CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference?

THC is psychoactive and affects the mind, CBD affects the body and is not psychoactive.

The Technical Description:

One of more than 100 distinct “cannabinoid” substances that can be found in the oily resin of the cannabis plant is cannabidiol (CBD). The tightly packed clusters of cannabis blossoms, also known as “buds,” are coated in tiny, mushroom-shaped “trichomes,” which concentrate the sticky, gooey resin. The magic takes place here.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD, and other aromatic terpenes are among the oily therapeutic substances found in trichomes, which are specialized glandular structures. Trichomes are delicate parts of the cannabis flower that are readily broken off. The trichomes can be removed even with vigorous handling. The sticky trichomes can be manually removed by agitating the flower to create hashish or “kif” hashish powder. The trichomes can sometimes be partially melted together by applying pressure or heat.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is a chemical usually found in the cannabis stevia plant or Hemp. CBD is also an essential component of Medical Marijuana. Sativa plants only contain a minimal amount of THC. CBD can be administered both orally and through Intravenous methods. The membrane that is present under our tongue is considered to be a gateway for the absorption of oils into the bloodstream. Here the fats are broken down for absorption with the help of enzymes. This helps us understand that when CBD is administered through IV, it may not absorb that efficiently because it will enter directly into the bloodstream, and no absorption will occur.

CBD is often used to treat disorders such as Epilepsy which is a disorder where the patient experiences seizures. It can treat anxiety, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s Disease and many other medical conditions. As CBD is often used to treat disorders, there is not enough scientific evidence that proves the treatment of CBD to be effective for these diseases and disorders.  Some prominent side effects that CBD causes are tachycardia, low blood pressure, drowsiness and long-term use of CBD have resulted in signs of Liver injury. This symptom has primarily been reported as the side effect of a prescription form of CBD called Epidiolex.

What is THC?

The drug Tetrahydrocannabinol often known as THC, is the chemical that is responsible for most of the psychological affect that marijuana gives. When THC is exposed to air, it degrades into cannabinol, which has psychological effects. The effect is the same as Cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by our bodies. Cannabinoid receptors are higher in concentration in the brain parts responsible for containing memory, processing cognitions, pleasure, and the perception of time.

THC is the compound found in the resin secreted by the glands of the marijuana plant. The glands are located around the reproductive organs present in the plant. THC stimulates the brain cells to release Dopamine that creates Euphoria. It also influences how the information is processed in the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming new memories.

The effects of THC from inhalation last 45 minutes to a few hours, whereas those from edibles can last for six to eight hours and are more likely to result in an overdose that forces a trip to the emergency room. THC’s adverse effects include euphoria, anxiety, tachycardia, problems with short-term memory, recall, drowsiness, relaxation, and pain relief.

How CBD affects THC:

It is believed that the “entourage effect,” which occurs when more than one chemical is present at once, helps regulate the effect of each cannabinoid, providing a balancing impact on the plant. The result of CBD reveals that it can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. Together with other cannabinoids, CBD helps to control THC’s effects. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. It is what makes people feel “high” or the adrenaline rush.

THC binds to receptors that regulate pain, mood, and other emotions, mainly in the brain. Because of this, THC might cause you to feel happy. CBD doesn’t get you high. Instead, it’s believed to collaborate with other bodily components that are associated with emotions of well-being.

Difference between CBD & THC

All these cannabis plants produce a combination of THC or CBD, and they’re the active ingredients that we get the stimulation or the relaxation effects. CBD is generally the one that’s not addictive and is calming, and you’d never get high. Hemp impacts our bodies. Both hemp and cannabis, and marijuana contain cannabinoids.

THC relieves pain and gives you a high, making it perfect for medical or recreational uses. However, this interaction can also have unfavourable effects like sadness: Sickness or unease.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a recognised non-intoxicating component of cannabis. Some research indicates that it may mitigate the effects of THC on the brain fibre type cannabis, which has a more significant CBD to THC ratio. In general, the results of THC and CBD depend on various factors, including plant species and method of preparation. They have been shown to affect the immune system, our body’s natural defence against harmful substances. Some research also suggests that CBD reduces anxiety, depression, and epilepsy and can even slow cancer progression.

Symptoms Caused by CBD and THC.

THC may lead to:

  • Issues with Attention Span
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Balance
  • Memory Loss.

CBD side effects may include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • uneasy stomach
  • Tiredness
  • Light-headedness
  • Crankiness
  • reduced blood pressure
  • Drowsiness

Conclusion:

People are returning to CBD as a targeted treatment for various ailments, particularly pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. These findings offer a compelling justification for additional study to comprehend CBD’s therapeutic potential.

In particular, pain and inflammatory illnesses, in addition to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, are being treated with CBD as a specific therapy. Despite traditional treatment, some responders say CBD efficiently treats their condition(s).

References:

fourfive.com/what-is-cbd/

webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/

webmd.com/pain-management/cbd-thc-difference

livescience.com/24553-what-is-thc.html

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