Fiza Arooj With the illicit use of cannabis overall, consumers are becoming curious to know about their derivatives. Cannabis contains more than a hundred natural cannabinoids. But the primary cannabinoids are CBD – Cannabidiol and THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol. You might be wondering to look key differences between both THC & CBD. Read on CBD VS THC.
Cannabidiol or CBD is non-psychoactive and won’t allow the user to get high. CBD is a well-tolerated compound and safe to use. However, THC is psychoactive and can cause euphoric effects.
The interest of people in consuming THC & CBD compounds is gaining momentum due to potential health benefits. However, much interest has centered on these primary cannabinoids. Both cannabis and hemp produce Cbd & THC. But the cannabis contains high THC than hemp.
Are you still confused? Check out the below differences.
CBD:
- Low THC (<0.3%)
- Non-psychoactive
- 108 – 120 days growth cycle
- Adaptable growing
- Clothing, body care
THC:
- High THC ( 3 – 35%)
- Psychoactive
- 60 – 90 days growth cycle
- Carefully growing
- Medical & recreational use
Key Differences Between CBD & THC
The following are some primary differences between both cannabinoids of the cannabis plant.
CBD VS THC: Chemical Structure
If we consider chemical structure, both have 21 carbon atoms, 31 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. But there is a slight difference in the arrangments of these atoms.
However, both THC & CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system. The interaction with cannabinoids receptors results in the release of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters relay messages between cells to reduce pain, sleep, and stress.
CBD VS THC: Psychoactive Component
Despite sharing the same chemical composition, CBD & THC have distinctive psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, CBD is psychoactive and won’t allow the user to get high.
THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain to produce a high euphoric sense. However, CBD binds weakly with brain receptors. Due to this, CBD lacks mind-altering and psychoactive effects like THC.
CBD VS THC: Legality
Cannabis-related regulations evolve rapidly. Technically, FDA has not regulated any CBD product and treated as a Schedule Drug under the controlled substance Act. However, Hemp-derived CBD is legal in several US states because hemp contains less than 0.3% THC.
In comparison, Cannabis is legal for medical and recreational purposes. But before using any CBD or THC product, make sure to check the state’s laws.
CBD VS THC: Medical Benefits
Being derivative of the same plant, CBD & THC shares several health benefits. You can use both products to reduce the symptoms of certain mental health conditions like anxiety. Also, many people prefer CBD due to its non-toxic and non-psychoactive properties.
Furthermore, FDA has approved a medication that contains CBD. Epidiolex can reduce seizures due to epilepsy.
CBD may help with:
- Seizures
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Migraine
- Anxiety
- Depression
THC may help with:
- Pain
- Muscles spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Low appetite
- Nausea
- Anxiety
CBD VS THC: Side Effects
Cbd is a well-tolerated non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. Also, there are zero to minimal to zero drug-to-drug side effects of CBD and other medications you are taking.
THC temporary side effects may include:
- Coordination problems
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Slow reaction time
CBD side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
However, all these side effects depend upon the dosage and uptake method.
Drug Test:
These cannabinoids remain in the body fat and can show up in drug tests. However, not all drug tests can identify the CBD content in the body. Most standard drug tests show up THC, marijuana, and hemp on screening.
One thing to be noticed is that the product labeled as THC-free may not be free of THC. There may be a slight amount of THC present.
Ways to Take Each:
Most people prefer to smoke these cannabinoids for quicker results. Apart from smoking, these cannabinoids are available in various forms like tinctures, oils, vape pens, edibles, and topicals.
Cbd is available in:
- Gels
- Oils
- Supplements
- Tinctures
- Gummies
THC is available in:
- Capsules
- Smokeable products
- Vape pens
- Tinctures
- Edibles
The Takeaway:
Cbd & THC have the same potential health and wellness benefits. Somehow they are safe to use, but there are few considerable side effects due to their interaction with the drugs you are taking.
So, if you are considering adding CBD or THC into your lifestyle, make sure to consult your doctor for accurate dosage and the right product.
Want to learn more about both cannabinoids? Check out the below table:
| CBD | THC | ||
| 1 | Is legal | No | Yes |
| 2 | Produces a high | No | Yes |
| 3 | Interact with ECS | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Has side effects | Some | Psychoactive effects |
| 5 | Show on drug test | Possibly | Yes |
| 6 | Relieve pain | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Reduce Nausea | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Ease with migraine | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Reduce anxiety | Yes | Yes |
| 10 | Ease depression | Yes | No |
| 11 | Decreases Seizures | Yes | No |
| 12 | Is anti-inflammatory | Yes | Yes |
| 13 | Helps with Insomnia | Yes | Yes |
| 14 | Helps with psychosis | Yes | No |
