There are a lot of words associated with the cannabis plant. In fact, there are so many that it can sometimes make an individual’s head spin. Two of the cannabinoids we hear the most about are CBD and THC. While there are more than 100 known cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant, these two tend to hog the spotlight.
Despite the fact that CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, they are vastly different yet somehow it is hard to talk about one without talking about the other. CBD and THC may seem like two completely different cannabinoids, but once we take more of an in-depth look, it is easy to see just how much these two cannabinoids have in common.
CBD is one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market. Short for Cannabidiol, this cannabinoid is known most commonly within the hemp industry and a niche sector of the cannabis industry. Though it is most commonly associated with hemp, it is also found within hemp’s more potent cousin, marijuana.
This cannabinoid has gained popularity due to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Modern research has explored the medical potential of CBD, opening up new pathways that had not been previously explored.
According to a study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, “CBD has demonstrated efficacy in reducing nausea and vomiting, with CBDA and CBDA-ME being more potent. The data suggest a need for these compounds to be evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to reduce nausea and/or vomiting.”
Another study observed the use of CBD’s against chronic pain in kidney transplant patients. According to the findings of the study, “CBD was well-tolerated. The adverse effects reported were mild and all of them were linked to the nervous or digestive system. This symptom specificity is related to the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the body.”
While much of the research has been limited to animal studies, human trials are becoming more and more prevalent as we understand more about the CBD cannabinoid. Contemporary research is still uncovering all the properties and verifying their uses. However, it is worth noting that the spread of cannabis and hemp legalization has expedited many of these studies, providing biomass that was once harder to come by.
THC is by far the most commonly discussed cannabinoid. THC is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, known to be the reason for the psychoactive properties marijuana is so popular for. This cannabinoid is one of the most controversial of all the cannabinoids.
When we talk about THC, we often are referring to a set of Delta THC cannabinoids. If you listen to the news surrounding cannabinoids, hemp, and marijuana, then you probably have heard of some of these. Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, THCA, THCB, and Delta 10 THC, just to name a few.
Current research surrounding THC has begun to change the medical community’s perception of this particular cannabinoid. A study from the Journal of Clinical Oncology observed the use of THC in treating patients with cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome. According to the results of the study, the majority of patients who received THC reported an increase in their appetite. The study was ruled as preliminary but showed promising continuation in the future.
Since the widespread legalization of cannabis, studies observing the uses of THC have become more prevalent. The influx of biomass has allowed research to become more widespread in recent years. At the time of this writing, we are still learning about what this incredible cannabinoid has to offer.
Despite their drastic differences, THC and CBD both belong to the same species of plants. Hemp and Marijuana may seem like two different plants, but in reality, the biggest divide between the two is hundreds of years worth of selective breeding for specific traits.
THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that have their own unique properties. When it comes to talking about differences, the largest physical difference is in the psychoactive properties THC possesses vs. CBD being non-psychoactive. However, the biggest divide comes in the form of the legal red tape.
We cannot discuss the differences between THC and CBD without discussing the legal division between the two cannabinoids. While hemp is federally legal in all 50 states and medical cannabis is legal in the majority of the states, there is still an intensive legal divide.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as “cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) and derivatives of cannabis with extremely low concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis), from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).”
At the end of the day, the biggest divide between CBD and THC is the legality. The legal red tape is what ultimately separates hemp and marijuana from one another. However, regulations and laws for hemp and medical cannabis can vary from state to state. For more in-depth information regarding the legality of hemp and cannabis in your state, it is recommended to contact the departments that oversee the legal hemp and cannabis programs for your area.
Would you like to learn more about THC and CBD and the cannabis plant? Verne Bio is dedicated to helping provide consistent and transparent education for anyone with the desire to learn about cannabis. When visiting our Knowledge Center, readers can inspect to find articles covering topics such as;
At Verne Bio, we take pride in being a supportive source for growers of all experience levels. Our Knowledge Center is just one of our tools that growers can utilize for their benefit. When it comes down to it, having Verne Bio on your side just makes sense.
Works Cited
Abernethy, MD, PhD, Amy. “Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019.” FDA, 25 July 2019, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019. Accessed 30 August 2023.
Cunetti, L., et al. “.” Science Direct, 2 October 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041134517309624. Accessed 30 August 2023.
Rock, Erin M., et al. “Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol, Cannabidiolic Acid, and Cannabidiolic Acid Methyl Ester as Treatments for Nausea and Vomiting.” Mary Ann Liebert Inc. Publishers, Mary Ann Liebert Inc. Publishers, 2021, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2021.0041. Accessed 30 Aug 2023.
Strasser, Florian. “.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2 October 2022, https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2005.05.1847. Accessed 30 August 2023.
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