As you might already know, both CBD and THC are compounds found in the same plant. These two compounds have gained vast popularity over a few years, after the legalization of CBD. As more people are now discovering the potential of CBD, the use of this compound has increased greatly, and also the controversies regarding it. The main reason behind the controversies existing about this compound is its origin.
Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. As this plant is infamous across the world for its intoxicating effects, people believe that the CBD oil derived from this plant can also cause these effects. Therefore a lot of people are concerned about the use of CBD. But you have to be aware of the fact that despite its origin from the cannabis plant, CBD is not a psychoactive compound and it alone cannot create any intoxication.
The euphoric effects related to the cannabis plant are created by THC, which is another active compound present in this plant. High concentrations of this compound can make you intoxicated, therefore, you have to be very careful when using this compound.
Now that you know both CBD and THC have different properties irrespective of their same origin, it’s time to learn more about these compounds. As these two are important cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, it is important for you to know which compound is useful for you. Therefore, we are listing some of the important properties of them for providing you a better insight into the specialties of these compounds.
Chemical Structure
Both CBD and THC have the same molecular structure. They have the same number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. But there are slight differences in the arrangement of atoms between these compounds. These differences attribute to the varying effects they create in your body.
As CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids, they have the ability to mimic the endocannabinoids produced by your body naturally. This allows them to interact with your endocannabinoid system for producing different effects. As the endocannabinoid receptors that interact with the endocannabinoids are found in different organs and systems in your body, they can control and regulate various functions.
The interaction between these phytocannabinoids can affect the release of neurotransmitters inside your brain. These neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay messages between the cells. They have a great role in controlling a large number of functions and mechanisms in your body including immune function, pain, sleep, stress, and a lot more.
Psychoactive Effects
Even though CBD and THC are similar in their chemical structure, they don’t produce the same psychoactive effects. As mentioned before, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and it will not produce high that is associated with THC.
THC activates the CB1 receptors in your brain by binding with them. These receptors are responsible for producing euphoric effects. But CBD is a weak activator of these receptors, i.e., they bind weakly, hence, they will not produce any intoxicating effects. In fact, CBD has the ability to interfere with the binding of THC with the receptors thereby dampening the intoxicating effects.
Legality
As CBD is free of intoxicating effects and addiction, it has now made a legal compound in all 50 states. Therefore, you can buy, sell or use CBD products without worrying about legal problems. On the other hand, THC is still an illegal compound because of its ability to produce high and addiction in people.
CBD was legalized in the year 2018 by the Farm Bill. Based on this bill, CBD that is derived from the hemp plant and which does not contain more than 0.3% of THC is legal. Therefore, the maximum amount of THC allowed in a product is 0.3%. Hence, you have to check for the concentration of THC in the CBD products you are using. If it has a higher concentration of THC, it might create adverse effects, and you can also get in trouble with the law.
Medicinal Benefits
Both CBD and THC have a large number of medicinal properties. They have some common health benefits even though the effect created by them differ greatly. Some of the common CBD benefits include:
- Control seizures
- Alleviate pain and inflammation
- Reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and more
- Can help with heart diseases
- Control skin diseases
- Can help to treat sleeping disorders
Some of the important medical conditions that THC helps to deal with include:
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Glaucoma
- Low appetite
- Nausea
- Muscle Spasticity
- Anxiety
Side Effects
Even though CBD does not create severe side effects, it can result in some minor problems. These include diarrhea, changes in weight and appetite, and drowsiness. It is also found that CBD might result in drug interactions causing liver toxicity.
THC can create a lot of side effects including dry mouth, increased heart rate, red eyes, memory loss, slower reaction time, etc. Therefore, you have to be very careful when using this compound.
