Understanding the Effects of CBD Oil vs. Marijuana Flower: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to discussing the effects of CBD oil and marijuana flower, there seems to be a lot of confusion. In this article, we will dive deep into the differences and similarities between CBD oil and marijuana flower, including their effects on the body and the legal classification changes that have occurred in recent years.

The Differences Between CBD Oil and Marijuana Flower

I have always found CBD oil to have a different effect compared to marijuana flower. CBD flower does produce a similar effect for me, particularly in terms of its psychoactive properties. Let's explore these differences in more detail:

No Psychological Effects from Pure CBD

It is widely believed that CBD does not make you high. This is because cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Nevertheless, there are some psychoactive effects associated with CBD, including antianxiety, antipsychotic, and mood-elevating effects. However, these do not affect mental or physical functioning and are generally considered non-impairing and non-intoxicating.

What is CBD and How Does it Work?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the decarboxylated phytocannabinoid of CBDa found in heated cannabis. It was discovered in 1940 by Roger Adams and is the second most abundant phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. CBD mainly affects CB2 receptors, which explains why it produces no psychotropic effects. CBD strains with more than 8% CBD are considered high CBD strains, as CBD binds to CB2 receptors much quicker and easier than THC binds to CB1 receptors.

Health Benefits of CBD

CBD has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, assisting with various conditions such as seizures, cancerous tumors, autism, and more. It has been extensively studied due to its significant variety of health benefits. Some of the most common uses include:

ADHD and ADD Alzheimer’s disease Anxiety and OCD Schizophrenia Asthma Arthritis Obesity Diabetes Seizures and epilepsy Psoriasis and eczema Substance abuse (heroin, methamphetamine, opioids, marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Traumatic brain injury

Legal Classification Changes

Until recently, CBD itself was incorrectly classified as the same as THC by both the DEA and FDA. However, in June 2018, CBD was federally reclassified from a Schedule I to Schedule V drug in the US, the least-restrictive category of drugs. In December 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill, co-sponsored by Mitch McConnell, officially reclassified hemp and CBD, away from illegal drug scheduling, allowing the Department of Agriculture to manage it as a crop rather than the Justice Department managing it as an illegal substance. This bill also allowed interstate commerce of hemp and hemp products, including CBD. Hemp farmers can now purchase crop insurance and there is increased research from pharmaceutical companies.

Side Effects of CBD

Unlike THC, CBD is typically well-tolerated with few side effects. A 2017 review of 25 studies conducted over the last two decades on the safety and efficiency of CBD did not identify any significant side effects across a wide range of doses, including acute and chronic dose regimens using various modes of administration. At high doses such as 2000 mg, which might involve chugging 10 bottles of CBD tincture, you might experience dizziness, headaches, anxiety, decreased appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, fever, tachycardia, or jitteriness. However, these side effects are rare and usually fade away within a few hours if they appear.

Conclusion

While CBD oil and marijuana flower share some similarities in their chemical composition and potential health benefits, they are not the same in terms of psychoactive effects. CBD is generally well-tolerated and has a wide range of health benefits. However, it is important to note that even high doses of CBD oil can produce some side effects, but these are rare and usually temporary.