CBD Plants VS THC Plants: What's the Difference?

With the soaring demand for natural ways and approach in medications, cannabis compounds such as CBD and THC is also becoming popular. Because of the close link, some misconceptions about the similarity and distinction of the two keep on interchanging. However, as said, it is a misconception since there is a clear difference that separates between CBDplants and THC plants.

Marijuana or THC plants and Hemp or CBD plants are two of the main species of the cannabis plant. Due to the long years of misinformation, it is not surprising to hear how other people blindly address the two. Now, in this discussion, we are going to clear every confusion and misconception and bravely reveals the truth behind it.

Hemp and Marijuana

Both hemp or CBD plants and marijuana or THC plants derive from the Cannabis Sativa family. They also share some similarities but at the same time, they as well possess crucial distinction.

1. Physical Structure

If it is your first time seeing a CBD plant and THC plant altogether, it is truly hard to distinguish the two. However, looking closely at each other’s structures, you will soon figure out the differences.

• Marijuana or THC Plants

Marijuana is noticeable in its broad leaves, dense buds, as well as short and shaggy physical appearance.

• Hemp or CBD Plants

In contrary, hemp plants have skinny leaves which grow taller than marijuana plant and they also have lighter colors.

2. Chemical Composition

Cannabis contains various and numerous compounds which are called cannabinoids. Two of the primary and most dominant cannabinoids which can be found in a cannabis plant are THC and CBD compounds. Although both of these compounds show beneficial advantages for human’s health and condition, there is a clear difference between them.

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol induces psycho-active or mind-altering effects which cause the consumer feeling high after the consumption. On the other hand, CBD or Cannabidiol does not contain any psychoactive properties but provides therapeutic effects.

• Marijuana or THC Plants

Marijuana and as to how we regard it as THC plant is abundant in THC concentrations with approximately fifteen to forty percent. With such a high level of THC, marijuana is much preferred for recreational and medicinal purposes. THC connects and binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain which causes the feeling of euphoria.

• Hemp or CBD Plants

Hemp, on the other hand, contains a very low level of THC compounds. With a more dominant level of CBD, the hemp plant is designed primarily for medicinal purposes. CBD compared with THC does not totally touch the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

3. Usage

Another comparison which will make a clear line of distinction between CBD plants and THC plant is its intended usage. Each of them has a specified usage and here are their distinctions:

• Marijuana or THC Plants

Since marijuanacontains abundant content of THC, it is naturally grown and used for recreational purposes as well as alternative medicine. Marijuana can be used in various methods and techniques desired by the user.

This can be smoked, inhaled, ingested, injected, and other more. THC is extracted directly from a marijuana plant and transforms it into edibles, capsules, vaporizers, and other more.

• Hemp or CBD Plants

Hemp is explicitly designed for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing, food, beauty products, oils, and other more. With the growing popularity of CBD, hemp has also been the main source of different variations of rich CBD products.

Some patients who seek alternative medicinal treatment uses CBD rich products to cure their ailments. This is perfect for patients looking solely for medicinal purposes and does not want the psychoactive effects of THC.

4. Side-Effects

According to the World Health Organization, the side effects of over-consumption of any THC or CBD vary from person to person. Hemp which is known to have high CBD content may cause some side effects if consumed together with other medications. Marijuana which contains high THC level may cause some side effects depending on the person and here are some of it:

• Palpitation
• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Memory loss
• Slower reaction time

5. Legality

Each state and territories have their own varying laws and regulations which need to be followed. Specifications on the storage, transportation, sales, as well as cultivation of cannabis plants are all present. However, there are also some states in the US which allow a minimum of 0.3 percentage of THC level in any product.

• Marijuana or THC Plants

Marijuana has to contain a high percentage of THC level is considered to be illegal in most parts of the world. However, there are some selected states and countries in the US which already legalized the use of Marijuana or THC plant.

• Hemp or CBD Plants

Since hemp only contains little THC level, it is considered legal in most parts of the world. As said, some countries and states in the US allow at least 0.3 percent THC level. The rest of the world allows only 0.2 percent. Under the US Farm Bill of 2014, CBD which is only derived from hemp and not from any marijuana strains is allowed.

The Bottom Line

Both CBD plants and THC plants almost look like identical twins not just in their anatomy but even in some of their functions. Both have medicinal benefits and can be used as alternative medicines for various types of ailments. Although there are varying effects when talking about the side effects of both THC and CBD plant, both are considered safe.

On the other hand, knowing the distinction between the two will also be beneficial for you. There is a big distinction between THC and CBD plant which any interested user and beginners should never overlook. Their differences will further help you in determining your final choice as to which of the two works best for you.