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THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

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These days, it seems that everyone is talking about THC and CBD. You’ll see it on the news, advertised in convenience stores and coffee shops, and even in your aunt’s Facebook posts. But with so much talk out there, there is also a lot of misinformation. 

When it comes to THC vs CBD, what actually is the difference? Are these substances healthy for you? And will they get you high?

These are common questions and people tend to end up confused when looking for answers. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. 

So if you would like to learn more, then keep on reading and we’ll walk you through what THC and CBD are and how they differ.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is a chemical compound that is responsible for most of the psychological effects of marijuana. THC is a cannabinoid and acts a lot like the cannabinoid chemicals that are naturally made in the human body.  

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, is a complicated and intricate system in the human body. It was first discovered by scientists several decades ago as they were trying to better understand THC. 

While we are still trying to fully comprehend what the ECS is and how it works, we do know that it plays roles in regulating a variety of processes and functions. These include:

  • fertility and reproduction
  • memory
  • appetite
  • mood
  • sleep

The endocannabinoid system exists and is active in the body, even if you don’t use cannabis. 

How the ECS Works 

There are three main components that make up the ECS: enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids.  

Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules that are created by the body. They are very similar to cannabinoids, except they are naturally made in the body. 

There are two main endocannabinoids that we know of: 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA).

These endocannabinoids help to keep internal processes running properly. Your body makes them as needed. 

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body. Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors in order to signal that the endocannabinoid system needs to take action. 

There are two key endocannabinoid receptors: CB2 and CB1.

CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system (CNS). CB2 receptors are mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.

Endocannabinoids are able to bind to either receptor. The effects that result from this binding will depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid does the binding. 

Enzymes are then needed to break down endocannabinoids after they’ve carried out their function.

There are two key enzymes that are responsible for this. First, there is the fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA.

There is also monoacylglycerol acid lipase. This enzyme usually breaks down 2-AG.

What Are the Functions of the ECS? 

The ECS is a complex system and experts aren’t sure about exactly how it works or what all of its possible processes are. We do currently know that the ECS is related to the following functions:

  • skin and nerve function
  • stress
  • reproductive system function
  • liver function
  • bone remodeling and growth
  • cardiovascular system function
  • muscle formation
  • sleep
  • motor control
  • learning and memory
  • mood
  • inflammation and other immune system responses
  • metabolism
  • chronic pain
  • digestion and appetite

All of these processes are related to homeostasis. When your body reaches homeostasis, everything internally is balanced.

The current belief is that the job of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis.  

How Does THC Interact With the ECS?

The reason why cannabinoids from plants are able to have medicinal and psychoactive effects within the human body is that they can interact with the ECS. THC is able to get a person high because it activates the CB1 receptor in the brain.

Endocannabinoids also activate the CB1 receptor. So why aren’t we high all of the time?

There are a few reasons for this. First off, THC does not interact with ECS receptors in the exact same way as internal endocannabinoids do.

Also, the metabolic enzymes break down endocannabinoids very quickly. The enzymes are not as effective on THC, so THC is able to affect the brain for much longer. 

THC’s Effects on the Body 

THC is able to create a sense of euphoria in people because it is able to stimulate brain cells and help release dopamine. It also affects how information is processed in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that is in charge of forming new memories.  

THC can also produce hallucinations. It can cause delusions and change a person’s thinking. 

The effects of THC typically last for around two hours. They likely kick in between ten and thirty minutes after consumption. 

After the felt high has stopped, psychomotor impairment might continue. 

In some instances, side effects of THC can include:

  • pain relief
  • relaxation
  • sedation
  • issues with recalling short-term memory
  • rapid heart rate
  • anxiety
  • elation

Other kinds of cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, can reduce and mitigate negative effects. 

Medicinal Uses

The marijuana plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Many states have legalized the plant for medicinal uses and some have even legalized it for recreational use. 

THC is usually extracted from marijuana. But it can also be synthesized in a lab. Synthesized THC is used to prevent or treat vomiting and nausea that is associated with cancer treatment. It can also boost the appetites of people who have AIDS. 

THC can also bring many other medical benefits. For example, in small doses, THC can improve memory.  

Many consumers also prefer marijuana to prescription pills because it is more natural and less addictive. 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical compound from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Both marijuana and hemp are varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant. 

The main difference between marijuana and hemp has to do with how much THC each plant has. In order for a Cannabis Sativa plant to legally be considered hemp, it cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC.

Because of this, marijuana plants tend to have high concentrations of THC and low concentrations of CBD. The opposite is true for hemp plants.

CBD is a naturally occurring substance and is one of the main cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, along with THC.  

How Does CBD Interact With the ECS?

Thanks to the ECS, CBD is able to affect a wide variety of symptoms. CBD is able to bind to both CB2 and CB1 receptors. 

CBD can also interact with the body via several biological channels. The fact that it can activate several channels at one time may be why it’s able to produce distinct therapeutic effects.  

