Being one of the newest introductions in the health and wellness industry, there is a lot of controversy and confusion surrounding the uses, effects and composition of the various hemp products available on the market.
Since the 2018 farm bill, which legalized the retailing of products derived from cannabis plants, THC and CBD supplements have been flying off the shelves, but questions surrounding laws from state to state and the actual effectiveness of these products sometimes deter potential customers.
If you’re among this demographic, it is best first to explain the differences between the two main types of hemp products.
THC vs CBD
Though they are both classified as cannabinoids (substances present in cannabis plants), THC and CBD have different chemical formulas that, when consumed, smoked, etc, affect the body differently.
The primary separation between the two is the fact that THC has psychoactive effects and creates the high associated with marijuana. CBD does not alter your mental state in any way. Though this divide is quite simple to understand, the laws surrounding THC become a little sticky.
At present, any product above a 0.3% level of THC content is deemed illegal. Keep this in mind while shopping for any THC-based products, and be wary that the laws surrounding the use of marijuana, both medically and recreationally, are subject to change. Twenty-four states across the US have legalized cannabis use so far, and if the trend continues, this 0.3% law will likely become redundant.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9
If you continue researching these products, you’ll soon encounter the phrases delta 8 and delta 9. These titles simply refer to different strains of THC. Delta 8 THC is generally the less potent of the two, and the effects of both delta 8 and 9 vary slightly from person to person.
What Can I Use THC And CBD for?
Now the differences between the two compounds have been established, we can move on to the possible uses of hemp products. Because of the variety of forms available for purchase and the, at present, limited research surrounding the benefits of medicinal marijuana, this will be a long and somewhat controversial list.
Currently, THC and CBD can be used to treat the following conditions:
- Mental Health: THCa gummies, though research is limited, have been known to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Because of these calming effects, hemp products are also favored by people who have insomnia.
- Dry/Damaged Hair: Hemp is often combined into shampoos to prevent hair damage while keeping a light product unlikely to weigh your hair down.
- Chronic Pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of THC and CBD suit oils and tinctures well and are often used to dull pains caused by conditions like arthritis.
- Epilepsy: Some people living with epilepsy have been known to favor gummies, vapes and tinctures in their attempts to alleviate and prevent seizures.
- Addiction therapy: One of the most intriguing uses of CBD comes in the form of helping to weaken addiction cravings, with specific research surrounding heroin and cigarettes.
Potential Side Effects
As you can see, the potential uses of the hemp plant are vast and will only continue to grow as research expands. However, because of the newness of most of these products, it is best to consult a doctor before you begin taking any new supplements, mainly if you are already prescribed regular medication.
Some common side effects associated with the use of CBD and THC include:
- Changes in appetite and weight: These are uncommon but still present in some users of CBD oils.
- Adverse psychiatric effects: Common abuse of THC due to its psychoactive element. These reactions are uncommon in most products due to the low content of THC in legal supplements.
The most effective way to avoid these side effects is to research to ensure you buy products from a reputable supplier. Unfortunately, at present, there is no set procedure for quality, but high-quality CBD and THC products are unlikely to cause severe side effects.
Final Thoughts
Hemp products are a welcome addition to the health and wellness market. The marijuana plant is proving itself to be a very versatile resource for use in supplements. Though at the minute, it is presented as a sort of super-plant, it’s clear to see that if the current research develops, there will be some incredibly beneficial CBD and THC products available for purchase.
Are you thinking of using CBD to alleviate insomnia? Here are some more tips on How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep With Anxiety Disorder.
