Breaking the Myths about THC vs. CBD
As the CBD and THC industries continue to grow, so do the myths about the therapeutic properties each one provides. The interest surrounding CBD, scientifically known as cannabidiol, continues to surge because of its non-intoxicating therapeutic properties. Although THC has therapeutic properties of its own, it gets a bad rap because it can get you “high” or cause the signature “stoned” feeling. Let’s break down the myths regarding THC and CBD.
MYTH #1 CBD IS MOST EFFECTIVE WITHOUT THC
This myth may be the biggest one on our list. THC might not work for everyone and vice versa for CBD. What we are now learning is that THC and CBD work best together. Studies show that CBD and THC interact together to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects. Extensive clinical research demonstrates that CBD combined with THC is more beneficial for neuropathic pain than either compound as a single molecule.
MYTH #2 THC IS RECREATIONAL, CBD IS MEDICAL
Oftentimes people say they are seeking “CBD, the medical form” of the plant. As opposed to “THC, the recreational” form of the plant that gets you high. The problem with this is THC has unique therapeutic properties of its own. Reports show that THC inhibits an enzyme implicated in the formation of amyloid-beta plaque. This is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
The U.S. government recognizes single-molecule THC (Marinol) as an anti-nausea compound. The government also recognizes it as an appetite booster, deeming it a Schedule III pharmaceutical. This is a category reserved for drugs with little abuse potential. Despite this facet, whole-plant cannabis, which is the only natural THC source, continues to be classified as a dangerous Schedule I drug with no medicinal value.
MYTH #3 WHOLE PLANT MEDICINALS ARE INFERIOR TO SINGLE-MOLECULE PHARMACEUTICALS
The U.S. Government labels specific parts of the marijuana plant (THC and CBD) to have medical value but not the plant as a whole. Cannabis plants contain several hundred compounds that include different flavonoids, aromatic terpenes, and many minor cannabinoids in addition to THC and CBD. Each of these compounds has its specific healing attributes. When combined, the whole plant’s therapeutic impact is greater than the sum of its single-molecule parts.
MYTH #4 CBD IS NOT PSYCHOACTIVE
Although CBD is non-intoxicating, it is entirely misleading to define CBD as non-psychoactive. It is better to label CBD as non-psychoactive like THC. While CBD won’t make a person feel “high” or “stoned,” it can positively impact a person’s psyche when ingested.
MYTH #5 CBD IS THE GOOD CANNABINOID, THC IS THE BAD CANNABINOID
As the CBD industry continues to build a positive reputation because of its non-intoxicating properties, marijuana prohibitionists are exploiting the good news about CBD to further stigmatize “high” THC cannabis. By framing CBD as the excellent cannabinoid and THC (tetrahydro cannabidiol) as the bad cannabinoid, the CBD industry can continue its growth in the mainstream medical culture.
MYTH #6 AN INHERENT ADVERSE SIDE EFFECT IS PSYCHOACTIVITY
When consumed, cannabis can create a joyful feeling. This feeling is rooted in the therapeutic value of the plant. Unfortunately, the U.S. Government and the pharmaceutical industry continue to label these feelings negatively. The marijuana ‘high’ might be an unwanted side effect for some, but the euphoric feeling aids in the therapeutic process for others.
MYTH #4 CBD IS NOT PSYCHOACTIVE
Although CBD is non-intoxicating, it is entirely misleading to define CBD as non-psychoactive. It is better to label CBD as non-psychoactive like THC. While CBD won’t make a person feel “high” or “stoned,” it can positively impact a person’s psyche when ingested.
MYTH #5 CBD IS THE GOOD CANNABINOID, THC IS THE BAD CANNABINOID
As the CBD industry continues to build a positive reputation because of its non-intoxicating properties, marijuana prohibitionists are exploiting the good news about CBD to further stigmatize “high” THC cannabis. By framing CBD as the excellent cannabinoid and THC (tetrahydro cannabidiol) as the bad cannabinoid, the CBD industry can continue its growth in the mainstream medical culture.
MYTH #6 AN INHERENT ADVERSE SIDE EFFECT IS PSYCHOACTIVITY
When consumed, cannabis can create a joyful feeling. This feeling is rooted in the therapeutic value of the plant. The marijuana ‘high’ might be an unwanted side effect for some, but the euphoric feeling aids in the therapeutic process for others.
