SYNTHETIC CBD VS. NATURAL CBD: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM?

In the past few years, no natural substance has generated as much interest and shown as much therapeutic potential as CBD. It is therefore not surprising that the more we learn about the potential therapeutic effects of CBD, the more pharmaceutical companies are busy developing profitable cannabinoid drugs. This is because these products can in many cases be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost than organic products, and they are absorbed by the body in the same way as natural ones. In this article, we will look at the main differences between synthetic and natural CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many substances found in cannabis. It is commonly referred to as the opposite of THC, which is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. CBD is not psychoactive and is considered a safe dietary supplement. CBD is known for its potentially beneficial effects on sleep, anxiety, stress and other symptoms of various health conditions.

Natural CBD

When you buy natural CBD, you get a product with cannabidiol that has been extracted directly from the plant. The two types of "natural cannabinoids" are phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. A natural phytocannabinoid can be considered any cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Examples include:

• THC,
• CBD,
• CBG,
• CBD,
• THCA,
• CBDA.

Synthetic CBD

While natural CBD comes from hemp, synthetic CBD is produced in laboratories. Synthetic CBD is created by various chemical or biological fusions of ingredients such as orange peel, yeast, bacteria, or other ingredients. Synthetic CBD produced in this way does not contain the other cannabinoids found in naturally grown hemp.

However, there is little scientific evidence of the effectiveness of synthetic cannabinoids. Much more is known about natural CBD and its effects on the human body than about synthetic CBD. Clinical trials of synthetic CBD have only recently started and it is therefore too early to say whether the human body responds the same to natural and synthetic CBD.

Synthetic CBD vs. natural CBD

Natural and synthetic CBD do not differ much. However, there are some major differences. Below are some of them.

Chemical structure

Synthetic cannabinoids are cannabinoid receptor agonists. Most of them are fat soluble and contain 22 to 26 carbon atoms. Natural cannabinoids, on the other hand, usually contain 21 carbon atoms.

Synthetic CBD is usually manufactured to contain more pure CBD molecules, while natural CBD extracts usually contain other naturally occurring compounds such as other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

In terms of binding, synthetic CBD is often formulated to have a high receptor binding capacity, resulting in longer lasting effects. In contrast, natural CBD tends to be more subtle, with a medium binding to receptors.

Uses

Natural cannabinoids have long been used for holistic or religious purposes. Synthetic cannabinoids have been developed in an attempt to mimic natural cannabinoids for medicinal purposes. Synthetic cannabinoids are often found in edible products. Popular products to which synthetic substances are added are gummy candies.

Therapeutic effects

Some synthetic compounds have been produced in laboratories to mimic natural cannabinoids for medicinal purposes.

Some research suggests that it is not a single cannabinoid that is responsible for the best therapeutic effects, but rather several natural compounds that are contained in the cannabis plant. Although this phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, has not yet been confirmed, initial studies suggest that patients prefer natural cannabinoids to synthetic ones. This effect amplifies the effects of the individual substances and makes the experience more complex for the user.

Is synthetic CBD safe?

Synthetic substances produced independently of legislation are almost always dangerous. One of the biggest problems is that manufacturers deliberately market their products to make them look legal. Unless a synthetic cannabinoid is produced in the correct way in a pharmaceutical laboratory that is also certified for medical use, all synthetic cannabinoids should be considered highly dangerous.

Many people experience unpleasant and unpredictable effects after taking synthetic cannabinoids. These include:

• Dizziness,
• nausea and vomiting,
• fainting,
• paranoia,
• impaired coordination,
• shortness of breath,
• severe heart palpitations,
• seizures,
• death,
• difficulty breathing,
• chest pain.

It's best and safest to avoid synthetic cannabinoids altogether. Natural cannabis poses far fewer health risks.

Which CBD to get: synthetic or natural?

Both natural and synthetic CBD has medicinal benefits for users and can be found in many countries. However, current studies are very limited and some even suggest that synthetic cannabinoids may have more adverse side effects than natural cannabinoids. However, synthetic CBD is much easier and cheaper to produce, making it a more attractive option for many producers. It's important to choose quality CBD CBD products from trusted companies, and it's advisable to consult a doctor before using it.

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