What Are The Differences Between THC And CBD?
CBD and THC are the two main cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, but they have different effects on the human body.
The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, each with its molecular characteristics and its effects within the endocannabinoid system. Among these, the best known are CBD and THC, but what are their main properties? What are the main differences between CBD and THC? Let’s discover it together.
Cannabidiol or CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC are both parts of the cannabis plant. When isolated, they produce opposite effects on the human organism. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis, also known as the sensation of “high,” the increased appetite or the effects on the short-term memory of those who consume it.
On the other hand, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effect and its main properties are associated with medicinal effects. It can be used to moderate panic, anxiety and various psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thoughts.
CBD does not produce psychoactive effects, so the medical study of this cannabinoid has been able to advance with fewer bureaucratic obstacles. Thanks to these studies, now there are available various treatments based on CBD for degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or epilepsy. On the contrary, due to the psychoactive effects of THC, this cannabinoid has been treated for medical purposes less regularly, although it has also had pilot studies with partial positive results in increased appetite in patients with HIV. However, its psychotropic effects make its consumption illegal in most countries of the world.
DO CBD AND THC STIMULATE EQUALLY THE HUMAN BODY?
CBD and THC are both natural cannabinoids with the ability to stimulate our bodies. However, the stimuli produced by them in our body are opposite. The reason for this is simple: CBD and THC stimulate the endocannabinoid system by interacting with different receptors.
THC has a higher degree of interaction with CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in our brains. In its interaction with CB-1, it stimulates the sensation of pleasure and appetite and reduces concentration. On the other hand, in its relationship with CB-2, it can moderate the sensation of pain.
On the other hand, CBD interacts with CB2, GPR55 and 5-HT1A receptors of the endocannabinoid system. These receptors do not generate the “high” sensation that we can perceive with THC. Instead, they can reduce anxiety and act positively on the memory receptors.
WHAT HAPPENS IF CBD AND THC ARE CONSUMED AT THE SAME TIME?
In nature, CBD and THC appear together in the plant, so you can consume them as separate cannabinoids only if they have been isolated in a laboratory for medical or scientific purposes.
Even if nowadays cannabis seeds with very low THC and high CBD content are appearing on the market, it needs to be understood that, within the vast cannabis family, not all specimens contain these cannabinoids in the same proportion. According to the genetic load that each strain contains, it will produce different effects, stimulating more or less the different receptors of our endocannabinoid system.
Before making any cannabis consumption for medicinal or recreational purposes, it is important to know the composition of the plant to maximize its potential for our objectives.
ARE PRODUCTS CONTAINING CBD AND THC LEGAL?
Cannabis use is banned or tightly regulated in most parts of the planet, even if in recent years some countries allow its use for medical purposes.
Given the psychoactive effect of THC, most products containing this cannabinoid are also banned. CBD, instead, does not produce psychoactive effects while having various therapeutic properties as a natural remedy and culinary potentials. Because of this, products with CBD can be obtained without major restrictions.
CBD is safe for all consumers. However, its consumption should be done responsibly to take full advantage of its main attributes.