The Cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, and both Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most well-known and studied cannabinoids. THC is the cannabinoid that is most well-known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is known for its potential health benefits. However, there are many differences between CBD and THC, and it is important to understand these differences before using either compound.
Keep reading to learn about the different effects of CBD and THC, as well as the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids.
CBD vs. THC: The Differences You Need To Know
The Cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, and both Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most well-known and studied cannabinoids. THC is the cannabinoid that is most well-known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is known for its potential health benefits. However, there are many differences between CBD and THC, and it is important to understand these differences before using either compound.
Keep reading to learn about the different effects of CBD and THC, as well as the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids.
CBD and THC share the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The slight difference in how the atoms are arranged is what causes the different effects on your body.
CBD and THC are similar to your body’s Endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.
The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages between cells, and they play a role in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, among other things.
Even though they share a similar chemical structure, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive effects. CBD is psychoactive, but not in the same way that THC is. It doesn’t produce the high that’s associated with THC. Instead, CBD is shown to help with anxiety, depression, and seizures.
THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor in the brain. This binding produces a high or sense of euphoria.
CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors. For CBD to actually bind to the CB1 receptor, it needs THC to be present as well. Once CBD and THC are both binding to the CB1 receptor, CBD can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC, like euphoria or sedation.
Before you try to buy any products that contain CBD or THC, it’s important to research your countries laws.
People tend to talk about the THC content in CBD oil because CBD and THC are two different compounds. CBD and THC are two of the most prominent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both cannabis and Industrial Hemp produce CBD and THC. However, cannabis has a higher concentration of THC while Industrial Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD. The average Cannabis strain today contains about 12 percent THC. CBD oil may contain small amounts of THC (e.g. Full Spectrum) because it’s present at low levels in the Industrial Hemp plant. In many countries, CBD products are only legal if they contain no more than 0.2 percent THC.