Comparison Of THC And CBD In Terms Of Their Effects

Cannabis contains over 100 different compounds, but THC and CBD are the two that stand out. However, these compounds are not referred to by the same name. THC is an acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol; this compound is responsible for the psychoactive properties or the ‘high’ a user feels when using cannabis. The other, CBD, also called cannabidiol, is safe to use and does not have effects that would leave one feeling ‘stoned’ or drunk. Though they are both derived from the same cannabis plant, their effects, as well as the benefits they offer, are rather dissimilar owing to the difference in the manner in which they interact with the body.

Are you considering various products to make you feel better but cannot decide which one fits your needs best? This thought appears to be resonating with a lot of people lately. For example, does cannabis make one anxious, or is it a feeling of calm? It turns out that many do. One might feel anxious about the idea of THC or may even dislike the feeling of being ‘high’ altogether. This is where CBD comes in. In fact, it is widely considered the option that best smoothes or calms pain without any contact high, a smoke without the buzz. 

Are you now ready to experiment and find out which one satisfies you the most? Here is the most commonly accepted explanation: THC binds to receptors, which is a very fundamental neural component, and modifies mood and perception of one’s self. But CBD is different and is regarded as a more sophisticated drug that relieves discomfort. It engages in the battles against inflammation, stress, or pain without altering any mental spheres. Some studies indicate that CBD may reduce anxiety, while patients who have chronic pain or have no appetite benefit more from THC. Are you looking forward to what’s in store? But before that, let us evaluate the pros and a few cons of each compound.

How THC and CBD Affect the Body

THC and CBD have a different mode of operation and have a different influence on the body. Here is the detail:

THC’s Effects

THC targets a particular part of the brain known as the CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors can be viewed as the center of how you feel and think. For these reasons, it is possible for THC to influence how a person feels in many aspects. Some people, for instance, may feel very happy or even excited, pretty much like a euphoric feeling, something that is normal for some people. It can also give a relaxing feeling, making someone feel somehow tired due to its calming effects, which is another reason why THC is sometimes used to alleviate stress or anxiety. Something else that happens rather too often about this effect is the increase in appetite or what people otherwise refer to as the "munchies." Last but not least, THC also enhances one’s perception of time, whereby while under THC, one may feel that the pace at which actions take place is either slower or quicker than it actually is. In general, THC has more effects on the brain than on the actual body.

CBD’s Effects

CBD, on the other hand, acts differently. For example, CBD does not bind to CB1 receptors as THC does. Instead of binding to them, it assists the endocannabinoid system throughout the body. The first one is appreciating the soothing effects of CBD. Stress and high anxiety levels can be alleviated in patients without any high-related effect. Pain relief is another trait of CBD; hence, it can be used against headaches, sore muscles, or regions in the body where feeling aches is anticipated. Moreover, CBD is useful in alleviating seizures, especially in some conditions like epilepsy. Unlike THC, CBD can be used without getting someone stoned; therefore, it is used purely for its medicinal properties.

Medical Uses of THC vs. CBD

There has been a sound amount of research done on THC and CBD both for their medical usage, but they are not the same thing.

Therapeutic Application of THC:

Chronic Pain: THC is included in numerous convulsive pain and neuropathic pain medical marijuana programs.

Appetite Stimulants: This is commonly used in people with cancer or those who are undergoing chemotherapy where the individual has little to no appetite. Marinol is an FDA approved drug with synthetic delta-9 THC.

Nausea and Vomiting: THC has been proven to be very effective in nausea and vomiting suppressions, which makes it easier for cancer patients on medication.

Therapeutic Application of CBD:

Anxiety Reduction: CBD is often used by anxiety to forget about the high. Usually used in tincture oils or gummies.

Seizures: The FDA approved drug Epidiolex is based on CBDs for treating such rare forms of epilepsy.

Anti inflammatory and analgesic: Coming from hemp, CBD is anti-inflammatory, which is soft for arthritis or muscular pain.

Sleep Disorders: By the people having insomnia, CBD is also taken to enhance sleeping quality.

Legal Status of THC and CBD

There’s a noticeable shift in the laws that are centered around THC and CBD, which makes them quite complex, and understanding them can sometimes be a little tricky. Let’s break it down in a simple way.

THC: In the US, THC is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which is not allowed everywhere. This includes controlled substances that the United States government prohibits due to their potential for abuse and includes drugs like heroin without any medical uses. Now, here is where it gets a bit confusing: The governed states have allowed THC to be used for medical and recreational use in some states. For example, California, Colorado, and Oregon legalized recreational use, while Florida, New York, and Texas only legalized it for medical use. Even the states that allow people to use THC have those people suspended to make sure they adhere to the state’s prescriptions first. Canada, Uruguay, and some parts of Europe have allowed the use of this drug, while others, such as Russia, have banned full obliteration.

CBD: Unlike other products, CBD enjoys higher legal acceptance in the United States. In 2018, the legal framework changed for cannabis-derived products with the introduction of the ‘Farm Bill,’ which allows the extraction of CBD from hemp plants and commercializes it. Because one type of cannabis plant known as hemp contains only 0.3% or less of THC, it’s mostly allowable for common use. Such CBD oils, creams, and gummies are safe to purchase and consume. However, there are some limitations. For example, CBD, in Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska, is permitted for sale only if it is entirely devoid of any THC content and is FDA approved. Moreover, the FDA has approved a single product so far known as epidiolex that treats epilepsy in children, among other uses. From such, it is evident that, whereas CBD products are more accepted and reachable than THC, government regulations still differ from one state or locality to another.

Comparison Table of THC vs. CBD

Forms of Consumption

THC may be taken in by:

• Smoking or vaping is the fastest way of delivering the effects.  
• In the form of consumable items like gummies or baked goods; in this case, the effect is delayed.
• These alcohol based tinctures are used in a sublingual manner.

CBD comes in forms such as:

• Oils and tinctures are used for absorption but placed under the tongue. 
• Edibles include gummies or capsules. 
• Topicals like creams or lotions that are applied to the parts that require treatment.

Final Thought

THC and CBD from a cannabis plant can have individual effects and risk assessment. While THC has been politically known to be a psychoactive ingredient, it is CBD that is of therapeutic importance. Whether you wish to ease the pain, feel distressed, or just want to know more about these compounds, it is essential to know the distinction between the two. Always do your own due diligence and consult a doctor if you are going to make a decision.