What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
The lines between CBD and THC are often blurred because both the cannabinoids are naturally occuring in all Cannabis plants, though greatly differing in concentrations. Furthermore, the effects of and regulations around THC are frequently misassociated with CBD.
So what is the difference between CBD and THC, Hemp and Marijuana?
Let’s dive in.
So what is the difference between CBD and THC, Hemp and Marijuana?
Let’s dive in.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. This means it is non-euphoric. Instead, CBD is known for its relaxing and calming effects by activating the endocannabinoid system.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. The intake of THC results in the “high” of marijuana by activating the endocannabinoid system in a different way than CBD.
Legal Differences and Definitions of CBD and THC
THC is a controlled compound, and while many states have passed decriminalization and legalization measures, it remains illegal on a federal level in concentrations above 0.3% dry weight. Because minimal amounts of THC are naturally present in hemp plants along with CBD, CBD and hemp have historically been grouped in with THC and marijuana since federal prohibition began in the 1930s.
(Learn more about hemp, marijuana, and the different cannabis plants.)
Unlike THC, CBD is not a controlled substance. CBD products became fully federally legal with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
(Learn more about hemp, marijuana, and the different cannabis plants.)
Unlike THC, CBD is not a controlled substance. CBD products became fully federally legal with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
CBD Product Terminology
Hemp-derived CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC. Although this seems like a simple definition, there are a vast array of products, production methods, and terminology that can feel intimidating to become familiar with.
Let’s review some CBD terms so you can know the details of the products you are purchasing. Most CBD products begin with some sort of extract made from hemp flowers and leaves. CBD hemp extracts range from being highly processed and containing only isolated CBD molecules, to being minimally extracted and containing many plant constituents. All extraction methods require some sort of solvent that lifts the resinous oils from the plant cellulose. The main solvents in the industry are alcohol/ethanol, CO2, and butane. After the extraction, the solvent should be entirely purged from the final concentrated extract. A reputable company will have done lab testing for residual solvent to ensure their product is free from this. The various solvent options each have their advantages and disadvantages. |
The initial concentrated extract is generally referred to as "crude extract" or "crude oil," indicating that the hemp has been transformed by extraction into an oil form but has been minimally processed, and retains as many plant constituents as possible, intact and bio available. Constituents include all cannabinoids, terpenes, plant lipids and waxes, chlorophyll, antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins. A product made with minimally processed crude extract, like that of Chrysalis Earth Farm, is labeled as "Full Spectrum."
Many products labeled "Full Spectrum" are made from concentrates that have been through a second extraction process called distillation. A hemp distillate extract has had the chlorophyll, lipids, and terpenes separated and removed, and usually have the terpenes added back in for flavor. The main motivation for putting the crude oil through a distillation is to make the flavor more bland and the color more light, as some brands believe a more neutral product is more appealing. Another reason to distill the crude extract is to remove pesticide/herbicide residues that can be present in hemp grown with the application of ag chemicals or in a field that may have ag chemical residues.
"Broad Spectrum" is another term you may see. This is a distillate extract that has gone through a further step to remove all THC. A Broad Spectrum product may also be labeled as "THC Free."
Lastly, a CBD isolate has been through the most intensive industrial processes, and the result is a white crystalline powder whose contents are around 98% CBD molecules. A CBD isolate product may also be labeled as THC free.
To make a retail product from any of the extraction methods, the concentrated extract is mixed into a carrier oil in a set amount to result in a product with a consistent MG/volume. The two most common carrier oils in products on the market are MCT coconut oil and Olive oil.
Many products labeled "Full Spectrum" are made from concentrates that have been through a second extraction process called distillation. A hemp distillate extract has had the chlorophyll, lipids, and terpenes separated and removed, and usually have the terpenes added back in for flavor. The main motivation for putting the crude oil through a distillation is to make the flavor more bland and the color more light, as some brands believe a more neutral product is more appealing. Another reason to distill the crude extract is to remove pesticide/herbicide residues that can be present in hemp grown with the application of ag chemicals or in a field that may have ag chemical residues.
"Broad Spectrum" is another term you may see. This is a distillate extract that has gone through a further step to remove all THC. A Broad Spectrum product may also be labeled as "THC Free."
Lastly, a CBD isolate has been through the most intensive industrial processes, and the result is a white crystalline powder whose contents are around 98% CBD molecules. A CBD isolate product may also be labeled as THC free.
