Is There THC in CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural component of the hemp plant and offers potential benefits for promoting health and wellness. While many people are aware of the benefits hemp-based CBD offer, some are still confused about the differences between the ingredients of the hemp plant.
At Precision Regenerative Medicine, Tammy Penhollow, DO, offers hemp-based CBD products and other types of lifestyle medicines to relieve pain and improve your quality of life.
If you’ve been afraid to try CBD because of concerns it will make you feel high or affect your employment due to toxicology screening, read on to learn how hemp-based CBD actually works and how it may be a beneficial part of your treatment plan for chronic pain conditions.
CBD versus THC
CBD comes from both hemp and cannabis plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also a natural compound of these plants, but in the hemp plant the THC component is around 0.3% (versus around 4-12% or higher in the cannabis plant).
THC has psychoactive characteristics that produce a high sensation when you smoke it or consume it in baked goods or tinctures. While CBD has a similar chemical structure, it doesn’t result in a sense of euphoria when you use it. This is because THC compound binds to receptors in your brains while CBD doesn’t.
Both CBD and THC may offer similar medical benefits for people who want to reduce their reliance on traditional medications. You might benefit from CBD or THC in the treatment of pain, nausea, and anxiety.
A difference between THC and CBD is the side effects each of the compounds can cause. CBD can make you feel dizzy or fatigued while THC can cause:
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Memory loss
- Slow reaction times
- Reduced coordination
Some people opt to use only hemp-based CBD products to avoid the high and other side effects THC may cause.
Evaluating product ingredients
Some CBD products will contain traces of THC because the compound is present in hemp plants. Legally, CBD that comes from hemp plants must have no more than 0.3% THC to be considered legal at the federal level.
The CBD products we may recommend at Regenerative Precision Medicine are sourced only from hemp plants, so they don’t contain measurable THC. More importantly, we exclusively recommend hemp-based CBD from a company if it has ZERO DETECTABLE levels of THC on every product batch, those levels are measured by an independent laboratory, and those lab reports are published for each batch.
These testing and quality control measures are beneficial for patients who aren’t interested in using THC to treat medical issues. THC-free products also reduce the risk that of issues surrounding drug tests or unwanted side effects that interfere with daily responsibilities.
When to consider CBD products
Hemp-based CBD is a natural treatment option that Dr. Penhollow may recommend for sports injuries or chronic pain conditions that affect your soft tissues, joints, or spine, including:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Herniated discs
- Soft tissue tears
- Degenerative disc disease
- Tendinitis
You may want to consider hemp-based CBD products if your current treatments aren’t working well or if you’re interested in limiting your use of prescription pain-relieving drugs to avoid potential side effects or addiction complications.
To determine if hemp-based CBD is right for you, Dr. Penhollow reviews your medical history and your existing health status. She may also recommend other all-natural dietary supplements that support your health and boost your energy levels.
To find out if hemp-based CBD products and other lifestyle medicines are right for you, call Precision Regenerative Medicine office in Scottsdale, Arizona, today or book an appointment online.