CBD vs THC
The main intoxicating ingredient in cannabis is deltatetrahydrocannabinol THC. While federal laws in the United States classify marijuana as a Schedule I substance, stifling research into possible benefits, adult-use and medical marijuana legalization has helped unearth more information on this complex plant. THC is an agonist, or activator, of the cannabinoid 1 CB1 receptor. When cannabis is given to people who have had their CB1 receptors blocked by a different drug, called an antagonist , cannabis cannot get them high.
Cannabidiol
Of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids that are the most abundant and well-known. The differences between CBD vs. THC do not end there, as the two cannabinoids are also regulated very differently and have different legal regulations surrounding them.
Even with these noted differences, many consumers new to cannabis products still do not quite understand the differences between CBD vs. Below we look at differences and similarities between the two cannabinoids. Cannabinoid is the name given to all of the chemical compounds found in cannabis, the plant genus that includes both hemp and marijuana.
While there are over different cannabinoids identified in cannabis by scientists so far, cannabidiol CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol THC are the two most prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis and are by far the most extensively studied and best understood. CBD is a compound typically found in hemp plants, and it is most commonly used to produce CBD hemp oil products. CBD is non-intoxicating and produces no euphoric or psychoactive properties.
When derived from hemp, CBD is legal under U. THC is a compound found most prominently in marijuana plants and is responsible for the euphoric effects that people experience when they ingest or smoke marijuana. The legal status of THC products differ from state to state, but THC and marijuana are still illegal federally controlled substances. The ECS is a signaling system in the body responsible for regulating a wide array of functions.
The body naturally synthesizes its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids act as neurotransmitters, interacting with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. THC and CBD both feature a chemical makeup that is very similar to the endocannabinoids produced by the body. Therefore, if the body does not naturally generate enough endocannabinoid, plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD or THC could provide extra stimulation to help maintain balance in the endocannabinoid system.
Despite their similarities, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol have distinct differences in the way that they affect the endocannabinoid system. CBD has little affinity for the two cannabinoid receptors.
Instead, it acts as an indirect antagonist of cannabinoid agonists. One of the key differences between CBD vs. THC is whether the cannabis product will cause a euphoric or psychoactive effect when consumed.
Below we compare the effects of CBD vs. THC, looking at the differences between the two cannabinoids. THC is the cannabinoid people think of when they think of the intoxicating effects of marijuana. The intoxicating effect that most associate with recreational or medical marijuana use is exclusively brought about by activating CB1 receptors with THC.
Activating CB1 receptors with THC results in the user feeling intoxicated by euphoric and psychoactive effects. This means that CBD can never cause any intoxicating effects, no matter how much is consumed. However, even though both exist in cannabis plants, the distribution of the two chemical compounds can vary wildly depending on the plant. Marijuana is generally cultivated specifically to maximize its THC potency, with growers manipulating and cloning plants with a particular emphasis on increasing its THC concentration and producing more powerful intoxicating effects.
While THC content can be as low as 3 percent in some marijuana plants, the average marijuana strain contains approximately 12 percent THC. However, that average is not really indicative of what serious marijuana consumers are looking for. At the average marijuana dispensary, there are many available strains of marijuana that are somewhere between percent THC, with some as high as 30 percent THC or more. The cannabinoids also have differences at the molecular level.
CBD and THC are considered structural isomers, which means they share the same chemical composition but they have different atomic arrangements. The two compounds share a molecular formula of C21H30O2 and molecular weights of The atomic arrangements of the two cannabinoids differ only slightly. Both CBD and THC are considered cyclic compounds, which means one or more series of atoms in the compounds are connected to form a ring.
CBD comes with an open ring with a hydroxyl and alkene group, while THC supports a closed ring with an ester group. The legality of cannabinoid products in the United States is dependent on their THC concentration and whether the product came from marijuana or hemp.
Marijuana and THC are both specifically listed in the U. Controlled Substances Act and use and ownership are prohibited under federal law. While THC and marijuana are illegal on the federal level, there are many states that have passed resolutions making use legal on a state level.
Forty-seven U. Eleven of those states and Washington D. If derived from marijuana, CBD is illegal unless obtained through a state-regulated medical marijuana program or in a state that permits recreational marijuana use. CBD products derived from hemp are completely legal to buy and sell in the U. THC effects? CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, which means that using CBD does not elicit a euphoric effect or alter your perception in any major way.
While there is a risk of some negative effects from THC, there is no real danger of overconsumption. According to the National Cancer Institute, there have been no reported cases of a fatal overdose.
THC can produce a variety of physical and psychological effects. What makes THC different is that each person will likely have a unique experience. That makes it difficult to describe exactly what the effects of THC will feel like, but some common ones include:. CBD vs THC for pain over the past decade there has been growing interest in the idea of using cannabis products to treat pain related to digestive issues, arthritis, chronic pain, and more.
