The Legality of CBD and THC, According To Experts

To review, CBD and THC are the two most common chemical compounds contained in the cannabis plant. The plant contains more than 140 compounds that are unique to it, and CBD and THC are the most plentiful. Their effects, according to an expert, are what determines the medicinal and recreational uses of the cannabis plant.

All cannabis plants contain trace amounts of both compounds. The cannabis plant which is classified as hemp is legal in all 50 states, as is commonly discussed here. Hemp is higher in CBD, and has a percentage of 0.3% or lower, of THC. THC is the chemical associated with the euphoric and intoxicating feelings, when consumed in higher amounts. CBD is not intoxicating, or psychotropic, which means it doesn\’t cause the strong effects on the brain that THC can.

When THC is consumed in therapeutic amounts, the intoxicating feelings are not experienced by the user. While it remains a Schedule 1 substance, meaning that it is part of the controlled list, THC also has medical benefits, so at least 35 states and the District of Columbia, have legalized its medical use. These include reducing nausea, primarily in those undergoing chemotherapy, stimulating appetite and treating neuropathic pain, in the nerve endings, caused primarily by diabetes, as well as muscle spasticity, caused by multiple sclerosis.

In contrast, many states have also legalized cannabis, for treating different types of conditions ranging from glaucoma to anxiety and other neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Chemically speaking, according to another expert, the difference between the two types, CBD from hemp and that containing larger amounts of THC, are only different in two respects. He stated that these are the amount that a consumer can buy at one time, and on the taxes for the product. Overall, the first expert does say that THC is a safer compound than other drugs like opiates and nicotine.