Because cannabis is a rapidly growing industry around the globe, it is essential to recognize the distinction between cannabidiol (CBD) and its sibling tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC). These are the two substances which come from hemp and marijuana plants. There are some similarities and some differences in the effects that each of these compounds could have on the body and the brain. In this article, we will explore what CBD and delta-9 are, differentiate between CBD and delta-9, examine the pros and cons of both, and attempt to answer the question of which one of these two cannabinoids would be the best for you.
What is CBD?
Cannabidol, or CBD, is a chemical compound that you can find from hemp plants and does not carry any high effects. This hemp extract influences the endocannabinoid system whose job is to modulate many functions including emotions, pain, hunger, immune response, etc.
In most cases, the benefit is that the patients do not get high, which means that persons who want to enjoy the benefits of hemp products will be able to do this without interference with the mental activity of the brain.
CBD is often used to treat conditions including anxiety and chronic pain relief, relief of sleep disorders and even relief of inflammation. A range of forms of CBD products includes oil, tinctures, capsules, topical application and gummies.
What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is the main active psychoactive agent in the marijuana plant, which is responsible for the so-called ‘high’ produced by marijuana use. THC acts within the endocannabinoid system like CBD, but it is more selectively active at different receptors in the brain, that is CB1, the stimulant of positive emotions, visual and intellectual perception, even control of movements.
Delta-9-THC is most commonly used for easing pain, reducing nausea, increasing appetite, and even tending to sleeplessness. It can be found in many forms, like gummies, oil, and concentrates.
Important Aspects that Differentiate CBD and THC
Let's explore some differences between CBD and THC.
Psychoactive Effects
CBD does not have psychoactive actives; that is, it does not make the user ‘high’ in any way. Most CBD consumers do so for alleviation of pain and other ailments without the need of being high.
Delta-9-THC is psychoactive in that it is mostly taken when you want to get high. Usually, some people enjoy this, while some may be disturbed by an anxious and paranoid phenomena.
Legality
CBD is most legal in almost every country and state within the US since it is obtained from hemp with less than 0.3% THC content. The 2018 Farm Bill in the United States made it possible to manufacture and sell products derived from hemp including CBD oil.
Except for if it is in smaller quantities, delta-9 THC is illegal in most parts of the nation.
Medical Benefits
CBD can ease anxiety, enhances sleep, eliminates pain, treats inflammation, among other benefits. Epidiolex, for example, contains this compound made legal by the FDA for certain forms of epilepsy.
Delta-9 THC is mostly used to relieve or eliminate pain and nausea brought about by the use of chemotherapy. It also brings about an increased appetite, and treats spasms in MS patients.
Side Effects
One of the advantages of CBD is that there are minimal side effects whenever it is taken. Side effects can include feeling tired, having diarrhea, or loss of appetite for some people. Still, everyday consumption does not pose any danger.
Delta-9 TCH quite commonly makes you feel dizzy, have a dry mouth and heart pounding, or have anxious, or paranoid feelings.
Drug Testing
CBD products would not come out on a drug test as most do not contain THC. However, some full-spectrum CBD might contain THC at levels that are positive in drug tests.
The use of delta-9 THC products may indicate cannabis use under drug testing.
Benefits of CBD vs Delta-9 THC
Here are the benefits of CBD and THC.
CBD
- Anxiety relief: Several studies have suggested that it could help individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Pain management: There is no better relief medicine that uses cannabis and its extracts other than CBD. This form of pain can also be due to arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain.
- Deep sleep: A large number of people are already consuming CBD for sleep improvement. Certain people are also using it for insomnia.
- Anti-inflammatory: CBD has also been found to reduce inflammation, thus indicating its usefulness to patients with Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome among other related diseases.
Delta-9 THC
- Pain management: Delta-9 THC warrants the management of moderate to severe pain, as maybe the case in advanced cancers or severe multiple sclerosis or nerve pain issues.
- Appetite stimulation: THC is effective in stimulating appetite, for instance, in some eating disorders or patients that are undergoing treatment.
- Treatment of vomiting: THC is also effective when it is used as an antiemetic aiding chemotherapy patients and persons with chronic nausea.
- Reduced muscle spasms: It may also be used to reduce muscle tightness and spasms therefore useful for patients with diseases such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.
CBD vs Delta 9 THC: Which One is Better for You?
Whether to use CBD or delta-9 THC usually hinges around the particular condition you would like to address, your health status, and the level of sensitivity towards either active ingredient. Here are some factors worth noting:
If You Want to Avoid Psychoactive Effects
If you are out to seek the therapeutic outcomes of cannabis without the wreathe of intoxication, then CBD is what you need. It is non-intoxicating in effect and referred more for the treatment of anxiety and pain or general well being, without mental fog.
If You Need Stronger Pain Relief or Appetite Stimulation
However, for cases seeking stronger relief, especially from cancer pain for example, then it is likely that delta-9 THC would work because it is more efficient in stimulating appetite and reducing the perception of pain. However, you need to be very careful of the intoxication that comes along with it.
For Everyday Practice
CBD is the most used in daily dosing as it does not affect the functioning of the brain. This is the reason why many take it for chronic conditions like pain, anxiety or even inflammatory ones for a long duration. Delta-9 THC would probably be better in situations where acute control of pain is needed.
Legal Aspects
If you are in a delta-9 THC banned state, the only type of THC that might be available for you will be CBD.
Dynamics and Sensitivity
Apart from age and differences in sensitivity, differences in susceptibility to THC effects are also present wherein some people are anxious and paranoid after use while others simply experience calming effects of the substance. In groups that are prone to the effects of THC, we find that CBD is generally quite safe and many people do not mind taking it in dosages higher than what is recommended.
Combining CBD and Delta-9 THC
Some believe that when a delta-9 THC is administered with Cannabidiol, there is "more to the meal." Thus the term entourage effect emerges. For example, there is the advantage of using THC which comes with its disadvantages like causing anxiety or even paranoia. This is where CBD comes in to help in alleviating the unwanted side effects. These two classes of medical marijuana are frequently combined by users so that each of them can work more effectively.
Conclusion
CBD and delta-9 THC infuse into the body in distinctive ways and deliver their benefits differentially, and therefore, the choice of which one to use depends on the needs and purposes you have in mind. You can consider using an alternative such as CBD that will not get you high. On the other hand, if you suffer from extreme pain or a lack of appetite, delta-9 THC would be a better option for you. In this sense, this guide will help you in optimal product selection in order to fully appreciate the therapeutic effects of hemp.