To make a retail product from any of the extraction methods, the concentrated extract is mixed into a carrier oil in a set amount to result in a product with a consistent MG/volume. The two most common carrier oils in products on the market are MCT coconut oil and Olive oil.
Benefits of Trace Levels of THC
You may wonder, if it’s possible to remove all the THC, then why not remove it? There are several advantages to leaving the trace levels of THC (below 0.3%) present in the extracts.
The simple answer is that a product with the THC removed has been through a more industrial level of process and refinement, while a product with the trace THC is less processed.
As well, in the world of plant remedies, the more a product is separated from its whole plant constituents, the less synergistic the effect of the product. For example, many pharmaceuticals are derived from isolated plant constituents, and many of these isolated constituents have negative side effects. Yet, if you were to take the whole plant as a tincture or tea or capsule, you would not experience the same negative side effects. Plants in their full spectrum of constituents often have one compound that will counterbalance what could be experienced as a negative effect of another compound if it were in isolation.
While there are no known negative side effects from taking CBD as an isolate, there is something called the Entourage Effect, which can not be achieved with a CBD isolate.
In the cannabinoid world, the Entourage Effect is a theory supported by a small body of clinical evidence and a lot of anecdotal evidence that the desired cannabinoid, such as CBD, is more effective when the fullest spectrum of the plant's other compounds are present. It's the idea that when THC, as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds accompany the CBD, as naturally occurs in the plant itself, the endocannabinoid system is engaged in a more complex interaction and greater and more obvious symptom relief is possible.
The simple answer is that a product with the THC removed has been through a more industrial level of process and refinement, while a product with the trace THC is less processed.
As well, in the world of plant remedies, the more a product is separated from its whole plant constituents, the less synergistic the effect of the product. For example, many pharmaceuticals are derived from isolated plant constituents, and many of these isolated constituents have negative side effects. Yet, if you were to take the whole plant as a tincture or tea or capsule, you would not experience the same negative side effects. Plants in their full spectrum of constituents often have one compound that will counterbalance what could be experienced as a negative effect of another compound if it were in isolation.
While there are no known negative side effects from taking CBD as an isolate, there is something called the Entourage Effect, which can not be achieved with a CBD isolate.
In the cannabinoid world, the Entourage Effect is a theory supported by a small body of clinical evidence and a lot of anecdotal evidence that the desired cannabinoid, such as CBD, is more effective when the fullest spectrum of the plant's other compounds are present. It's the idea that when THC, as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds accompany the CBD, as naturally occurs in the plant itself, the endocannabinoid system is engaged in a more complex interaction and greater and more obvious symptom relief is possible.
The Chrysalis Difference
Not all CBD products are created equally. As you can see there are many extraction techniques, some that involve petrochemicals, some that are highly refined and denude the end product of the full spectrum of plant constituents, some that create a product as close to the plant in its living form, and others in between.
Furthermore, when buying a CBD product, you also want to consider the agricultural environment from which the hemp plants originate. Were they grown with petro-chemical based fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides? Or were they grown in a way that contributes back to soil life, top soil creation, and carbon capturing? Many CBD oil product companies purchase concentrated extract from extraction businesses and have no connection to or knowledge of the plants from which the concentrate was made. |
At Chrysalis Earth Farm we approach the whole process from soil to seed to bottle with a strong discerning eye for integrity. We regularly evaluate our farming practices and product making processes to draw them closer and closer into alignment with our mission: to build from the soil up, a terrain that supports abundant and lasting health for humans and ecology.
We approach farming from our background as trained herbalists. We see any agricultural amendment, nutrient or additive as something that should facilitate systemic wellness. Did you know a beetle’s mouth literally can not bite the leaf of a plant that has full access to all the minerals and trace minerals it needs? Mind blowing. This is the type of next level plant health we strive for in our farming practices.
Browse our shop to learn more about our CBD oils, their potency, and use suggestions.
We approach farming from our background as trained herbalists. We see any agricultural amendment, nutrient or additive as something that should facilitate systemic wellness. Did you know a beetle’s mouth literally can not bite the leaf of a plant that has full access to all the minerals and trace minerals it needs? Mind blowing. This is the type of next level plant health we strive for in our farming practices.
Browse our shop to learn more about our CBD oils, their potency, and use suggestions.