Many cannabinoids are found in cannabis plants, and CBD and THC are two of them. These two cannabinoids have similar chemical structures and can interact with several receptors. Cannabinoids are chemical substances present in cannabis plants. More than a hundred types of cannabinoids have been discovered in Cannabis sativa plants. Research has shown that these cannabinoids can affect the human body in different ways. Differences between CBD and THC can be better understand by reading this article.
Nowadays consumers are becoming more curious about different options available such as hemp and cannabis products available in the country. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two popular options found in the plants belonging to the genus cannabis. These cannabinoids interact differently with your endocannabinoid system. Their potential benefits include the treatment of:
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Sleep apnea or sleep distortion.
- Anxiety.
- Pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Glaucoma.
- Epilepsy.
- Cancer.
- Nausea.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Eating disorders.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Tourette syndrome.
According to studies, it is proved that CBD and THC usually interact with your endocannabinoid system with some major differences. But THC has psychoactive effects that is not found in CBD. The basic differences between CBD and THC include their chemical structure, psychoactive effects, nutritional content, benefits and risk factors associated with them.
In this article, you will learn about the differences between CBD and THC, which are two major cannabinoids of cannabis plants. Both have a lot in common but still some key differences help you determine how to use them.
Differences in the Chemical Structure of CBD and THC
Both are present in cannabis plants but affect your body differently. The main difference is that CBD has no psychotic side effects, unlike THC. Although both CBD and THC have several differences in their pharmacological effects they still share a similar chemical structure. Both CBD and THC have sailor chemical formulas containing 2 oxygen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms. However, a slight difference is found in the arrangement of these atoms that help you to differentiate between the two. For some people, these cannabinoids are beneficial while others can’t get any positive result after using them.
Legality of CBD and THC
CBD is legal in some regions of the world but with a lower percentage of THC, whereas it is still illegal under some state laws. Hemp-derived CBD products are considered illegal but at the same time, Marijuana-derived CBD products are dealt with as illegal. However, some states consider them legal. So before using or purchasing any type of cannabinoids whether it is CBD or THC, first check your state’s laws. Cannabis products must be used with the prescription of a licensed physician. Some states allow registered nurses and licensed physicians to prescribe cannabinoids for the treatment of some diseases. They can do this based on their advanced practices.
In addition, some states allow the recreational use of cannabinoids. In such states, you can easily buy cannabis products.
But you will be in law trouble if you use cannabis-related products in a state where their use is considered illegal. You could face penalties in such a situation.
Origin of Cannabinoids
Different species of cannabis plants contain varying levels of the both. The most dominant medical form of cannabinoids from hemp is CBD which is derived from cannabis plants. Studies explained that the main difference between hemp and other cannabis plants is the percentage of THC present in them.
Research suggested that the lowest amount of THC 0.03% is found in hemp while other strains contain more percentage of THC than CBD.
CBD is usually available in the form of supplements, gummies, gels, oils, and extracts. It cannot produce the “high” sensation associated with cannabis. Whereas THC is a well-known psychoactive compound and can produce a ‘
“High” sensation. It is available in the form of tinctures, oils, capsules, and edibles. People usually like to consume it by smoking.
Benefits of CBD and THC
Although CBD and THC resemble their effects on treating medical conditions. However, you can differentiate them through the variations in the uses of each substance. CBD is usually used to treat the following:
- Migraine.
- Mental disorders such as psychosis.
- Depression.
- Seizures.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- Depression or anxiety.
- Potential uses of THC include the treatment of:
- Insomnia.
- Muscle spasticity.
- Glaucoma.
- Loss of appetite.
You can also use this to relieve:
- Nausea.
- Pain
- Anxiety
Side Effects of Both
CBD and THC are also associated with mild side effects. The World Health Organization declared that CBD has no potential to cause harm or abuse and is considered safe to use. Other health, food, and medication-related administrators also clarified that both can cause side effects only when they interact with other medications that you may be taking. Research has proved their side effects on male fertility and liver function.
However, excessive use of THC can be a cause of some temporary side effects, including:
- Unstable or rapid heart rate.
- Coordination problems.
- Redness in eyes.
- Loss of memory.
- Slower response time.
- Dry mouth.
- Feelings of being high.
Studies show that teenagers experience more psychiatric effects from their use because the brains of teenagers are still underdeveloped. In addition, excessive and abrupt use of THC also plays a role as a catalyst for brain disorders such as schizophrenia in those people having a genetic predisposition or a family history of the condition.
Moreover, studies also found results that support the idea that neither CBD nor THC has any serious or harmful side effects. If these cannabinoids are taken in the correct amount, they cannot be fatal. If you take them for recreational purposes, there will be little risk of developing addiction.
Are CBD and THC effective for Pain Relief?
In terms of treating pain, the effectiveness of CBD and THC are compared in many ways. Studies showed that CBD binds very weakly to CB1 receptors but with the help of THC, CBD can bind to CB1 more strongly and can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC, such as sedation and euphoria.
Research supports the theory that CBD is preferable in treating chronic neuropathic pain, potency levels should not be increased to ensure the therapeutic effects.
