CBD vs THC: is it a fair fight or choice between CBD or THC? Both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are incredibly different cannabinoids. Do these compounds come from the same plant? Do they both make you feel euphoric? How do they differ, and how does a CBD vs THC battle go down? We’ve compiled a list of some of the key differences between CBD and THC to assist you.
CBD and THC are both what is known as cannabinoids. Both are natural substances generated from the cannabis sativa plant. So, what exactly is the distinction between CBD and THC?
THC and CBD: two of the most popular and well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. CBD and THC are produced by both cannabis and hemp. Cannabis, on the other hand, has a greater THC content. CBD concentration is, of course, greater in hemp.
While both THC and CBD are in cannabis plants, THC appears more in other types of cannabis, whereas CBD is more abundant in hemp. CBD is the most prominent component of hemp. The THC concentration of a cannabis plant must be less than 0.3 percent for it to be recognised as a hemp plant.
CBD vs THC
What’s the difference between THC and CBD? CBD and THC both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms in common. The distinction is that they don’t have the same chemical structure. Thus, the body absorbs them differently. These chemicals connect to neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing mood, pain, sleep, and memory.
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 substances known as cannabinoids that are derived from the cannabis sativa L. plant, or the hemp plant. Its popularity has grown as a result of the multiple ways it might aid the body’s natural ability to sustain health and well-being. It’s one of the cannabinoids that doesn’t make you high, and it’s been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a safe, non-addictive, and well-tolerated chemical.
Marijuana has a higher THC content (up to 30 percent) and a low CBD content. Each form of cannabis plant contains varying quantities of cannabinoids, giving each species different benefits. There is no single type of cannabinoid found in any cannabis plant. The plant has about 100 distinct variants, including CBD, CBC, CBN, CBG, and many others.
The Endocannabinoid System
THC and CBD are both members of the same chemical family, despite their molecular distinctions. Cannabinoids are the same thing. As a result, there are certain parallels in the way they operate. They both use the endocannabinoid system, which is a chemical communications system in the body (ECS).
The ECS is at the heart of how the body functions, ensuring that all of the body’s systems are connected and in sync. Consider how a conductor directs an ensemble to perform in unison. That is essentially what the ECS does; it coordinates the body’s systems to function in a healthy and harmonious manner.
You’ll be surprised to learn that your body produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. They’re endo, which means they’re found naturally in our bodies. To keep all the bodily systems in sync, the ECS uses its own (endo)cannabinoids as messengers. Endocannabinoids communicate via ‘binding’ to specific (cannabinoid) receptors, which receive and convert their messages into biological actions. So you see, CBD vs THC vs the endocannabinoid system produces startlingly different results.
These cannabinoid receptors are distributed all over the body and exist in two main types. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) are the two receptors (CB2). THC and CBD are cannabinoids that interact with these receptors and help to regulate the body’s wellness.
Benefits of CBD
Taking CBD oil has a slew of health benefits. CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body, and users report that it aids in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Others utilise it to cure minor concerns such as skin health, sleep, anxiety, general pain, and brain health. CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways. Hemp-derived CBD is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, oil tinctures, edibles, and creams.
Benefits of THC
THC has been shown to alleviate a variety of otherwise severe symptoms, such as chronic pain and nausea. Medical marijuana is currently only legal to treat certain conditions under UK law, and is only legal as a medical option in about half of US states. When growing different varieties of cannabis, the THC level is typically increased to provide more potent intoxication effects.
CBD vs THC: One Significant Difference
The most significant distinction between CBD and THC is that THC can make you high, whereas CBD does not. This is owing to a significant distinction between CBD’s and THC’s mechanisms of action.
THC binds to and activates the CB1 receptor, and it is this action that produces the high. This results in feelings of euphoria and the typical cannabis high. Some THC users describe experiencing altered perception, unusual thought patterns, decreased awareness of one’s surroundings, and heightened introspective comprehension of one’s sense of self and emotional situation. This is a pleasurable experience for many people, which is why it’s incredibly popular for recreational use.
That Psychoactive Effect
The effects of THC can be strong. Some people find THC’s ‘high’ disconcerting. It induces a state of awareness that can be frightening and strange to those who aren’t acclimated to it. THC can have a big impact on your mood, for better or for worse, depending on what’s going on in your life, your previous experiences, the setting you’re in, and how much you consume.
THC, the main psychoactive compound, also stimulates hunger by activating CB1, the receptor that causes the classic ‘munchies’ associated with cannabis use. CBD, unlike the effects of THC, does not activate the CB1 receptor, which is why it does not make you high.
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That Soothing Effect
In reality, cannabis-derived CBD has the opposite effect. This non-psychoactive compound, directly and indirectly, blocks the CB1 receptor, preventing it from being activated by THC and other endocannabinoids. This means that CBD can counteract some of THC’s negative side effects, such as anxiety and hunger stimulation. Essentially, it can temper the psychoactive properties. It’s also why hemp-derived CBD products are a natural anxiolytic.
Full-spectrum usually has less than 0.3 THC percentage – that’s trace amounts of THC and will not offer the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD is also effective at preventing the activation of CB1 by high quantities of the body’s own endocannabinoids. Because of CB1 over-activation, endocannabinoid concentrations are particularly high in people with obesity and diabetes. They are part of what drives weight gain, increased hunger, and metabolic issues.
CBD and THC Differences and Similarities
While THC and CBD have different psychoactive characteristics, they do have some medicinal properties. They also have characteristics that distinguish them from one another. Keep in mind that cannabis clinical trials are few and far between. Much of the evidence presented here comes from animal studies.
THC and CBD are both found naturally in cannabis plants, albeit to varying degrees depending on the type of cannabis. As a result, they naturally work together. CBD and THC are frequently used separately for legal reasons and depending on where you reside.
Many people who don’t want to get high from THC prefer to use CBD instead, for things like anxiety, sleep, workout recovery, and reducing inflammation. A tiny percentage of people use THC on its own, but its effects are frequently enhanced with the inclusion of CBD.
While both can be useful on their own, some people find that combining the two is more beneficial. CBD on its own isn’t always enough. Although CBD (2.5 mg CBD per actuation) proves helpful for pain, the painkilling effect is enhanced when mixed with THC.
On the other hand, THC alone can cause anxiety, increased appetite, drowsiness, and an increased heart rate. CBD has been demonstrated to lessen these negative effects when added to the mix. CBD can also counteract the cognitive and memory loss associated with THC when taken in a similar amount to THC.
The entourage effect refers to the complementary effects of CBD and THC, in which the total is greater than the sum of its parts. Products have varied ratios of THC: CBD. This helps fit each person’s specific needs in places where THC is legal.
THC and CBD – In Conclusion
There is certainly a massive difference between these natural compounds. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. While it has some medical benefits, people also use it recreationally. Marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world. Many believe it is a drug. Marijuana has high levels of THC, whereas hemp has high CBD levels.
CBD vs THC: Both these compounds have very different but interesting effects on the body. Plenty more research needs to be done on the potential of both CBD and THC for our health. One thing, however, is certain: these substances have very different effects on our bodies.
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