The universe of cannabis plants is very diverse and confusing. Lack of information is enemy number one of this vastly beneficial species. We have already demystified four myths surrounding Cannabidiol (CBD) and its derivative products. Here we will address the differences between CBD and Marijuana.
Both CBD and Marijuana come from the same plant: Cannabis Sativa, which is part of the Cannabaece family tree. It is a plant with strong characteristics, great height and the appearance of its leaves is very recognizable: narrow stems and the leaves are opposite and palmate. Unlike other plants of the same family, this one has a light green hue, its flowers are elongated and similar to the shape of a feather. As the plant develops, the number of its leaves may decrease, which generally can reach more than five in adulthood.
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Can I get high from CBD-based products?
To understand the difference, it is important to clarify what marijuana is. According to its most commonly accepted definition: “It is the drug obtained from the mixture of dried leaves and flowers of indica hemp (…) that produces euphoric and hallucinogenic sensations”. But what will allow us to truly understand the difference between one and the other is to identify more precisely the chemical component that gives this psychoactive quality to the plant: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is just one of the more than 85 components that make up the Cannabis Sativa plant.
So what is CBD? Indeed, Cannabidiol is a compound that counteracts the hallucinogenic properties caused by THC and has a large number of advantages, such as strengthening the immune system and is used for therapeutic purposes. Both are part of the DNA of the same plant, therefore it is normal to think that if one uses products with CBD derivatives, one can feel “high” from the effects of THC, but this is not the case.
Dr. Alfonso Zavaleta, head professor at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and researcher at CEDRO (an institution in Peru that works with young people in situations of consumption and makes a difference between those legal substances for medicinal use from the illegal ones, providing precise information on both cases), clarifies its main difference: “THC is a component that is active in the central nervous system, in the particular case of CBD it has no addictive effect and has the ability to relax the body. While one is addictive, the other is not. Additionally, in the plant, the proportions of both components are reversed, the higher the THC, the lower the CBD and vice versa ”.
What are the effects?
Now, we will delve into what are the effects of each one on our body:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in addition to producing psychological alterations, causes an increase in appetite, drowsiness, reduces short-term memory capacity, inhibits pain and influences the functioning of vital organs such as the kidney or liver, to name a few.
In contrast, Cannabidiol (CBD) is neuroprotective, effective in treatments for patients with epilepsy; strengthens the immune system; improves typical skin conditions; lowers anxiety levels; It is a great supplement to include in a diet for its antioxidant capabilities and favorable for people with high blood pressure levels.
Can I get in legal trouble for buying CBD products?
As we have seen, the substantial difference between Marijuana, or THC, and CBD is that the latter does not have psychotropic qualities, that is the factor that indicates that its commercialization is completely legal. Although this varies in different parts of the world, in California cannabis for medicinal use has been legal since 1996. Marijuana was authorized for recreational use in small doses for those over 21 years of age in 2018, although it limits its use in public spaces, its production volume and its commercialization. Returning to the legal sale of cannabis, it must be licensed by the Office of Cannabis Control and is the responsibility of laboratories, doctors and retail stores under the supervision of the government.
So … is it safe to use CBD?
The properties of CBD are in constant discovery, its effectiveness is more than proven, not only for its benefits, but also for being a natural product that provides an alternative to laboratory-made drugs. We are embarking on a journey towards a healthier, more organic and conscious life, do you dare to travel with us?