MYTH #7 ALL CBD IS THE SAME
It may be possible to extract CBD oil from some low-resin industrial hemp cultivars, but fiber hemp is by no means an optimal source of CBD. Industrial hemp typically contains far less cannabidiol than high-resin CBD-rich cannabis flower tops. The debate over sourcing CBD is quickly becoming moot.
Plant breeders focus on developing high-resin cannabis varietals (marijuana) that satisfy industrial hemp’s legal criteria – with THC measuring less than 0.3 percent and CBD levels exceeding 10 percent by dry weight. “Pure” CBD extracted and refined from industrial hemp or synthesized in a lab lacks critical medicinal terpenes and other plant compounds that interact with CBD and THC to enhance their therapeutic benefits.
MYTH #8 CBD IS SEDATING
Depending on the dosage, CBD can provide different effects. In moderate doses of CBD, users report that it can give an altering, energizing effect. However, higher amounts of CBD can promote sleep. This sleep-promoting effect is likely because of a high myrcene terpene profile. Myrcene is a terpene with pain soothing and sedative properties. CBD is not inherently sedating, but it does effect sleep patterns and anxiety.
MYTH #9 HIGHER DOSES OF CBD WORK BETTER THAN LOWER DOSES
Because CBD isolates require higher doses to be effective than whole plant CBD-rich oil extracts, that doesn’t mean single-molecule CBD is a better therapeutic option than CBD-rich cannabis. Studies suggest that a synergistic combination of CBD, THC, and other cannabis components can be effective at low doses – as little as 2.5 mg CBD and 2.5 mg THC. Everyone is different, and in some cases, patients may require significantly higher doses of CBD oil to obtain satisfactory results. CBD, THC, and cannabis can produce opposite effects in low and high quantities. Excessive amounts can be less effective therapeutically than a moderate dose.
MYTH #10 DOES CBD TURN TO THC IN A PERSON’S STOMACH?
This is quite the myth and couldn’t be further from the truth. There have been some misleading reports that CBD converts to THC in the stomach, causing the exact “high” like THC. Extensive clinical trials prove that ingested CBD, even in high doses greater than 600 mg, does not cause the same psychoactive effects as THC. Reports also say that THC can lessen or neutralize the THC “high.”
MYTH #11 CBD IS 100% LEGAL IN THE U.S. BECAUSE IT’S NO LONGER CLASSIFIED AS A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Not exactly. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC) in the United States and removed numerous derivatives of hemp, including CBD, from the purview of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Controlled Substances Act. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) views CBD as a pharmaceutical drug and maintains that it is illegal to sell hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement. The DEA retains jurisdiction over CBD derived from marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3 percent THC), which federal law still prohibits.
MYTH #12 LEGALIZING CBD, BUT NOT CANNABIS, ADEQUATELY SERVES THE PATIENT POPULATION
Seventeen U.S. states have enacted “CBD only” laws, and 30 states have legalized medical marijuana (not just CBD) in one form or another. Some states restrict CBD-rich products’ sources and specify the diseases that can access CBD; others do not.
But a CBD-rich remedy with little THC doesn’t work for everyone. Parents of epileptic children have found that adding some THC (or THCA, the raw, unheated THC version) was beneficial with seizure control. For some people with epilepsy (and many other people), THC-dominant products are more effective than CBD-rich products.
That was 12 common CBD vs THC myths that can be found on the internet. It’s important to have the correct information on something that you ingest into your body. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on the latest Hemp Lively news and information.
How many of these twelve myths did you already know about?
About the Author
David McGinnis
David McGinnis is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Hemp Lively. He's a University of Florida graduate and a lifelong Entrepreneur with almost a decade in the Cannabis Industry. He's played a role in over 50 different new Cannabis brands and consults on a regular basis for new Cannabis Company Startups and potential Hemp Lively Private Label customers. David is also a website developer, an excel spreadsheet guru, and graphic designer who's created over 100 ecommerce websites, over a dozen custom CBD Formulation Calculators for his staff, and thousands of product labels and 3D product images. Mr. McGinnis spends 1-2 hours every day learning something new. That combined with his love for complex problem solving makes him a perfect fit for the ever-changing cannabis industry. David works well over 100 hours per week and is, by far, the happiest workaholic you'll ever meet. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Melanie, and their two Schnauzers, Gatsby and Daisy.
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them."
