CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference Between CBD and THC?
There are a lot of 3 letter acronyms used in the medical world, but CBD and THC have become important concepts for those seeking relief from various symptoms. You may be familiar with either compound but uncertain how they relate to each other.
This article will look at CBD vs. THC to determine the difference between CBD and THC. Both CBD and THC are chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant, that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many chemical compounds derived from the cannabis Sativa plant. In addition, CBD is one of the many natural compounds that can be extracted from the hemp plant.
Furthermore, cannabidiol can be found in many CBD products, including CBD oils, vapes, lozenges, balms, tinctures and gummies. Although medical evidence disputes some claims and continues to try to understand how CBD affects the body, it is becoming a popular treatment for anxiety, insomnia, pain management, and other health conditions.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound found in the marijuana plant, or Cannabis sativa, that causes psychoactive effects. THC is what gets users high when taking cannabis products.
Due to its psychoactive properties on users’ mental state, THC and cannabis-related products are currently illegal to consume at the federal level in many places. Therefore, you should know the state laws to see if your State deems it among a list of controlled substances. And since the THC legal landscape is evolving, stay up-to-date with federal law as well.
Still, synthetic THC products, or dronabinol, treat nausea and appetite suppression in cancer treatment and AIDS patients.
What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
The first difference between CBD and THC is their chemical structure. While CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body, THC can trigger dopamine release, resulting in the “high” that many people experience while using THC; some THC users may also feel paranoia or memory loss.
Another difference between these two compounds is that THC is only found in marijuana, while CBD is in hemp and marijuana. However, hemp-derived CBD products still can contain small amounts of THC. As a result, CBD product manufacturers try to avoid excessive THC content in CBD products, but hemp is primarily used to extract CBD.
What Effects and Medical Benefits Do They Have?
THC affects various parts of the brain, including the orbitofrontal and temporal cortexes. Along with the euphoria that some users experience, THC can cause dry mouth, increased appetite, sensory distortions, impaired body movements and hallucinations if taken in high doses. THC is not typically prescribed as a medical treatment given these various side effects.
CBD mimics endocannabinoids produced by the body that binds to endocannabinoid receptors responsible for regulating pain detection. That’s why CBD can effectively bind to these receptors and stimulate the body without the psychological effects of THC, reducing pain and potentially treating some forms of epilepsy, Parkinson’s symptoms and cancer symptoms. Beyond its pain management properties, CBD also is a potent anti-inflammatory.
Is CBD Better Than THC?
CBD can cause side effects such as diarrhea, drowsiness and nausea. In addition, CBD can also impact the use of other medications, such as warfarin, which is used as a blood thinner and the heart rhythm medication amiodarone. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a physician while taking CBD to ensure that the proper dosage is used while avoiding mixing with other medications that can cause complications. However, CBD has a much lower likelihood of causing unwanted side effects than THC.
Due to the extraction process, CBD products are regulated based on having a minimal THC content or less than .3%. Therefore, those using medical marijuana or other marijuana products would also consume CBD and the THC found in marijuana. CBD is a more direct means of stimulating pain management in the body, so it is a preferred compound for medical treatments. That being said, more research is being done regarding THC and CBD’s ability to treat mood, addiction and other disorders.
Which Cannabinoid to Choose?
Given that medical marijuana is available in the majority of the United States and is becoming recreationally available in many states, many people may choose THC to treat their symptoms. That said, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. It is only medically prescribed for a short list of conditions and symptoms, primarily to manage pain or nausea concerning ALS, multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease.
Unless you suffer from one of these more severe conditions and have a doctor’s approval, acquiring, using and benefitting from the effects of CBD is much simpler and more accessible for most patients while also treating a more comprehensive range of symptoms and conditions.
Where to Buy CBD Oils Online in the USA?
Now that you know a little bit more about the effects of THC and CBD, we’d love to be able to find the right CBD products for you. So check out Blush Wellness CBD’s extensive inventory and stop by our online CBD dispensary so you can find the right product to fit your needs.
Note: The information in this article is not meant to be professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult with a licensed physician if you plan to use CBD oil.
References
Grinspoon, P. (2020, April 15). Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
National Center for Complementary Integrative Health. (2019, November). Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
Cherry, K. (2022, February 1). CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference? Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/cbd-vs-thc-differences-benefits-side-effects-legality-5071416
NIDA. 2019, December 24. Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana on 2022, June 27
Kubala, J. (2021, November 26). 6 Health Benefits of CBD Oil – and a Look at Side Effects. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
Bauer, B. A. (M.D.). (2022). What are the benefits of CBD – and is it safe to use? Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
Katsiaryna Bykov (2021, January 11), CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution. Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
DISA. (2022, June). Map of Marijuana Legality By State. Available at: https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, December 4). Medical Marijuana. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855
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