Discoveries surrounding the therapeutic properties of cannabis continue to come forth as both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) show promise in the medical community. However, comparing CBD vs THC (the active compounds in hemp and marijuana) may feel a bit intimidating at times. This is because they can come from the same family of plant. Both CBD and THC have unique properties and therapeutic uses. However, CBD offers specific advantages for Veterans, especially when derived from federally legal hemp.
Medical experts are pointing to potential benefits for the Veteran community involving CBD. It can help mental and physical health conditions in a legal, holistic approach for military heroes.
What is CBD vs THC?
At their core, CBD vs THC differ in how they interact with the body and affect users. Both are cannabinoids, compounds found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. While THC is best known for getting you high, CBD provides other medicinal properties, minus the intoxicating effects.
Difference Between CBD and THC
Understanding the differences between CBD and THC can be confusing, as both are found naturally in hemp and marijuana plants. Keep in mind that while THC and CBD are both found in cannabis plants, they are also not the same. Here’s how they differ:
- CBD, found in higher levels in hemp, is often found as an oil. It has medicinal benefits for mental and physical ailments, and isn’t intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t cause a “high.”
- THC, however, is the intoxicating compound found in high levels in marijuana. At low doses, THC can be therapeutic. At higher doses, THC can cause impaired ability and has plenty of tricky legal situations that can affect your employment, health insurance, and more.
- Overall, the legal status of high-CBD hemp vs high-THC marijuana is complex. Both plants are governed by their own set of laws, and legality will vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to stay informed about local, state, and federal laws. Hemp, however, is federally legal, making it more accessible to Vets.
Choosing Hemp
Because hemp plants provide more CBD than THC, products created with hemp can be manufactured to assist with health issues while avoiding intoxication in users. From a federal standpoint, hemp is defined as containing 0.3% or less THC, whereas marijuana contains over this amount. Marijuana products can only be purchased at a licensed dispensary, while hemp-derived products are available online and at many retailers, including supermarkets and health and wellness stores.
That means CBD oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals created by hemp experts can provide health benefits legally and without the risk of intoxication. Companies such as +PlusCBD use a pure hemp extract to create a variety of products with a range of potencies to meet the diverse needs of consumers.
Potential Health Benefits for the Military Community
Depending on your healthcare needs, hemp can provide plenty of benefits for the military community. This includes the following:
- CBD can help Veterans suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
- Mental health issues aren’t the only benefits. Veterans suffering from pain can use CBD as an alternative to painkillers.
- You can also lessen the risk of opioid addiction by including a CBD supplement in your pain management routine. This is because CBD use has been associated with lower reliance on prescription painkillers.
- Some users also report that hemp-derived CBD products help them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night.
CBD for PTSD in Veterans
The use of CBD for PTSD is one of the main appeals of hemp-derived products within the Veteran community. Especially considering that CBD can be legal, holistic, non-addictive, and without the intoxicating effects of high THC in marijuana.
CBD as a treatment for PTSD may work differently for everyone but can be beneficial for helping mental health issues associated with anxiety and fear. As a result, Veterans experiencing PTSD can have their symptoms better managed, among other potential health benefits, all with a natural approach to healing.
The safe application of CBD by Veterans may also assist with sleep while easing mental health concerns. People who use CBD reveal that it helps calm their minds, so they can fall asleep more easily.
CBD vs THC for Veterans: Finding the Right Solution
Using medical marijuana isn’t for everyone. It may be illegal where you live. Additionally, it can show up in drug testing and comes with other potential negative side effects for many Veterans. Furthermore, the use of opioids, even when prescribed by a doctor, may come with the risk of forming unwanted habits involving use.
+PlusCBD is a leader in providing Vets with safe, effective, natural alternative treatment to help overcome everyday health challenges. Using hemp-based CBD products, +PlusCBD provides solutions for those suffering from physical discomfort like inflammation and pain, as well as those with mental needs, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The +PlusCBD Daily Heroes Discount Program
The experts at +PlusCBD offer a complete range of hemp-derived CBD products to the military community at a discounted rate through the Daily Heroes program.
Open to active military, Veterans, and their families, the Daily Heroes discount program provides a 50% discount on CBD products that are tested and trusted by healthcare professionals. +PlusCBD products include gummies, soft gels, oils, and topicals in a mix of CBD and THC potencies, including the THC-forward Aura Collection, the high CBD Reserve Collection with micro-doses of THC, full spectrum Daily Balance, and of course, THC-free.
A CBD industry pioneer, +PlusCBD is an award-winning company with over 10 years of experience. They have a passion for educating consumers on the differences between CBD vs THC and the benefits of hemp-derived CBD products. They are finding healthcare solutions with a natural approach.
Through careful product design in collaboration with Dr. Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, FACPM, and FACN, and +PlusCBD’s medical advisory board, Vets are provided with top-of-the-line CBD products that help to holistically improve their lives.
Dr. Lewis is a Veteran himself and a top health consultant for the Army and Navy. As a retired Army Colonel who served for 31 years, the West Point and Tulane graduate has also received his post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis has a passion for helping Veterans improve their brain health, with a focus on preventing and rehabbing those suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Click the link to learn more about the Daily Heroes discount program. Contact +PlusCBD to find products that can help meet your healthcare needs.
This article is the result of a paid collaboration with +PlusCBD.
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