The cannabis plant is made up of more than 100 cannabinoid compounds, but the two most well-known are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).Both these molecules are known to have therapeutic effects and are almost identical except for how their atoms are arranged.That small structural divergence; however, makes all the difference.
CBD doesn’t get you “high”
Because the atoms in THC and CBD are arranged differently, they interact differently with your body. Specifically, THC binds with CB1 receptors while CBD binds with CB2 receptors. Since CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain and central nervous system THC has greater “psychoactive” properties. In other words, it makes you feel intoxicated.
On the other hand, CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system which is basically all the nerves in your body outside of the brain and spinal cord.This may be why CBD is so effective in treating so many different ailments.
Legality
In December of, the government took hemp off the controlled substances list.While hemp-derived CBD is widely sold throughout the United States and online, marijuana–derived CBD is still technically considered prohibited by federal law
CBD has minimal side effects
CBD does not impair your judgement, make you feel intoxicated, slow your reaction time.It is generally safe to use while driving or operating heavy machinery. It also does not affect your memory or ability to learn.
While CBD is generally well tolerated, it can interact with other medication particularly in high oral doses so it is important to keep that in mind and it may be best to discuss using CBD with your doctor.
