In the face of the fact that THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, their effects on the body can differ. Check out the key differences between CBD and THC in terms of their potential effects.
THC and CBD are both used in the cannabis industry for different reasons. Consideration should be given to what factors matter most.
- You should speak with your doctor before using any products that contain THC or CBD that may be illegal in your state.
- There is substantial potential for CBD and THC to alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, provide relief from some medical and mental health conditions. However, it is important to note that research in this area is still relatively young, so more exploration is still needed.
- Many CBD products contain more THC than what is stated on their ingredients list, even though CBD is not addictive.
In addition to cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavinoids, and omega fatty acids, cannabis contains over 400 chemical compounds. It is estimated that over 100 of these substances are cannabinoids.
Cannabis and cannabinoids centre at UCLA.
A cannabis compound called cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid. There has been an increase in interest in cannabis' potential health benefits and effects in recent years. The two cannabinoids have received the most attention in this study.
In the future, as more states legalize marijuana and cannabis products, interest in these products will likely increase. CBD, THC, and a variety of other compounds have been found to interact with one another in several products. Stress, anxiety, and insomnia can be alleviated using these products.
Even though THC and CBD may have a variety of benefits, much of the research on these benefits is still in its infancy. CBD and THC are being researched for their potential to alleviate or treat a variety of symptoms and conditions.
Understanding the differences between CBD and THC is key to understanding these products' effects and potential risks.
The purpose of this article is to explain the differences between CBD and THC, as well as their medicinal uses and potential side effects. Getting help if you are addicted to THC is also covered, as well as the legality of these substances.
Exactly what does CBD do?
The chemical compound cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD, is found in cannabis in the second highest concentration (the highest being THC). CBD is a natural treatment widely used for various ailments, first discovered in the 1940s. Both hemp and marijuana plants can provide CBD. Both cannabis plants contain varying amounts of THC, which makes them different from one another. THC is present in trace amounts in hemp-derived CBD (less than 0.3%), while it is present in much higher quantities in marijuana-derived CBD.
Exactly what is THC?
Cannabis is primarily psychoactive because of its main psychoactive ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. By stimulating the brain's reward system, THC releases the brain chemical dopamine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Mood and pleasure are influenced by dopamine, a neurotransmitter. It causes people to experience feelings of euphoria due to its ability to trigger more dopamine release than normal. Cannabis oil, capsules, edibles, tinctures, and tinctures can all contain THC, which can be smoked or taken orally.
It is also possible to become addicted to THC because it affects the brain's reward system. Marijuana use is associated with an addiction in about 30% of people. It is more likely to develop in adolescents who begin consuming marijuana during their adolescence.
What's the difference between CBD and THC?
The endocannabinoid system maintains homeostasis; THC and CBD affect it. The details of this complex system are still not fully understood, but researchers do know that it plays a role in processes such as memory, appetite, sleep, mood, and reproduction.
Both THC and CBD are highly similar, but they do differ in several key ways.
Cannabis (THC)
- High-producing (psychoactive)
- The product is derived from marijuana
Cannabidiol
- This cannabis product is non-psychoactive (does not produce a high)
- Marijuana or hemp are the most common sources of this product
A psychoactive comparison between THC and CBD
The brain is affected differently by CBD and THC. This means CBD will not get you high because it doesn't have any psychoactive effects.
The psychoactive effect of THC, however, is not negligible. People associate marijuana with its high due to this compound.
A comparison of CBD and THC based on their chemical structures
There is a chemical similarity between CBD and THC that is found in the body's natural endocannabinoids. A neurotransmitter in the brain called an endocannabinoid is called an endocannabinoid.
Neurotransmitters, chemical messengers, carry out communication between nerve cells. They play important roles in sleep, pain, appetite, mood, and the immune system and also support the production of hormones.
Although CBD and THC have the same molecular structure, their structures are arranged differently, which is responsible for their differences in effects. The body responds differently to them because they mimic endocannabinoids by binding to receptors.
What's the difference between CBD and THC?
