Know the Difference Between THC & CBD
Two of the many natural compounds produced by the cannabis plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary compound in cannabis known to cause psychoactive effects, or colloquially referred to as “getting high.” CBD provides therapeutic effects without psychoactive effects.
Properties
THC and CBD are very similar in molecular structure as they have the same count of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms; however, it is the subtle difference in the molecular arrangement that accounts for the differences in effect.
It is because THC and CBD are chemically similar to the endocannabinoids produced in the human body that they can interact with cannabinoid receptors and cause the brain to release the neurotransmitters that create that desired effect.
When THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, neurotransmitters are released known to influence pain, sleep, emotions, and immune function just to name a few.
Medical Benefits
THC and CBD induce different benefits, with the most significant being the psychoactive effect. The psychoactive outcome is why THC is favored among those seeking relief from depression, medical conditions, PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, low appetite, and nausea.
CBD and its non-psychoactive properties are known to help with various ailments, including mental disorders, seizures, inflammation, migraines, and inflammatory bowel disease. The field is relatively new given changing laws, and further research will continue to define the medical and therapeutic applications of THC and CBD.
Side Effects
CBD is very well-tolerated among users, even when taken in higher doses. Due to THC’s psychoactive property, it has an increased side effect profile due to the potential for an unfavorable emotional response.
Since THC can cause increased anxiety, heart rate, dry mouth, red eyes, slower response times, and memory loss, users will need to practice caution when experiencing THC for the first time as a therapy. THC and CBD offer safe and effective treatments with limited risks, and neither THC nor CBD are fatal.
In Conclusion
Both THC and CBD yield medical and therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions. They are both very safe, offering limited risks. Still, we always caution our customers to discuss with a doctor any interactions with current prescription drugs. The critical difference is the psychoactive nature of THC that allows it to impact emotions.
