THC vs. CBD: What are They and What is the Difference?
Cannabis users in the United States have been growing too fast and many of them are curious about cannabis and its major components. So far, scientists have discovered that the cannabis sativa plant has 483 chemical constituents, and at least 85 distinct cannabinoids have been isolated from it. Among them, the most popular cannabinoids are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). This brings us to a crucial comparison: THC vs. CBD.
Since these two cannabinoids (THC and CBD) play the most vital role in providing the effects of cannabis, understanding their difference can help you make better decisions about their uses. So, today, in this article, we’ll explore the major differences between CBD and THC, their effects, benefits, uses, various CBD and THC products, and legal considerations.
What Are THC and CBD?
THC is a cannabinoid that stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the main psychoactive compound and is abundant in the cannabis plant. When you consume marijuana, it’s actually THC that makes you feel “high.” Since THC is a plant-based cannabinoid, you can also call it a phytocannabinoid. Raphael Mechoulam, the father of cannabis research, first isolated this phytocannabinoid from the cannabis plant in 1964. It should be noted that THC is a controlled substance. So, it remains illegal at the federal level in the United States.
CBD, on the other hand, stands for cannabidiol, found in the cannabis plant similar to THC. It’s non-psychoactive and isn’t responsible for making you “high.” It’s mostly admired for its therapeutic benefits and non-intoxicating effects. CBD was first isolated from cannabis in 1940 by the iconic chemist Roger Adam and colleagues. CBD is generally extracted from the cannabis hemp plant.
CBD vs. THC Look
As we said, CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. As pure compounds, they appear as crystalline solids. However, when extracted, they are usually turned into oils, tinctures, or edibles. Visually, THC and CBD extracts can look quite similar. They often appear as amber or clear liquids. But, in their natural plant form, cannabinoids are stored within the trichomes. Cannabis trichomes are tiny, crystal-like structures on the cannabis flower. These trichomes give the flower a frosty appearance.
THC vs. CBD: Molecular Structure
Now let’s compare THC vs. CBD structure. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) have similar chemical structures. Both molecules contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, the arrangements of these atoms are not the same between the two compounds. This slightly different structure actually leads to completely different effects on the body.
In terms of structure, THC has a cyclic ring and has a high affinity to binding directly to the CB1 receptors (Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1), found primarily in the central nervous system and brain. When this receptor is activated, the psychoactive effects of THC are produced.
In contrast, CBD has a hydroxyl group instead of a cyclic ring. It has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors and lacks abuse liability. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system differently compared to THC. In fact, it doesn’t bind the CB1 receptor directly but rather influences it indirectly.
Effects of CBD vs. THC
The effects of CBD and THC differ from each other. Firstly, THC is psychoactive. So, it does induce a sense of “high.” So, you’re most likely to feel euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. This happens because THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. However, it can also lead to anxiety and paranoia in some people.
Conversely, CBD is non-psychoactive. It provides calming effects rather than getting you high. So, pure CBD doesn’t have any effects on your perception and sensorial experiences. It interacts with the body differently than THC. Instead of binding directly to receptors, it influences them indirectly. This results in a calming effect without euphoria.
THC vs. CBD Benefits
Both CBD and THC have their own way of stimulating various bodily functions and providing benefits. Though these two compounds have some similar benefits, however, the effects are notably different. For instance, CBD and THC both can help with sleep but you’ll experience psychoactive effects like “high”, and euphoria in the case of THC. If you love consuming recreational cannabis like smoking cannabis flowers or pre-rolls, then it would be great for you. But those who are not comfortable getting high should consider taking CBD.
Here are some possible benefits of THC:
- Muscle stiffness and spasms from MS or ALS
- Chronic pain or nerve pain
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Parkinson’s disease tremors
- Nausea
- Glaucoma
- Appetite stimulation for people with HIV/AIDS
- Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Possible Benefits of CBD:
- Non-psychoactive way of getting Eased from Pain
- Anxiety reduction
- Promote relaxation
- Better sleep quality
- Boost skin health
CBD vs. THC for Anxiety
Both CBD and THC can ease anxiety. However, which one is better, THC or CBD, is the ultimate question for many. Anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness in America. It affects over 40 million adults. When it comes to comparing THC vs. CBD for anxiety, more robust research is needed. However, one study indicates that consumption of CBD-dominant products shows great improvement in treating anxiety compared to THC.
So, should you take CBD then? Is it safe? Yes, CBD is safe and considered well-tolerated. However, the problem is that CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration). So, there are many unregulated CBD products in the market, and as a consequence, you’ll find a lot of CBD products inaccurately labeled. Therefore, you should consider buying CBD from a reliable brand.
On the other hand, if you consider using THC-dominant marijuana products such as cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, concentrates, or edibles, they can also ease anxiety issues. However, you should keep in mind that some potential side effects may come with THC such as intoxication, changes in mood, or impaired body movement.
THC vs. CBD: Comparison Table
Here’s a CBD vs THC chart to help you understand these two vital cannabis compounds more easily:
|
Aspects |
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) |
CBD (Cannabidiol) |
|
Chemical Structure |
C21H30O2 |
C21H30O2 |
|
Psychoactive Effects |
It’s psychoactive, and produces “high”. |
Non-psychoactive |
|
Source |
Predominantly found in marijuana plants |
Found in hemp and marijuana plants |
|
Legality |
Legal status varies by country and state and is generally more restricted compared to CBD. |
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal in many countries and across the majority of the U.S. States (must contain 0.3 percent or less THC) |
|
Medical Uses |
Used for pain relief, nausea, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, insomnia, and more. |
Used for anxiety, epilepsy, pain relief, inflammation, and more. |
|
Side Effects |
Can cause dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, memory issues, and anxiety. |
Generally well-tolerated, potential dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite. |
|
Drug Tests |
Likely to show up in drug tests. |
Typically, doesn’t show up unless in very high doses. |
|
Interaction with Receptors |
Directly binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in the body. |
Indirectly interacts with CB1 receptors. |
|
Entourage Effects |
Contributes significantly to the entourage effect. |
Contribute to the entourage effect. |
|
Forms Available |
Cannabis Flowers, Oils, Edibles, Tinctures, Vapes, concentrates, topicals. |
Tagged Flower
|