CBD vs THC : A Brief Overview

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the primary compounds of cannabis and needs little introduction. This cannabinoid has been present in American society for generations and is known for it's intoxicating 'high'. Although many claim health benefits associated with THC, the typical use case conversation is around recreation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the other major compound of the cannabis plant. CBD does not have intoxicating properties like it's THC counterpart. Rather, the conversation of CBD use surrounds the topics of health and wellness. Recently, many have claimed the use of CBD lowering anxiety, aiding insomnia, and relieving pain. But why has CBD only recently gained popularity?

CBD In Recent History

With the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill commercial hemp cultivation became legalized (1). Prior to this legislature, hemp was essentially declared a schedule I controlled substance in the 1970 war on drugs. This probably contributes to the misunderstanding of CBD and THC. However, not all cannabis farming was legalized. In order to meet regulatory requirements, hemp must be less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. This allows for a minimal amount of THC to be present in hemp but ensures a psychoactive high would be extremely difficult to obtain. Permitting a minimal amount of THC in hemp allows many other cannabinoids to be present as well.

CBD in Lee Hemp Products

Lee Hemp provides CBD products because we have seen first hand the mental and physical benefits of this cannabinoid. To provide the best possible products to our customers, we have taken ownership of the process from planting  and cultivating the hemp to bottling and shipping finished items. This allows us to offer a variety of products. Typically, you will find CBD products categorized into one of three options: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum CBD includes nearly all of the hemp extract such as terpenes and several cannabinoids, including up to 0.3% THC. Broad spectrum CBD products refer to hemp extracts without the THC. During the removal of THC other cannabinoids are consequently removed from the final product but many of the cannabis plant compounds remain. Lastly, CBD isolate products are just that: isolated CBD. This means all other compounds have been removed. 

Not Convinced?

Now, I know there are some skeptics out there. Here is a bit more detail on the differences and similarities between THC and CBD.

Similarities

• Both CBD and THC are compounds made up of 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms
• They both affect the body through the endocannabinoid system
• Both are present in cannabis
• Both claim wellness benefits including relaxation, better sleep, and pain reduction

Differences

• The structure of the chemical compounds are very different
• THC produces an intoxicating high
• CBD does not intoxicate

The biggest difference between these two compounds is how they work in the body. CBD does not directly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors creating the 'high' on the brain (2). Thus, you can't get 'high' on CBD. Although we don't know the direct receptors CBD interacts with or how it interacts, the benefits of this chemical reaction are being experienced by many. 

 

 

Whether you are looking for a full spectrum product or something THC free be sure to view all of our products here https://leehempcbd.com/collections/all-products-1

 

References

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (2018). "Farm Bill" Retrieved from: https://www.usda.gov/farmbill

2. Raypole, C. (2019, May 17). Endocannabinoid system: A simple guide to how it works. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system#thc