines they were taking. Especially after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the CBD market has become flooded with an array of different products people can try, which opens up consumption quite a bit; for example, someone who was once afraid of smoking CBD buds can now consume it via tinctures or candy. Furthermore, CBD has been an object a lot of people like since it produces similar effects to the marijuana they’re used to, only without all the extra mental baggage. As noted by CNET, researchers of CBD note that THC interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, however, CBD only interacts with CB2 receptors, which are in both the immune and gastrointestinal systems. With this, it’s consumption became easier, and when coupled with the fact it can be ailment to people, many started doing a cross-comparison to what they were currently taking. Although it should ultimately be up to the decision of your doctor to see if CBD is right for you, many have found it to be a better alternative when it comes to subsiding side effects, which is a big part of taking any medications. Weigh the pros and cons, as well as really do your research on what’s best for you long-term. What’s Legal? Currently, CBD is legal across all 50 states. On the other hand, THC is legal in only a handful of states for medical or recreational purposes. If you’re aiming to stay on the safe side, then CBD is the way to go. Especially if you’re trying to get the full medicinal benefits without any of the ‘high’, CBD is a great introduction. Our only recommendation is to go with a trusted source, providing someone who’s both knowledgeable, as well as can back up their information with receipts and lab results. Are They Both Medicine? Technically, both CBD and THC are used as a medicine, however, only CBD products, such as CBD Oil and CBD Gummies, are currently legal across all 50 states. For many of the rest, the laws vary between letting people use THC for medical purposes (with laws varying drastically), as well as for recreational purposes. We’ll note that a common conversation that’s been happening nationwide is for THC cannabis to become legal nationwide given the success of the CBD industry. And with the economic impact of COVID-19, the conversation surrounding this has only gotten louder and louder. Final Thoughts When choosing between THC and CBD, there are a few different factors you need to consider. First, you need to understand which products are legal in your state, as well as what the impact of those laws could mean for you. If taking cannabis is primarily medical for you, then going with CBD is not only safer but often more popular by people who are looking for the plant to alleviate something. Additionally, THC can be effective in its own right for certain things, however, it’s best to consult with a doctor on what’s best for you. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team below, as we can not only answer your questions on if CBD is best for you, but help understand what you might need to thrive as an effective solution.

Here are 10 resources for learning the facts about CBD. The Food and Drug Administration. The FDA oversees the classification and regulation of both pharmaceutical drugs and nutritional supplements in the United States. It recently approved a medication called Epidiolex, which contains a refined form of CBD, for the treatment of early-onset seizure disorders. However, the organization has not approved other forms of CBD for the treatment of any medical condition and has warned several companies for making unsubstantiated claims about CBD’s therapeutic value. On May 31, 2019, the FDA is holding a public hearing on cannabis and cannabis-derived substances, which is likely to impact the CBD industry. The World Health Organization. The WHO is a United Nations agency that handles issues of international public health. In June 2018, it released a critical review on CBD. The document covers the chemical composition and pharmacology of CBD, its therapeutic applications, and possible adverse effects. The WHO concluded that CBD products, such as CBD Oil and CBD Gummies, are generally well-tolerated and has no effects indicative of dependency or abuse. The report includes an extensive list of references for further research. The National Institute of Health. A branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is one of the world’s leading medical research centers. If you’re looking for scientific evidence of CBD’s health benefits, the NIH’s database of peer-reviewed journals is a great place to start. You can read abstracts (and full-text articles from open-source journals) discussing the results of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, which are the gold standard for medical research. A cursory search revealed articles on CBD’s potential to reduce spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, relieve nerve pain, and impact the growth of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The University of Alabama at Birmingham. If you’re mainly interested in CBD oil as a treatment for seizures, UAB is at the forefront of this research. The university’s landmark study followed 72 children and 60 adults withseizures that did not respond to traditional anti-seizure medication. Subjects taking CBD experienced a two-thirds reduction in seizure frequency and a significant decrease in adverse effects. Cornell University. Cornell is studying CBD from many different angles, from the role of honeybees and companion planting in hemp production to CBD’s pet care applications. Researchers at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a study that suggested CBD could relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. The CBD Project. While government agencies and scientific literature provide the most detailed and accurate information about CBD, the technical jargon in these documents makes them inaccessible to the average citizen. Fortunately, other sources are available.Founded by two journalists, the CBD Project provides information in an easy-to-understand format to empower people to take an active role in their health. The website seeks to overcome the stigma surrounding cannabis-derived products and support the efforts of physicians and researchers to publish data on CBD’s efficacy. The group also conducts training workshops for health workers. CBD Central. Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized domestic cultivation of hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC, state and local laws regarding the production and sale of CBD oil vary. For example, CBD oil is fully legal in Oregon, but in neighboring California, legality is questionable because CBD derived from industrial hemp is not an approved food additive. In Alabama, CBD is only legal for clinical trials, while in Ohio, CBD is only approved for certain medical conditions, and patients must obtain it from a licensed dispensary. In Arkansas, purchasing CBD is legal, but farmers are not yet permitted to grow hemp for CBD production.CBD Central helps cut through the confusion by providing up-to-date information on state laws and regulations. The website also explains legal definitions and important court cases and discusses the impact of CBD use on drug tests. Guide to CBD. This website provides definitive guides to using CBD for specific health conditions, including inflammation, migraines, depression, and ADHD. Each long-form blog explains the causes and symptoms of the disease or disorder, current treatment options and their side effects, and the reasons CBD might help. The authors link to scientific studies and other online sources. CBD School. This blog covers the latest news and trending topics related to CBD, such as the effects of vaping CBD oil, dosage guidelines for using CBD as a sleep aid, information on drugs that interact with CBD, and tips for applying CBD oil topically. Well-edited articles include headings and summaries for easy reading. The website also features product reviews, podcasts, and videos. Remedy Review. Dedicated to an evidence-based approach to hemp-derived products, this site uses third-party laboratory testing to verify product labels and holds CBD brands accountable. Remedy Review tests CBD oils for cannabinoid content and terpene profile as well as residual solvents and contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, or pesticides. It also evaluates brands based on their hemp sources, product strength, value, flavor, transparency, and corporate citizenship. Check out the 2019 guide for some of the best brands on the market.What other resources have helped you understand CBD? Let us know in the comments.

