Cannabis, also known as hemp or marijuana, has a long history of human use. But lately, the buzz around this plant — and the cannabinoids within it — has increased.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are just two of the many compounds found in cannabis. What’s the difference between them and other popular cannabinoids and how can humans benefit from this ancient plant?

Industrial hemp and marijuana are the same species, known as cannabis sativa, but here’s the major difference: marijuana has a higher amount of THC, the high-inducing chemical that gets you high. The amount of THC in industrial hemp is so small that the body doesn’t have the same reaction.

Karli Miller-Hornick, co-founder and CEO of Head & Heal, a CBD producer and hemp cultivator in Cortland, New York offered further explanation. “An industrial hemp plant is identified as a plant that produces less than 0.3 percent THC. A normal marijuana plant has about 15 to 20 percent THC in it and sometimes these days you see them up to 25 or 30 percent.”

So, what are the health benefits associated with cannabinoid therapy? Dr. Scott L. Treatman a medical marijuana provider in New York and Florida said, “Taking a full spectrum CBD or THC product can help the human body’s endocannabinoid system reach and maintain homeostasis.”

Homeostasis is a part of our physiology and how we keep ourselves in balance. “Sometimes when we are out of balance, adding a plant cannabinoid can help with mood, appetite, emotion, digestion, inflammation and even immunity,” he added.

The video above explains more fascinating information about cannabis and how it can affect your body:

• Are there other plants that contain cannabinoids?
• How does the endocannabinoid system work?
• How is cannabis processed and extracted?
• What is the entourage effect?
• What are terpenes?
• What are the health benefits you can achieve by taking CBD, CBG, and CBN?

If you are thinking about trying cannabinoid therapy, Miller-Hornick recommends consulting with your doctor first. She says there can be different interactions with medications an individual is taking.

“It takes about a week to start noticing any kind of difference, and we generally recommend taking CBD every single day for a month before making a judgment as to whether or not it works for you,” she added.