Hemp CBD products are often produced to avoid adding higher amounts of THC to CBD products. There are two types of CBD products: those derived from hemp and those derived from marijuana. Plants that produce THC are the source of marijuana's psychoactive properties.
If you're trying to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC, CBD derived from marijuana may not be ideal for you. Before purchasing CBD products, know which plant they are derived from.
What's the difference between CBD and THC?
While cannabis compounds such as THC and CBD are still being explored for their potential health benefits, some research suggests they have potential benefits for conditions such as
- Fears and anxieties
- An appetite
- Inflammatory eye disease
- The epilepsy syndrome
- The AIDS virus
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- IBD is an inflammatory bowel disease
- Diseases of the movement
- Sclerosis multiplex
- Using opioids for a long period
- Painful
- Difficulties sleeping
There are some differences between CBD and THC despite their similar effects and uses for treating many of the same ailments.
Among the symptoms that CBD is commonly used to treat are:
- Afraid of something
- The depression
- The inflammation process
- Having migraines
- Menstrual cramps
- PTSD is a psychological disorder that follows a traumatic event
- A seizure occurs
According to a review of research published in 2019, additional studies are needed to demonstrate CBD's efficacy in alleviating symptoms of some conditions.7
CBD for Mental Health: 5 Uses
It is possible to alleviate symptoms of several medical conditions using THC, which may be administered as medical marijuana. Several conditions may benefit from it, including:
- IOP (glaucoma)
- Sleep disorders
- Cancer-related nausea may be alleviated by it.
- Arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, and other pain conditions
- Cancer treatment can cause poor appetites.
- A tremor
CBD and THC's Pain Relief Benefits
Using CBD and THC as pain relievers is beneficial in both situations. Pain may be relieved more quickly with THC because of its psychoactive properties. CBD reduces inflammation, however, which has long-term benefits. According to some studies, CBD and THC both provide pain relief. According to one study, those who took CBD and THC together experienced greater pain relief than those who took THC alone.8
Medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration
It is important to note that cannabis itself has not been FDA-approved as a treatment for any condition, but some drugs have been approved. The Federal Drug Administration regulates medicines and food.
- Epidiolex, a drug approved to treat seizures associated with the Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, contains CBD. Dronabinol, a synthetic THC, is included in Marinol and Syndros. Cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy are given these drugs to treat nausea and vomiting caused by the treatment.
- A synthetic substance similar to THC is contained in Cesamet called nabilone. HIV/AIDS and chemotherapy can cause weight loss, and appetite problems are treated with this drug.
CBD vs. THC: What are the effects?
When CBD and THC are used according to recommended dosages, studies suggest they are generally safe. However, it's important to note that just because these substances seem safe doesn't mean they won't cause unwanted effects. Reports have indicated the following effects:
- An increase or decrease in appetite or mood
- Feeling sleepy
- Changes in mood or feelings of anxiety
- Feeling nauseous and dizzy
Cannabis itself can impair short-term memory, alter judgment, and impair coordination, among other things. There is also evidence that marijuana can affect brain development and cause cognitive impairment.9.
NIH Observes that THC alters brain function, specifically the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex. These brain areas are crucial for shifting attention between tasks and forming new memories. THC affects a person's ability to learn and create new memories.
Cannabidiol and THC are legal.
It is also important to consider the legality of CBD and THC products when making a purchase. Cannabis and THC are both controlled substances under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, which makes them illegal.
Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C. now permit recreational marijuana use, while 38 states permit doctors The practice of prescribing medical marijuana and THC-containing products.
Some forms of CBD are legal in most states (cosmetics, oils, creams), but they must contain less than 0.3% THC and be derived from hemp.
Despite federal laws, each state has its guidelines regarding the legality of products containing THC or CBD.
It is always a good idea to check your state's laws before using CBD or THC-containing products because the regulations regarding cannabis and cannabis products are constantly changing.