CBD is one of the hottest topics as of late. Whether it is brought up in a discussion about marijuana laws or its many potential benefits, CBD products are something everyone seems to be talking about. And there’s a lot to talk about when discussing CBD. For example, the industry is expected to hit $22 billion by 2022 when sales were closer to $1.4 million just a few years ago in 2016. That's something to talk about and take into consideration if you’re considering investing in the market. Also worth discussing is the fact that 42 percent of CBD users gave up pharmaceutical drugs, according to one study. So, with so much to talk about and so much buzz around it, why hasn’t the CBD industry fully taken off yet? Despite all that CBD can potentially do, there are a number of hang-ups that are holding the industry back.   Misconception One of the biggest things holding the CBD industry back is a misconception. While it is becoming more commonly known that although CBD can be derived from marijuana but is not the same as marijuana and does not give the high that marijuana is known for, not everyone is aware of that fact. Not everyone understands that the compound that causes the high is THC and CBD is THC-free, meaning that it can offer all of the medical and health benefits of marijuana without the impairment of a high. Because of that misconception, there are many people who oppose the use of CBD. Skepticism CBD has a lot of potential uses, and there have already been studies done to show its benefits when it comes to things like seizures and even pain relief. However, the benefits that CBD can offer are quite broad and non-specific and include everything from help with cancer, chronic illness, and anxiety and depression to reducing acne and even helping overcome addiction. Because it can help with so many different things, there are some who are skeptical of the reality of such claims and aren’t willing to look into it further, let alone make a purchase. Funding Issues Although it is becoming easier for marijuana companies to get funding, funding is still one of the biggest issues that hold the industry back. The funding issues aren’t necessarily tied directly to the fact that a business is marijuana based, but because lenders consider things like risk and market volatility. Because of laws and regulations and the market can be difficult to get into and it isn’t guaranteed. Even if a company is able to get into the market, Google and Facebook don’t allow marijuana and CBD companies to advertise, making it difficult to effectively build a brand. Regulation As with any industry, there are certain regulations imposed on CBD products like CBD Oil and CBD Gummies. Perhaps even more than other industries, though, some of the regulations placed on the industry are stringent and can hold companies within the industry back, stunting their opportunity for growth. The requirements for growing, harvesting, processing, and then selling marijuana and the CBD product are not easy for every company to meet. Furthermore, certain laws restrict companies to selling only within their state among other restrictions, holding the companies back. Lack of Regulation On the other hand, despite the regulation that does exist, there is still a relative lack of regulation in the industry. Although a lack of regulation may not initially seem like a problem, it can be a point that holds the industry back because of concerns from the consumers. For example, when the product, its source, its purity, and its efficacy are not regulated and verified, consumers may feel wary of it, even if it’s top of the line. Lack of Education On top of everything else that is holding the industry back, a lack of education on what CBD is, what it can do, and how it can help is a big hang up. There aren’t many doctors who have had the time to immerse themselves in studying it; therefore, they cannot recommend or prescribe it to patients. Without the education on its benefits, (and even its risks), the industry will continue to be held back until people really understand and are ready to take full advantage of all of the benefits it has to offer. In Conclusion As much buzz as there is around the topic of CBD, the industry still has a way to go before people will really be able to enjoy the benefits that it offers. As more people become educated on the compound, regulation stabilizes, and misconception and skepticism are eradicated, though, companies within the CBD industry will be able to see the growth they’re hoping for and better achieve the goals they’re setting while helping those who can really benefit from all of the positive properties of CBD.

The CBD market is booming. With that growth comes a lot of new CBD users—people who want to find the best CBD experience for them but may find the bounty of terminology and products out there overwhelming.