You may have seen some initial research and very positive Internet articles making claims about using THC and CBD for sleep or anxiety. There is even research looking at medical marijuana for cancer patients. Despite these, the FDA has not approved any medication with cannabis to treat any of these health issues. We do not make or support any medical claims relating to the use of cannabis products to treat sleep problems, anxiety issues, or any other indication not approved by the FDA.
Start by learning more about CBD oil , and then take a look at our comprehensive cannabis guide on our Cannabis page. This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our a Privacy Policy. Cannabis April 9, By: Kim Nunley. What are Cannabinoids? What is CBD? What is THC? What is the Endocannabinoid System? Interaction of THC vs. CBD with Cannabinoid Receptors Despite their similarities, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol have distinct differences in the way that they affect the endocannabinoid system.
Where to Find CBD vs. THC The legality of cannabinoid products in the United States is dependent on their THC concentration and whether the product came from marijuana or hemp. Differences in the Effects of CBD vs.
That makes it difficult to describe exactly what the effects of THC will feel like, but some common ones include: Euphoric feelings Heightened senses Distorted sense of time Impaired motor skills Lowered inhibitions CBD vs THC for pain over the past decade there has been growing interest in the idea of using cannabis products to treat pain related to digestive issues, arthritis, chronic pain, and more.
Table of Contents. However, many who…. Read More Cannabis News.
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products. THC and CBD are in both. Does CBD get you high? CBD and THC are both derived from the cannabis plant, but they're very different. Learn about CBD oil effects and its.
Of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids that are the most abundant and well-known. The differences between CBD vs. THC do not end there, as the two cannabinoids are also regulated very differently and have different legal regulations surrounding them. Even with these noted differences, many consumers new to cannabis products still do not quite understand the differences between CBD vs. Below we look at differences and similarities between the two cannabinoids.
Whether you're trying to master the art of joint rolling or just want to try to alleviate a sore back, every cannabis user should know the difference between CBD and THC.
Cannabidiol CBD is a phytocannabinoid discovered in Cannabidiol can be taken into the body in multiple ways, including by inhalation of cannabis smoke or vapor , as an aerosol spray into the cheek , and by mouth. It may be supplied as CBD oil containing only CBD as the active ingredient no included tetrahydrocannabinol THC or terpenes , a full-plant CBD-dominant hemp extract oil, capsules, dried cannabis, or as a prescription liquid solution.
Here's the difference between CBD and THC
These two are the best-known cannabinoids found in marijuana. In this article, we shall look at the two cannabinoids in detail so that you will understand them the next time you see them. They are both comprised of 21 atoms of carbon, 30 atoms of hydrogen and two atoms of oxygen. This difference in the arrangement of the atoms is minimal, but it informs how CBD and THC connect with the endocannabinoid system and, thus, how they affect your body. THC gets you high. As earlier observed, the two cannabinoids have different effects on the body.
CBD vs. THC: The Differences
The increase in the acceptability of marijuana usage and other cannabis products in the United States has brought about an interesting dimension in the world of medical marijuana. This is due to a rise in the curiosity level of consumers regarding their options. Cannabidiol CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol THC are two compounds at the center of the decision-making circle of consumers. However, they find it quite hard to decipher the differences. Here is a basic description of both compounds in a few sentences:. The difference lies in how these compounds interact with the ECS. The differences between these two compounds determine how consumers use them. They possess the exact same molecular structure of 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. Despite this similarity in the molecular composition, there is a little difference in the arrangement of the atoms.
Your primer on all things cannabis, including how to make the most of the therapeutic benefits with or without the high. Cannabis is one of the buzziest new wellness trends, and it's only gaining momentum.
As the debate of legalizing marijuana continues to rage on, the difference between key compounds CBD and THC in cannabis is becoming increasingly important. They both have very different effects and uses that range from recreational to medically ground-breaking.
What's the Difference Between CBD, THC, Cannabis, Marijuana, and Hemp?
Tetrahydrocannabinol THC and cannabidiol CBD are the two primary cannabinoids that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant, most commonly known as cannabis. Both of these substances interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the human body and brain, but they differed dramatically in their effects. CBD is non-psychoactive which means that it will not get the user high. Read also: What is CBD? Not sure which CBD brand to trust? THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. This compound works, in part, by mimicking the effects of anandamide and 2-AG. These neurotransmitters are produced naturally by the human body and help to modulate sleeping and eating habits, the perception of pain, and countless other bodily functions. Research studies indicate that THC may useful in helping with:. Cannabidiol is one of the most critical cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant. It exists both in agricultural hemp, as well as medical cannabis. While cannabinoids are present within several plants in nature, cannabis is the only plant known to contain CBD. This fact means that when you ingest CBD for medical purposes, you will more likely experience a relief of your unwanted discomfort, with little or no noticeable effect on your cognitive abilities. Research studies indicate that CBD may be useful in helping with :.
What Is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
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