CBD and THC types
Various forms of THC and CBD can be consumed. As well as marijuana, THC is also available in several other cannabis products, including:
- Various oils
- Medicinal tinctures
- A spray
- Products for vaping
- Chocolates and gummies are among the edibles
- Marijuana oil-infused beverages
It is also possible to consume CBD in several different forms, just as THC is. Although vaping poses health risks, CBD oils can be formulated for vaping.
More than 2,500 people have been diagnosed with THC oil-related e-cigarette or vaping-related lung injury (EVALI), and nearly 70 have died. Vaping products that contain THC oil should be avoided by both the CDC and FDA.11
Adding it to lotions and salves will also make them more effective. As these products cannot be ingested, the effects will be localized.
Taking CBD orally through tinctures, oils, capsules, or sprays is also possible. In addition to CBD gummies, candies, and beverages, various edible CBD products are available.
A CBD product's formulation should also be considered when choosing one. Only CBD is present in isolate products. In full-spectrum CBD products, CBD is combined with other cannabinoids except THC.
Deciding between THC and CBD products
It is important to consider the effects you wish to achieve when choosing a product and the legal status of the product in your state. When you want to reduce stress or sleep better, for instance, CBD may provide benefits without the negative side effects associated with THC. Tremors and poor appetite are two symptoms or conditions for which THC has shown benefit.
Follow your doctor's recommendations when selecting a product. Your doctor may recommend certain products or dosages.
In some studies, it has been shown that THC and CBD may have a greater therapeutic effect when taken together.12 This phenomenon is referred to as the "entourage effect."
CBD can also help reduce some of THC's negative effects.13 For example, products high in THC can lead to psychiatric symptoms such as paranoia, anxiety, and psychosis. CBD, however, is believed to mitigate these effects in some studies.
Researchers found that CBD prevented some of the potential psychiatric effects of THC.14 Such findings have important implications for the use of cannabis products. For example, those susceptible to unwanted side effects may find it easier to reap the health benefits from low-THC and high-CBD products.
Additionally, CBD and THC work in different brain areas, and researchers don't yet fully understand the effects they have, either individually or together.
There may be a dose-dependent effect of CBD and THC when combined. Low doses of CBD, for example, amplify THC's psychoactive effects, whereas high doses of CBD reduce them.15
THC and CBD products mislabeled
THC is present in many CBD products in trace amounts. Even though these amounts are small, they can still impact your health if you consume large quantities of CBD or if you use products that contain more THC than stated on the packaging.
A person cannot tell the difference between THC and CBD by looking at it, smelling it, tasting it, or feeling it. You can ensure that you get what you want by buying products from reputable manufacturers and retailers.
Because these products aren't regulated, it is difficult to determine exactly how much THC is present in them.16 According to research, 70% of CBD products contain more THC than their labels indicate.
Warnings and precautions
Additionally, THC and CBD may interact with certain medications and affect some health conditions negatively, which is why you should always use caution when taking these products. These substances may affect the metabolization of drugs in your body.
Your state's laws should tell you whether or not these products are legal where you live. Hemp-derived CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC by federal law, but some states still prohibit even trace amounts of THC in CBD products.
Addiction and dependence with THC and CBD
When using products that contain CBD and THC, it is important also to consider the possibility of dependence and addiction. Since CBD does not include intoxicating properties, it can't cause addiction. The brain's reward system is controlled by THC, which attaches to endocannabinoid receptors. Feelings of pleasure and euphoria can result, as well as the potential for dependency and addiction.
An addiction is a compulsive need to maintain use despite negative consequences, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Despite CBD products often claiming to contain little or no THC, they usually contain more than labels indicate. Research suggests high levels of THC may increase addiction risk. Taking CBD may cause accidental exposure to THC, which could lead to addiction if taken in sufficient amounts.
Talk to your doctor if you think you may have an addiction to THC. When co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are present, medications may sometimes be prescribed in addition to psychotherapy.
Several types of therapy might be helpful, including:
- People can change their negative thought patterns that influence substance use through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Additionally, CBT teaches people coping skills that can help them deal with cravings and other symptoms of addiction.
- During therapy, a person's beliefs about addiction are changed, and their motivation for overcoming it is strengthened.