CBD also has a very interesting relationship with THC. At a molecular level, CBD acts in an opposite way to THC. While THC is an agonist of CB1 receptors, CBD is an inverse agonist.

When THC and CBD are taken together, CBD has the ability to curb the negative side effects of THC. It does this by activating an inverse response from CB1 receptors. 

CBD Won’t Get You High 

Perhaps the biggest difference between CBD and THC is that CBD cannot get you high.

While CBD is psychoactive, it is nonintoxicating. This means that you won’t have any euphoric or paranoid effects. You won’t feel altered or sedated in any way.

It should be noted that there are some possible exceptions to this. First off, some people simply react differently to CBD. These same people tend to feel side effects from drugs like Tylenol and Advil.

You never know just how your body is going to interact with a new substance. So you should also start small and under supervision.

It is also possible that the CBD product that you buy actually has THC in it. This is why it’s very important that you buy your CBD from a reputable source like Muddy Boot Botanicals

What Are the Health Benefits of CBD?

Scientists are still learning about the possible health benefits of CBD. Many CBD retailers will claim that CBD is a panacea that can cure just about any ailment. While this isn’t true, we can also confidently say that CBD isn’t just some snake oil with zero benefits. 

Out of all of the possible health benefits that CBD brings, it’s perhaps most effective at treating seizures and epilepsy. 

CBD’s efficacy was made famous by the case of Charlotte Figi. Charlotte was a young girl who would experience hundreds of seizures every week. After taking CBD, she only experienced a couple of seizures every month. 

In fact, the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that uses CBD as the main ingredient is Epidiolex, which is used to treat epilepsy. CBD is so effective at treating epilepsy because it uses unique pathways to reach the brain, which other medications don’t do. 

CBD has also been known to treat a variety of other health issues, such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and even cancer. 

CBD and Inflammation

CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. CBD is able to reduce inflammation because it inhibits an enzyme known as COX2. NSAID drugs, like Aspirin and Advil, also target COX2 in their method of action. 

By inhibiting inflammation, you can relieve joint pain, reduce tumors, and even treat acne.

CBD Won’t Make You Fail a Drug Test

There are currently no drug tests out there that test for CBD. Because CBD doesn’t get you high, it shouldn’t interfere with your work at all. If you take THC before a drug test, you will likely fail the test. 

With that said, there are CBD products out there that might contain traces of THC. Even if the packaging says that it is pure CBD, it still might contain some THC. And even though it is likely not enough THC to get you high, you can still fail a drug test from it. 

The legality of THC and CBD

The legality of both THC and CBD in the United States is very confusing. At a federal level, THC is illegal to possess, both medically and recreationally.

However, there are many states that have legalized THC, both medically and recreationally.

After President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, he also legalized CBD, so long as it came from a hemp plant that contained less than 0.3 percent THC. 

However, CBD is also outlawed in several states. In order to make sure that you are on the right side of the law, it’s very important that you research the legal status of these compounds in your city and state. 

Also, thanks to a loophole in the Farm Bill, Delta 8 THC is also technically federally legal. Make sure to check out this page to learn more about Delta 8 THC. 

The Importance of Knowing the Difference When It Comes to THC vs. CBD

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now understand the differences when it comes to THC vs. CBD. As we can see, THC and CBD both come with positive aspects.

However, each compound also interacts differently with the human body. By understanding these differences, you can make more educated and confident purchasing decisions. This will help you better treat your own health issues in a natural and effective way.

Are you looking for other helpful articles like this one? If you are, then you should make sure to check out the rest of our site today for even more! 

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Everything You Need To Know About The Longest Cruise In The World

Viking Cruises recently announced they will soon be offering one-of-a-kind cruise experience will take 245 days and will visit a whopping 59 countries.

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Got $93,000 laying around and about 8 months to kill? Then do we have the experience for you!

Viking Cruises recently announced they will soon be offering one of the most unique and elaborate cruise experiences the world has ever seen. It’s called Viking Sun and it’s a giant, 465-room vessel that can house up to 930 people. But that’s not what makes this cruise so insane. The entire trip will take 245 days and will visit a whopping 59 countries. I probably can’t even name more than 30 off the top of my head.

The cruise will start in London and the first voyage is set for August 31, 2019, and will cover some of the most interesting places in the world and everything in-between. Just look at this list of places its passengers will see: Greenland, Iceland, the Caribbean Islands, much of South America, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Egypt, and even Jordan and Oman. And those are just the big hitters. There are many other lesser-known stops along the way that are sure to be worth the stop.

Now, naturally, 245 days and $93,000 (technically $92,990) is a lot to ask for most people. So Viking is offering people the change to take part in smaller portions of the grand trip. “Viking World Treasures” covers 127 days, 33 countries, costs $47,995, and stops in Los Angeles. While “Viking World Wonders” covers 119 days, 29 countries, costs $45,995 and replaces any World Treasures participants by picking up new passengers in Los Angeles who get to enjoy the return trip to London.

