What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most prominent cannabinoids in cannabis plants. These cannabinoids have the same chemical makeup – 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.
What’s different is their chemical arrangement. As a result, our bodies receive them as two compounds that we react to differently. These cannabinoids bind to neurotransmitters in the brain and affect mood, memory, sleep, and pain differently.
CBD
Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC has been federally legal since 2018
Does not produce a “high”
Could show on drug test
Relieves pain
Relieves nausea
Eases migraines
Reduces anxiety
Anti-inflammatory
Helps with insomnia
Eases depression
Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD
THC
Federally illegal, legal in many states
Does produce a “high”
Has some psychoactive side effects
Shows on drug test
Relieves pain
Relieves nausea
Eases migraines
Reduces anxiety
Anti-inflammatory
Helps with insomnia
Increases appetite
Cannabis has a higher concentration of THC
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol – or CBD – is one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis sativa plants. There are three cannabis sativa plants:
Type I cannabis sativa: contains more than 0.3% THC and less than 0.5% CBD.
Type II cannabis sativa: contains more than 0.3% THC and 0.5% CBD.
Type III cannabis sativa: contains less than 0.3% THC and more than 0.5% CBD.
The first two types are considered marijuana, and type III is categorized as hemp.
CBD can be extracted from hemp or cannabis, but it’s only currently legal in the US to extract it from hemp. It’s sold in gummies, oils, gels, supplements, extracts, and many other products. CBD does not produce the high sensation associated with cannabis.
What is THC?
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for creating the “high” feeling. It can be consumed in various ways, including inhaling, orally, sublingually, or via edibles.
Psychoactive Components
Contrary to popular belief, both CBD and THC are both psychoactive. The difference is that CBD is not intoxicating and does not impair function.
The high from THC comes from binding with CB1 receptors. Since CBD doesn’t attach to those receptors, it does not produce the same effect. But when consuming CBD and THC together, CBD binds to receptors and blocks THC from binding with them, reducing some of the THC's effects, such as euphoria or sleepiness.
Legality
US cannabis laws are regularly under revision. Hemp-derived CBD that contains no more than 0.3% THC is federally legal. But THC is still technically a Schedule I drug under federal law. However, many states have passed cannabis-related laws so that 70% of the US population can access legal cannabis and THC. In states where cannabis is legal – like California – you can purchase CBD. These are the states where cannabis is either medically or recreationally legal.
Drug Testing
THC and CBD are stored in the body’s fat, meaning they can show up on drug tests up to several days or weeks after consuming them. Not all drug tests can detect CBD, but THC is more likely to be detected.
Keep in mind that products that claim to be free of THC may not actually be free of THC. Hemp can produce some THC and CBD, so you could test positive for THC even if you haven’t consumed it. If you’re getting drug tested, you may not want to use either CBD or THC products.
Side Effects
Neither CBD nor THC has fatal side effects. The body tolerates CBD well, even in large doses.
CBD side effects:
Appetite changes
Fatigue
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Sleepiness and drowsiness
THC temporary side effects:
Dry mouth
Red eyes
Increased heart rate
Slower reaction times
Memory loss
Memory loss
Anxiety/distress
Sleepiness
Confusion
Low blood pressure
Medical Benefits
CBD and THC have many of the same medical benefits, but here is how they differ.
CBD can help with:
Epilepsy
Seizures
Inflammation
Pain
Psychosis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Nausea
Migraine
Depression
Anxiety
Recent research suggests it could help with:
Social anxiety
Schizophrenia
Sleep disorders
PTSD
THC can help with:
Pain
Muscle spasticity
Glaucoma
Insomnia
Lack of appetite
Nausea
Anxiety
Recent research suggests it could help with:
Obstructive sleep apnea
Fibromyalgia
Chronic neuropathic pain
There has been research that shows cannabis use has been linked to psychosis, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
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