CBD and THC
Cannabinoid was a word I had trouble pronouncing, let alone know the difference between two of its main constituents, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). But if one is to have a good chance of enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant, it’s important to understand not only how THC and CBD differ, but also how these cannabinoids often complement each other.
It's time to reconsider your perception of cannabis as a basic plant that only gets people high. It's actually a complicated interaction of active chemicals that, when combined, have extraordinarily therapeutic effects in the body.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
In 2020, CBD (cannabidiol) versus THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a hot topic. Both are natural compounds derived from the same plant– cannabis sativa.
CBD and THC are two of the most prominent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both cannabis and hemp produce CBD and THC. However, cannabis has a higher concentration of THC. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD.
CBD and THC have the same chemical makeup, 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The difference is that they don’t have the same chemical arrangement, and the body receives them as different compounds. These compounds bind to neurotransmitters in your brain and affect things like mood, pain, sleep, and memory.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Both compounds communicate with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to Norml, the endocannabinoid system is, “perhaps the most important physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.” It plays a role in regulating many functions and processes, including, sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility.
Although they both interact with the ECS system, they have separate properties with different medicinal benefits.
CBD BENEFITS
There are many health benefits associated with taking CBD oil. CBD connects to your body’s cannabinoid receptors, and people report that CBD helps with complex problems like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer treatment. Others use it to treat more mild everyday issues like skin health, sleep, anxiety, general pain, and brain health.
There are many ways to take CBD. CBD is available in capsule or oil tinctures (like the ones you see here on our website), edibles, or you can even lather it on in cream form.
THC BENEFITS
More than half of the US states have legalized "medical marijuana," which requires a doctor's prescription to consume. THC has been shown to alleviate a variety of otherwise severe symptoms such as chronic pain and nausea.
SIDE EFFECTS
CBD rarely exhibits any noticeable side effects, even when taken in very large doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said in its research that, “CBD was tolerated in all patients, with no signs of toxicity or serious side effects.”
If any negative effects were discovered, it was almost always due to CBD interacting with another medication the person was taking at the same time. Always seek medical advice before using CBD, especially if you are using other medications.
THC, on the other hand, is associated with a number of well-known adverse effects, including increased heart rate, coordination issues, dry mouth, red eyes, decreased reaction time, and memory loss. The psychedelic qualities of the chemical are linked to these adverse effects.
In the Can
THC and CBD are both derived from the cannabis plant. However, these two molecules have significant features that set them apart. THC is renowned for its high-feeling or psychoactive effects, but CBD is known for its health advantages. Before using either, consult your doctor and think about how they might interact with other medications you're taking.