In addition, people found more relief in pain after using CBD which contains a high percentage of THC. Thus it is a confirmed finding that a combination of both might be more effective for treating pains.
Both share similar chemical structures but they are different in their psychoactive effects.
Key Differences Between CBD and THC
Psycho-activity is the base of significant distinction between CBD and THC. CBD doesn’t induce euphoric effects while THC is associated with causing a “high” sensation when combined with marijuana. Due to this difference, CBD is considered an effective option for you, if you are seeking relief from various conditions without mind-alerting effects.
Moreover, many variations in the potential medical applications are also exhibited often. THC is best for addressing certain mental conditions, reducing vomiting and nausea, and stimulating appetite. On the other hand, CBD shows effectiveness in alleviating inflammation, depression, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Legal status is another aspect of distinguishing CBD and THC. CBD with a lower percentage of THC derived from hemp plants is legally accessible in many jurisdictions. Therefore THC is categorized as a controlled chemical psychoactive substance. However, more research is needed to understand the specific laws and regulations in your state.
This table will help you in comparing the characteristics of CBD and THC:
Features | CBD | THC |
Medical applications | Epilepsy treatment, reduction in anxiety and depression, pain management. | Muscle spasm control, pain relief, nausea control |
Source | Found in both marijuana and hemp plants. | Present in marijuana plants in higher concentrations. |
Availability | More widely available in various forms. | Subject to legal restrictions in many areas. |
Potential for Addiction | Not linked with dependency or addiction. | May be linked with dependency and addiction. |
Psychoactive Effects | Does not produce a “high” means non-psychoactive. | Produces a psychoactive “high”. |
Side effects | Mild side effects including dry mouth or fatigue. | Potential dependency, short-term memory impairment and anxiety. |
Binding to cannabinoid receptors | Affects cannabinoid receptors, modulating their activity. | Bind to receptors of Endocannabinoid system. |
Interaction with other Medications | Potential for drug interactions. | Interact with certain medications. |
Legal status | Legal in some places for medical and recreational use. | Controlled substances in many jurisdictions. |
Research status | Researchers are still trying to explore its potential benefits. | Extensive research conducted. |
This is a general overview that may help you explain and understand specific effects and considerations for CBD and THC. This overview is based on several factors including product quality, dosage, and individual tolerance as well.
Drug Testing: CBD vs. THC
Drug tests can help you to show the storage of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC in your body’s fat. However, the drug tests are carried out for several weeks to get the results. Although every drug test cannot detect CBD, CBD-sensitive tests can help you in this regard. Chemicals related to THC are used in these drug tests so that THC or other cannabis may appear on screening. Therefore, you are often advised to stop the use of any CBD or THC products before a drug test because many products that claim to be THC-free are not free from RTHC.
Synergistic Effects
Recent researches support the idea that both cannabinoids i.e. CBD and THC can work together synergistically. They support each other in enhancing their therapeutic effects. This property explains their entourage effect. According to a 2023 study, in combined form, CBD and THC offer a more comprehensive range of benefits. On the other hand, if used separately you can get fewer benefits from them. The products containing a balanced ratio of CBD and THC provide you with an effective form of relief for several conditions including epilepsy and chronic pain.
How to Choose the Right Cannabinoid?
Various factors are taken into consideration for the selection of the best cannabinoid. Your healthcare professional may assist you in determining which type of cannabinoid or which ratio of CBD to THC would be appropriate for your certain conditions. Your doctor’s experience in medical marijuana can help you find the best delivery method that may suit your health requirements and preferences as well. The delivery methods may include inhalation methods, oils, edibles, or tinctures.
Neurological research has shown that medical marijuana can help mitigate symptoms of certain conditions, including neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition, medical marijuana is considered to have amazing relieving effects in treating neurological disorders due to its ability to vanish chronic pain.
Moreover, both CBD and THC possess analgesic characteristics that make them suitable to provide relief for chronic pain associated with other conditions such as multiple sclerosis and neuropathy.
These compounds perform all the above-mentioned activities by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which works to regulate pain perception.
Medical marijuana or CBD has particular potential for its anti-seizure effects. Medical researchers have given more attention to CBD for treating epilepsy and its different forms including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. CBD helps to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures.
Last but not least, CBD and THC have been studied as a potential therapy for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Both demonstrated neuroprotective properties that help in mitigating motor symptoms, improving overall motor function, and reducing tremors.
Conclusion
CBD and THC are cannabinoids that are considered safe but also have possible side effects and interactions with other medications you are taking. Studies suggest that both are medically advantageous for human beings.
However, medical research has raised an urge to comprehend the differences between CBD and THC so that the growth of availability and acceptance of medical marijuana can continue. While discussing the difference between the two, you can enlist the psychoactive effects and potential relief of THC for certain conditions and CBD having non-psychoactive effects with broader applications. By understanding the similarities, differences, advantages, and entourage effects of both cannabinoids, you can make the right decisions about their use. Consulting with your healthcare professional or a qualified cannabis clinician before using them can ensure your safety and their effectiveness.