Cannabis and marijuana products are hot on the market at the moment, and the main keywords you keep hearing are CBD and THC. Today, we will take a look at the differences between CBD and THC.
Cannabis is a natural plant that produces a thick substance full of compounds, which we call cannabinoids. More than 100 of these chemicals can be found in Cannabis. Keep reading, we’re about to dive into how CBD and THC are different. Marijuana contains a whole lot more THC than hemp, whereas hemp has a lot more CBD. Now, let’s dive into the differences:
What is CBD?
CBD, officially known as Cannabidiol, is found in cannabis. It was first discovered in the 1940 era, and has become more popular as the years have gone by. CBD is used as a plant natural treatment for a variety of different conditions such as pain, anxiety, diabetes, blood pressure management, and more. CBD can be taken from the hemp plant or from marijuana.
It contains small traces of THC, but it is non psychoactive and therefore cannot make you high, but still contains all the health benefits. CBD can be found in hemp and can be infused into capsules, edibles, oils, and even vapes.
What is THC?
THC, officially known as Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It activates the brain’s reward system and releases a hormone called dopamine, which plays an important role in mood and pleasure. THC can be found in marijuana and can be infused into capsules, edibles, oils and even vapes.
CBD vs THC: The Psychoactive Component
There is a lot of confusion around the use of CBD oils and THC/Marijuana, and which ones make you high. As we have seen above, THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis, where CBD is not.
THC attaches itself to the body’s CB1 receptors. CBD doesn’t attach to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way that THC does, so it doesn’t have the same intoxicating effect. When THC and CBD are taken together, CBD binds the receptors, and blocks the THC from binding them, therefore reversing the effects of THC.
THC is the compound that people associate with the consumption or smoking of marijuana, like the one portrayed in the iconic movie “Up in Smoke”.
CBD vs THC: The Health Benefits
Both CBD and THC hold many health benefits, and there is ongoing research being done into the variety of ailments it can be useful for. To mention a few, CBD and THC have been helpful for conditions including epilepsy, anxiety, pain, sleep difficulties, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, various cancers and relieving the symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
CBD has extraordinary health benefits, and can help alleviate the symptoms of:
- anxiety and depression;
- post traumatic stress disorder;
- pain and inflammation;
- migraines;
- epilepsy;
- diabetes;
- blood pressure.
THC has helped to reduce the symptoms of:
- glaucoma;
- nausea;
- pain;
- mood difficulties;
- poor appetite;
- sleep difficulties.
Do check out this book on our website, Cannabis is the Human companion Plant, which can give you a wealth of information about cannabis.
Final Thoughts
As we can see, THC is associated more with feeling high, whereas CBD is known more for its incredible health benefits. The truth of the matter is that the entire cannabis plant with all its cannabinoids is all medicinal. Over the coming weeks, we will be unfolding more on these topics by providing educational blogs on the topic of cannabis, its different uses, benefits, recommended products, etc.