And while even those prices seem pretty darn high, we haven’t even covered the amenities yet. The ship includes private balconies in each cabin, an infinity pool, a Nordic sauna, and a “snow grotto.” Not to mention the price of admission covers business class airfare, free luggage shipping, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities and service fees, complimentary shore excursions in every port and, maybe most importantly of all, unlimited free Wi-Fi.

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Tokyo Disney Will Soon Feature “Tangled” And “Frozen” Villages

Tokyo Disneyland will soon feature entire villages dedicated to Tangled and Frozen.

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If you haven’t really ever considered taking a trip to Tokyo and checking out Tokyo Disneyland… it’s time to start considering it. Disney fans were dancing in the streets when they heard the latest news: Tokyo Disneyland will soon feature entire villages dedicated to Tangled and Frozen! Yeah. You heard me right.

The scheduled open date is for some time in 2022. It comes as part of a complete overhaul of their DisneySea attraction and will also include an extensive Peter Pan experience. Here’s a closer look at what they’re planning.

TANGLED VILLAGE

For those that are still missing out and haven’t yet seen Tangled, it’s a new take on the famous story of Rapunzel. The Tokyo Disneyland Tangled Village will include Rapunzel’s tower, the nearby forest, and the restaurant where Rapunzel and her prince, Flynn, dine and sing the wonderful song “I’ve Got a Dream.” And yes, the restaurant will be a fully functional restaurant where you can get a delicious meal. So fun!

PETER PAN VILLAGE

Tokyo Disneyland is also just straight up adding Neverland. So cool. Naturally, you’ll get to meet Tinkerbell and Captain Hook while you’re there. And there will also be a functional restaurant inspired by the Lost Boys and their famous hideout. If you’re like me and never want to grow up, this will be the place for you.

FROZEN VILLAGE

Frozen is one of the biggest Disney hits in a very, very long time. We still can’t go a week without hearing some version of “Let It Go,” whether it be the real, recorded version or just some adorable kid belting it out while their parents roll their eyes.

From the official statement from Disney, the Frozen village will be “a heartwarming new attraction that will take guests by boat to experience the story of Elsa and Anna while enjoying iconic songs from the hit film, and a new restaurant will be located inside Arendelle Castle.” Yeah. They’re building the castle. I can’t wait!

A NEW LUXURY HOTEL

The renovation will also include a brand new amazing luxury hotel. It will reportedly be “themed to Disney fantasy” and will offer amazing views of all the different areas of the new development. It will also include 475 rooms, two restaurants, and a shop where you can grab all the Disney gear your heart desires.

THE WHOLE SHEBANG

I mean COME ON! Doesn’t that just look magical! I guess we shouldn’t expect any less from Disney. I just wish 2022 wasn’t so far away. But make no mistake… I’ll be there!

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Disaster That Can Occur When Traveling And How You Can Respond

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The lockdowns due to the pandemic have led people to travel at massive rates. This summer is going to be full of travel despite prices going up for everything worldwide. Gas prices are something that are crippling some families as prices have doubled in some locations in the US. There are issues that can arise when traveling that you might have to deal with. Most people have had to deal with one or more of these situations when traveling during their lifetime. The following are typical disasters that can occur while traveling and how to respond. 

Involved In A Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident then you need to contact a local attorney. Finding out what to do when involved in car accidents in Georgia or your location is very important. Driving in a new city can be overwhelming as some locations are known for extremely aggressive driving. Taking an Uber or taxi is another option but this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of an accident but could reduce it. 

Flights Delayed For Days Or Completely Cancelled

Flights getting delayed due to weather is something that happens around the world. What has been happening domestically is a shortage of airline workers is leading to cancellations unexpectedly. Some airlines have more flights canceled than others which you need to keep in mind. The tough aspect of this is that it could be days until there is another flight that will reach your ultimate destination. Take the time to look at options like that of a train as this can be a convenient option with less of a chance of a delay. 

Getting Sick While Traveling Abroad

Getting sick while traveling abroad is something that people have nightmares about. These can be a huge issue especially when the rest of your party has left the country. You want to ensure you are going to travel in good health as a long flight while under the weather can be disastrous. Food poisoning is quite common for travelers that are trying new foods that might not agree with their stomachs. You want to ensure you are getting enough rest and washing your hands regularly. You do not want a preventable sickness to arise just before you are about to head back home. 

Arrested Due To A Cultural Misunderstanding 

The most important thing that you can do when traveling abroad is to look up local laws and customs. You do not want to be arrested due to a misunderstanding. You also should realize that some police might be looking for a bribe as this is common in some foreign countries like Brazil where the police force is notoriously corrupt. Certain countries are governed by religious governments so something that is not remotely illegal domestically could land you in prison internationally. 

Traveling can allow you to broaden your horizons and see all the world has to offer. Plan what you can as luck will always play a role in having what you deem as a successful trip.

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