With growing interest in the therapeutic potential of CBD in the UK, two compounds found in cannabis plants – cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – are garnering attention. CBD and THC interact uniquely with the human body and have distinct effects. Although they are both found in cannabis, they have notable differences in areas like intoxication levels, potential health benefits, legality, and side effects.
In this blog post, we’ll examine CBD versus THC and explore the contrasting effects of these prominent cannabis compounds pertaining to psychoactivity, current UK legal status and reported adverse effects. Understanding the difference between frequently misunderstood CBD and THC can empower consumers to make prudent choices regarding which type of cannabis-derived product best meets their individual needs and circumstances.
Chemical Composition and Sources
CBD (Cannabidiol)
While you might find CBD primarily in hemp plants, a specific variety of the cannabis sativa plant, it’s crucial to note that this compound is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t cause the ‘high’ associated with cannabis use. This distinction is a key factor when considering CBD vs THC effects.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce mind-altering effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking the health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive experience.
When discussing the effects of CBD vs THC, it’s important to consider the sources of these compounds. CBD is mainly extracted from hemp, a cannabis plant that naturally contains high amounts of CBD and low THC levels. This ensures users can enjoy the benefits of CBD without the ‘high’ associated with THC.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
On the other hand, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis, primarily derived from marijuana plants. When consumed, it binds with cannabinoid receptors in your brain, triggering a ‘high’. Unlike CBD, which is non-psychoactive, THC’s effect can alter your sense of perception and mood.
Legal Status in the UK
CBD
Let’s delve into the legal status of CBD in the UK, where it’s perfectly legal, provided it’s derived from an EU-approved industrial hemp strain and contains less than 0.2% THC. However, there are a few other conditions you need to be aware of:
- The CBD product mustn’t be marketed as medicine unless it has the necessary license from the MHRA.
- It’s prohibited to make health claims about CBD products without scientific evidence to back it up.
- All CBD products must be labelled correctly and not mislead consumers.
- Lastly, while CBD is legal, remember that the possession, production and supply of cannabis oil (which contains higher levels of THC) is still illegal in the UK.
THC
In contrast to CBD, THC’s legal status in the UK is more stringent, and here’s what you need to know. It’s classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means it’s illegal to possess, distribute, or produce THC products, such as medical cannabis, without a license.
This difference in legality is due to THC’s psychoactive properties compared to CBD. Be aware of these regulations to ensure you’re on the right side of the law while exploring the world of cannabinoids.
Effects
You may be curious about how these two compounds impact your body and mind. Understanding their unique effects and medical benefits will help you make more informed decisions about their use.
CBD
Physical Effects
With CBD, you’ll experience potential physical effects such as pain relief and potential neuroprotective properties, especially for chronic inflammation. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Pain relief: CBD can soothe chronic pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: It can reduce inflammation.
- Neuroprotection: It can guard your neurons.
- No psychoactive effects: Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high.
These benefits make CBD an appealing option for many.
Mental Health Effects
In addition to the physical benefits, you’ll also find that CBD can have potential mental health effects. It’s known to have anxiolytic properties, which can potentially reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t induce a psychoactive ‘high’, allowing you to benefit from its therapeutic properties without experiencing the mind-altering effects commonly associated with cannabis.
Other Therapeutic Effects
You’ll find that CBD offers several other therapeutic effects beyond mental health benefits.
- It can aid in treating sleep disorders, helping you achieve a restful night’s sleep.
- CBD can potentially benefit your heart health, contributing to overall wellness.
- It interacts with your endocannabinoid system, influencing bodily functions.
- Despite similarities to THC, CBD’s effects aren’t intoxicating, making it a preferred choice for many.
THC
Physical Effects
Let’s delve into the physical effects of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
- Pain relief: Particularly effective for neuropathic pain.
- Appetite stimulation: Often used in chemotherapy patients.
- Euphoria: THC can produce feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Altered sensory perception: Users may experience colours and sounds more intensely.
Psychoactive Effects
Beyond the physical effects, THC also has noticeable psychoactive effects on your mind and mood. It can induce euphoria, making you feel ‘high’. However, it also has the potential for short-term cognitive impairment.
Risks and Side Effects
While there are many potential benefits to using THC, it’s important to be aware that it can also carry significant risks and side effects, especially with heavy or long-term use. These risks include:
- Long-term mental health issues
- Dependency or drug abuse
- Increased heart rate, which can lead to serious health problems
- Impaired memory and cognitive function.
Side Effects
It’s essential to understand that while these compounds can offer numerous benefits, they might also carry some risks.
CBD
When you use CBD, you might experience minor side effects such as fatigue, diarrhoea, and changes in appetite. However, these side effects are generally well-tolerated, and many users find that the benefits outweigh any potential discomfort.
Here are four possible side effects you should be aware of:
- Fatigue: You may feel tired or drowsy after taking CBD. This is usually temporary, but it’s worth noting if you plan to operate heavy machinery or drive.
- Diarrhoea: Some users report experiencing mild digestive discomfort, including diarrhoea.
- Changes in Appetite: CBD can either increase or decrease your appetite, so be mindful of any significant changes in your eating habits.
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is a less common side effect, but it is still worth mentioning.
THC
In contrast to CBD, the effects of THC can be more potent and may include short-term memory loss, red eyes, dry mouth, and impaired motor skills.
While some people enjoy the ‘high’ feeling that THC provides, it’s not for everyone. It’s also important to note that the legal status of THC varies by country, so ensure you’re aware of the laws in your area.
Regulation and Quality Control
It’s important to be aware of the regulations and quality control processes in place for these products. Let’s examine the standards and guidelines that influence the production of both CBD and THC products.
CBD products
Understanding the regulation and quality control of hemp-derived CBD products is crucial for their safety and efficacy. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversees these regulations in the UK, ensuring you’re getting high-quality, safe products.
Here are four critical aspects to consider:
- Novel Food Authorisation: Ingestible CBD products require this special authorisation to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Quality Control: Manufacturers must comply with rigorous quality control to ensure product consistency and safety.
- Labelling: CBD products should always be clearly labelled with accurate CBD and THC content information.
- Avoiding Contaminants: The FSA ensures CBD products are free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
THC
While CBD products are becoming more popular, it’s crucial that you’re also aware of the regulations and quality control surrounding THC products.
In the UK, THC is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This makes THC products controlled substances, meaning production, supply, and possession of THC are heavily regulated. These restrictions ensure that the THC products, such as medical marijuana, you might come across are of high quality. However, these regulations also limit the availability and accessibility of THC products. Typically, having THC in your system will cause you to fail a drug test.
While THC and CBD are both found in the Cannabis genus and interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, their effects and legal statuses are significantly different. So, when exploring your options, it’s important to understand these contrasts.
Conclusion
While both intriguing compounds, CBD and THC have markedly different effects and legal statuses in the UK. When it comes to experiencing no intoxication or euphoria and accessing potential therapeutic properties backed by evolving research, CBD products seem to align with many UK consumers’ preferences.
Fortunately, reputable outlets like The CBD Flower Shop provide high-quality CBD oil, edibles and flowers legally derived from licensed hemp strains. Our product selection adheres to UK guidelines, excludes illegal THC, and makes the most of CBD’s budding spectrum of wellness-supporting applications. Shop online today!