Is CBD Better for You than THC? 5 Reasons Why You Should Give It a Try
We're already twenty years into the 21st century, and the debate surrounding marijuana and its potential value to the human race is still ongoing, despite countless evidence pointing towards its health benefits. Not to mention the fact that thousands of Americans are still in prison for using or selling marijuana in states where it has become legal for not only medical but also recreational purposes!
Aside from the general debate regarding the legal status of marijuana, there is quite a bit of infighting amongst cannabis enthusiasts regarding the various types of the plant and their effects on the human psyche and body. One of the most lively ones is the CBD vs. THC dispute.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound present in both hemp (the industrial variety of cannabis) and marijuana flowers which also contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the substance that gets you stoned. The proponents of CBD point towards its medicinal qualities that come without the negative side effects THC can have, such as paranoia, dry mouth, or dizziness.
Before you go ahead and order bulk CBD oil to try it out on your own skin, check out this article, where we delve deep into CBD, and why it might be better for you in the long-run than prolonged THC usage.
1. It Doesn't Get You High
There are many pot enthusiasts that might scoff at that point as making no sense. How can not being able to get high off of it make CBD a better option than THC? Well, since it doesn't contain the psychoactive compound and does not cloud your judgment in any way, you can use CBD products anywhere, at any time.
Related article: THC and CBD, and the Entourage Effect!
Unless, of course, you're planning to smoke it! Other than that, it is perfectly safe to take CBD before getting behind the steering wheel of a car or while you're at work. It's not going to reduce your productivity or hamper reaction times while still providing you with all of the positive effects of CBD.
2. It's Legal Nearly Everywhere
It might be difficult to believe, but CBD is still illegal in three American states, namely Idaho, Iowa, and South Dakota. When it comes to federal law, it is only legal when sourced from industrial hemp. If it is derived from marijuana flowers, it makes it a Schedule I substance and, therefore, federally illegal.
Related article: CBD Is Not Completely Legal. Here’s Why.
These legal intricacies may be confusing, but the point is that, in the majority of states, as well as in all of the EU, you won't be persecuted for the possession and use of CBD products. The same can't be said about THC, which, despite being legalized for medical and recreational use across 11 states, is still heavily persecuted in most of Europe and the United States.
3. No Side Effects
Things such as short-term memory loss, nausea, or even psychosis are among some of the side effects of THC. Even though most users rarely experience any of them, you won't know which group you belong to until you try it. For some people, these effects only show up after a few years of regular use.
If you think you're going to rely on cannabis for its medical benefits, it might be safer to go with CBD, the non-psychoactive variety, just to be safe. You can still enjoy a bit of THC now and then as a healthier alternative to alcohol, but when it comes to using marijuana as a medicine, CBD is a much better choice.
4. Children Can Use It
Of course, you shouldn't give your child CBD flowers to smoke, but things such as CBD oil or gummy bears can be safely given to children for pain relief or as appetite enhancers. There is even some anecdotal evidence regarding the effectiveness of CBD in treating seizures in children.
Related article: 6 Health Benefits of CBD for Teenagers
On the other hand, THC should never be given to kids, unless you're going off a doctor's recommendation. Its psychoactive effects can be too much to handle for grown adults, so you can only imagine how it can impact a child's mind!
5. May Help with Certain Mental Health Issues
As opposed to THC, CBD has been proven to help people with certain mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. High-THC varieties, on the other hand, may be detrimental to people affected by these problems and further exacerbate these mental states. Cannabidiol (CBD) works against anxiety by fighting off negative thoughts and easing up the stress you may be under.
Related article: CBD And Alzheimer’s: What The Research Says?
The Bottom Line
If you're only starting to get into medical marijuana or cannabis in general, hemp-derived CBD might just be the perfect starting point for you. It won't get you high, which makes it perfect if you don't want to alter your state of mind but are still looking to unwind and ease up some of the ailments you're having. Marijuana with high levels of THC might be fun to use, but you've got to remember that it is illegal in the majority of countries around the world, whereas CBD products are not, especially those derived from hemp.
All in all, CBD is the more responsible, less risky choice for those who want to explore medical cannabis products but aren't interested in feeling stoned. It can also be used on a daily basis, while if you use THC every day, you're going to end up in a very foggy headspace relatively soon.
