What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?

You must have heard about cannabis and marijuana products as they have become legal in many states. Two natural compounds are trending CBD and THC nowadays. Cannabis is a plant that makes a dense material full of natural compounds called cannabinoids. There are more than 100 of these elements in cannabis. They cause drug-like reactions in your body.

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most popular cannabinoids present in cannabis products. As their legality grows, the users are more curious about their choices. This comprises cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two natural compounds present in plants of the Cannabis genus, supplements, extracts, and more.

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that is the cause of high sensations. It can be consumed via smoking cannabis, oils, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and more.

Both compounds interact with your body’s cannabinoid needs, but they have very different effects.

What is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?

In layman’s terms, THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what gets you “high.” THC can be consumed in many ways, including smoking, vaporizing, eating (edibles), and applying it to the skin (topical). The effects of THC are wide-ranging and depend on how much is consumed, the method of consumption, the person’s individual physiology, and other factors. Generally speaking, the effects of THC include:

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Increased appetite
• Pain relief
• Anxiety relief
• Slower reaction times

THC is just one of many compounds found in cannabis. Others include CBD, CBN, and THCV. Each of these compounds has its own unique effects. For more information on the different compounds in cannabis, check out this article.

The legal status of THC varies from place to place. In some places, it is completely legal. In others, it is illegal. And in some places, it is legal only for certain medical or research purposes. Be sure to check the laws in your area before consuming THC.

How Does THC Work?

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various cognitive and physiological processes, including pain perception, appetite, and memory.

When THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, it alters their function. This can lead to changes in mood, perception, and behavior. The effects of THC vary from person to person and depend on factors like age, weight, and individual physiology.

CBD vs. THC: Chemical Structure

Both CBD and THC have the same chemical structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. A minor difference is an atomic structure, which determines the difference in the effects of both compounds. 

Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids. This enables them to interface with your cannabinoid receptors.

This association influences the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, to name a few.

CBD vs. THC: Psychoactive Components

Although they have similar chemical structures, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive properties. CBD is psychoactive, but not in the same pattern as THC. It doesn’t deliver high related to Cato described helping with anxiety, depression, and seizures.

THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, which generates a general feeling of euphoria.

CBD binds in a very informal way, if at all, to CB1 receptors. CBD needs THC to attach to the CB1 receptor and, in turn, can help decrease some of the undesirable psychoactive effects of THC, such as euphoria or sedation.

CBD vs. THC: Medical Benefits

CBD and THC have several same medical importance. They can provide relief from many of the same health disorders. Yet, CBD doesn’t produce the euphoric effects that arise with THC. Some people may choose to consume CBD because of the lack of this side effect.

In June 2018, the FDA approved the first prescription medication to contain CBD. It’s used to treat severe, hard-to-control forms of epilepsy. (Epidiolex is not currently approved for any of the other conditions.)

CBD is widely known to help with other several health conditions, such as:

• Seizures
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Psychosis or mental disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Nausea
• Migraine
• Depression
• Anxiety

THC is used to help with the following:

• pain
• muscle spasticity
• glaucoma
• insomnia
• low appetite
• nausea
• anxiety

Though, access to THC intake may be associated with long-term adverse psychiatric effects. This is especially true for adolescents who consume large amounts of THC, though there’s no definitive proof that using cannabis causes mental disorders like schizophrenia.