Cannabis and CBD have become more prevalent, making it critical for club chefs to know the difference between the two products.
The recreational use of cannabis to get high is familiar to most, but as the demand for CBD continues to grow many are confused if cannabis and CBD operate in the same manner. There can be a lot of misinformation and confusion about these two products, but it is important to learn the differences and the reactions they create within the body.
Cannabis — also known as marijuana — comes from the cannabis plant, ‘cannabis sativa.’ Cannabis sativa has nearly 500 known compounds known as cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabinoids are chemicals that interact with cell receptors throughout the human central nervous system. This specialized network of receptors, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), reacts to the presence of cannabinoids to produce a variety of pleasurable and therapeutic effects.
The main difference between CBD and marijuana is the amount of CBD and THC levels present in each. Both THC and CBD interact within the body’s own endocannabinoid system, leading to physical and emotional changes within the user. However, while THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, they actually have opposing effects within the body.
THC is the substance that is primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. THC is the primary psychoactive component and is carried to the brain through the bloodstream, producing the ‘high’ effect. While cannabis is well known as a recreational drug, many people use it as a treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and cancer pain and the side effects of treatment.
Unlike THC found in cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive. CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect, and when consumed users will experience a feeling of relief from unwanted ailments with little to no noticeable effects on their minds. Many people use CBD as a treatment for various ailments such as pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Both cannabis and CBD can be consumed in various ways such as smoking or consuming through edibles or oils, causing many chefs to experiment with CBD and cannabis in their kitchens. However, laws and regulations on the use of these products can be confusing and vary depending on location and circumstances. Before club chefs incorporate CBD or cannabis into dishes for their members, it is important to do significant research on the use of these products.