CBD vs. THC

Full Spectrum CBD: If a CBD extract is full spectrum, this simply means that it contains all of the phytochemicals that occur in the plant naturally. This includes the CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).

Broad Spectrum CBD: Broad spectrum CBD, like full spectrum CBD, contains all phytochemicals that occur within the plant except for THC. After the initial extraction process is complete, the THC is completely removed.

CBD Isolate: This is simply just the CBD with no additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or anything else from the hemp plant.

CBD is considerably well researched and has been found to provide numerous health benefits. We will touch on these later in the article.

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is the main psychoactive cannabinoid. This simply means that when THC is consumed, it will cause intoxicating effects in the user. THC is responsible for the “marijuana high” that causes euphoria, analgesic effects, and stimulation throughout the mind and body.

THC is thought by many to be the only intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. However, this is not true. What is true, however, is that it is the only cannabinoid that exists in high enough concentrations in nature to cause a user to get high.

This cannabinoid is typically thought by many to only have recreational properties. However, this is also not true. THC is actually well researched for various medicinal applications and is even prescribed for its medical capabilities in many states across the US. We will dive into these benefits in just a bit.

• CBD is non-intoxicating and therefore will not get you high.
• Some CBD effects when consumed include easing of the mind, reduction in anxiety, and the body and minds response to stress. CBD can also cause a reduction in pain and inflammation.
• CBD works through various molecular pathways in the body, however, it does not bind directly to any of the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
• CBD signals the body to produce more of its own endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids).
• CBD can reduce some of the negative psychoactive effects of THC such as paranoia and anxiety.
• CBD provides numerous health and therapeutic benefits including being able to reduce anxiety.
• CBD can be derived from either marijuana or hemp plants. CBD derived from hemp is federally legal while CBD derived from marijuana varies on a state by state basis.
• CBD is safe for animals to consume, including your pets!

• THC does cause intoxication when it is consumed.
• When THC is consumed at low to moderate doses, most users report sensory stimulation, elevated mood, improved appetite, a clearer state of mind, and some even experience improved cognition.
• When THC is consumed in high doses, it can cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
• Unlike CBD, THC does bind directly to cannabinoid receptors in the body.
• THC is most often thought of as being used as a recreational agent for enjoyment of the high it causes, however, it shows medical promise as well.
• THC does not exist in hemp in high enough concentrations, therefore it can only be extracted from marijuana.
• THC is only legal on a country wide basis in Canada and Uruguay
• 11 states in the US have recreationally legal marijauna as of 2020
• 33 states in the US have legalized THC for medicinal purposes as of 2020

CBD has been shown to aid in helping with several ailment such as, but not limited to:

• Autoimmune diseases such as inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis
• Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s chorea, stroke, and traumatic brain injury
• Metabolic syndrome ailments such as obesity and diabetes
• Neuropsychiatric illnesses like autism, ADHD, PTSD, and even alcoholism
• Gut disorders such as colitis and Chrons
• Cardiovascular dysfunctions such as atherosclerosis and arrhythmia
• Skin ailments such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis
• Reducing Anxiety and related symptoms of it

Additionally, CBD is being extensively studied for its potential neuroprotective effects as well as anti-cancer benefits across several academic research centers in the United States and across the globe.

• In a study conducted in 2010 by California scientists, CBD was found to “enhance the inhibitory effects of THC on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival.” This shows the CBD can further potentiate THC’s anti-cancer properties.

• Another 2010 study in Germany found that CBD stimulates neurogenesis or the growth of new brain cells in adult mammals.  

As you can see, the benefits of CBD are far ranging and this explains why it has been anecdotally reported to help with a host of ailments in the mind and body.

As mentioned earlier, while THC is most known for its recreational uses, research is showing how it also has medicinal and therapeutic properties. Researchers are studying THC to see its potential applications to help fight against Alzheimer's Disease. THC also contains some neuroprotective properties and these are most often associated with various mental health applications.

THC acts as a natural painkiller for many users and serves as a solid replacement for the more harmful and abusable prescription painkillers on the market. In lower doses, THC can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, in higher doses, THC can greatly increase anxiety and paranoia in consumers. THC is used to help individuals who suffer from insomnia find relief and establish a normal sleep cycle.