What Is The Difference Between CBD & THC?
Whether you regularly use CBD gummies before bed or are interested in trying CBD oil in your morning coffee, knowing the difference between CBD and THC is vital before investing in any cannabis product.
Although they come from the same plant, CBD and THC are very different. They are just two of many cannabinoids found in the plant. Knowing this difference can empower you to choose what is best for you. Keep reading to gain a basic understanding of the difference between CBD and THC.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Before we dive into THC vs. CBD, let’s take a look at the bigger picture. Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are over 100 compounds in the plant called cannabinoids. The cannabinoids that usually take the spotlight are CBD and THC, but many other cannabinoids play an important role.Cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS for short, is a physiological system in all our bodies regulating and influencing our mood, appetite, and even our perception of pain.
The ECS is a communication center for your body! It has two primary parts of receptors, CB1 and CB2.
Cannabinoids interact with the ECS and regulate these important body functions. Keep reading to discover how THC and CBD interact with the ECS.
What is THC?
Okay, so you may know there is THC in weed but do you really know what THC is?
In the US, marijuana is defined as any Cannabis sativa plant with greater than 0.3 percent THC. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that contributes to the psychoactive effects. If you have ever smoked weed, THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects. Psychoactive defines any substance that affects mental processes like cognition.
THC can do this as it activates the CB1 receptors associated with euphoria, relaxation, memory-impairment, and anxiety. The activation of the CB1 receptor can also release the neurotransmitter dopamine - this is the reason THC will make you feel stoned!
Is THC legal?
Due to the intoxicating and nature psychoactive nature of THC, cannabis strains with a high THC are only legal in states where recreational weed is legal. THC is still classified as a drug, making it less attractive for regular use. You don’t want to show up to the office or the gym with your head in the clouds.
Will THC Show Up on A Drug Test?
Yes, if you smoked weed or ate an edible, this will show up on a drug test!
What Is CBD?
If you have ever had a bad experience with weed, you may be hesitant to try CBD, making you ask: does CBD get you high? The effects of CBD are vastly different, and taking a CBD capsule or gummy will not get you high.
Hemp plants are Cannabis sativa plants that are characterized as having less than 0.3% THC. CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD can uplift your mood and ease your stresses, but it will not give you a stoned effect like THC.
This is due to the way CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts the most with CB2 receptors in your tissue, cells, and organs. CBD works with our body to help to communicate with itself. CBD doesn’t target one symptom or produce a certain outcome. Instead, it helps your body reach balance and homeostasis. The intricate way CBD works with your ECS is why CBD can provide many different potential health benefits.
CBD can actually block the intoxicating effects of THC, even reducing the negative effect THC can sometimes produce like paranoia or anxiety. CBD has become an attractive option for everyday use as you won’t have to worry about getting high just to find some relief.
Is CBD legal?
With the Farm Bill’s passing in 2018, hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is allowed to be broadly cultivated and sold in all 50 states! CBD may uplift your mood and decrease your stress without the high of THC, making CBD safe for everyday use.
Will CBD Show Up on A Drug Test?
Although some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, it will almost certainly not show up on a drug test. However, if your career depends on passing a drug test - nurses, doctors, teachers, law enforcement, or other government jobs, etc. - it’s best to speak with your employer prior to use of a CBD product, just in case. Testing equipment varies from lab to lab and there have been isolated incidents where a lab detects CBD and misclassifies it as THC. Upon further investigation, the lab will likely be able to correct the error, but it’s better to disclose using CBD to your employer prior to the test in order to clear up any potential confusion more easily.
Get a Certificate of Analysis
To be extra cautious, it’s recommended that you get a Certificate of Analysis from the company producing the CBD product and keep it on hand. A Certificate of Analysis (known as a COA) is a lab test performed by the manufacturer on the CBD product that verifies the product complies with the legal limits of THC, which should show 0.3% THC or less. This COA should come from an independent third party lab and not be performed by the company producing the product.
At Winged, every batch of products we produce is independently tested by a certified third party lab. On the back of our CBD product packaging is a QR Code that can be scanned by a smartphone camera. You can simply enter the batch number printed on the bottom of the package to retrieve the COA for that product so you can rest assured that all Winged products are compliant and safe.
Full and Broad Spectrum
There are different types of CBD extracts--each of which contains different cannabinoids. Both full and broad-spectrum hemp extract can harness the power of almost all the compounds in hemp! Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabis plant compounds with low levels of THC (below 0.3% THC). A broad-spectrum CBD oil will take out all traces of THC but leave in all other compounds.If you’re still concerned about passing a drug test, choosing a Broad Spectrum CBD product may be your best option. While Full Spectrum CBD products contain incredibly small amounts of THC, Broad Spectrum CBD products contain “non-detectable” levels of THC. In other words, Broad Spectrum is THC-free and the safest choice for users with strict drug testing requirements.
Pro-Tip: On the COA, the levels of THC should be shown as “ND” (non-detectable) or “<LOQ” (below the Limit of Quantification), which means the lab did not find any THC in the product during testing.
In a full or broad-spectrum hemp extract, you will be able to experience that entourage effect! This “entourage effect” refers to the magical synergy of all the compounds within the plant working together. The entourage effect is close to euphoric, but it won’t inhibit your day or make you stoned! Top-quality CBD products, like Winged CBD, will contain formulas with full or broad-spectrum hemp extract. Trust us; you deserve to experience the entourage effect!
Winged CBD
The difference between CBD and THC can seem pretty complicated, but knowing the difference is crucial for determining what’s best for your body! Winged CBD embraces the power of cannabinoids!
We curated CBD products specifically to empower women. From our CBD skincare line to Sleepy CBD Gummies, we created products with full and broad-spectrum hemp extract to give you the full power of all cannabis compounds!