CBD vs. THC – do you know the difference?
Products based on the Cannabis sativa plant are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their many therapeutic benefits. The power couple of cannabis compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are without a doubt the most well-known cannabinoids out there.
The close relationship between these two Cannabis compounds means that they often get confused for one another. In reality, both have a very different effect on our bodies. In this article, we will take a closer look at CBD and THC to help you tell the difference.
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A brief history…
The discovery of CBD, THC and other compounds in this plant, has brought to light an even greater finding, the endocannabinoid system, a general neuromodulator found in our body that is responsible for maintaining balance in vital bodily functions.
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, including THC and CBD, are known as phytocannabinoids and those that are produced inside the human body are called endocannabinoids. Both types of cannabinoids interact directly with the endocannabinoid system.
Other components in this system are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC and CBD connect to these receptors to generate different
responses in the body. The same thing happens with the endocannabinoids produced by our body, 2-AG and anandamide, which also connect to CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce certain responses.
With that said, let’s explore the parallels between these two compounds:
CBD vs. THC
How does it act inside the body? | |
When introduced to the endocannabinoid system, CBD causes a larger release of 2-AG, stimulating the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which produces the therapeutic effects in the body. The presence of CBD neutralizes the psychoactive effects induced by THC. Higher doses of CBD may potentiate lower doses of THC, by increasing the level of expression of the CB1R receptor in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus (central nervous system) | THC connects directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which creates signals and sends them to the brain, producing psychoactive effects. This connection gives THC its mind-altering properties. This phytocannabinoid is very similar to the endocannabinoids produced by the body, and can influence appetite, memory, movement and pain. Given its similar structure to endocannabinoids, the body is ableto recognize THC, leading to an interference with normal brain communication. |
What are its medicinal benefits used for? | |
CBD is used to… Relieve pain (neuropathic, chronic,cancer-related, etc.) Help treat chronic disease such as: epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson´s, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, among othersRelieve nausea and other side effects of traditional cancer medicine Reduce inflammation Treat skin diseases such as acne and psoriasis Improve the state of mind of patients with depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Combat bacterial infections | THC is used to… Relieve side effects of chemotherapy (nausea and vomiting) Reduce inflammation Control pain Relax the muscles Help treat multiple sclerosis Treat insomniaReduce tremors in spinal cord injuriesImprove digestive health Treat glaucoma Increase appetite Control anxiety |
Side effects | |
CBD has shown almost no side effects, but it may cause: Drowsiness Dry mouth and red eyes Diarrhea Change in appetite and weight | High concentrations of THC may cause temporary side effects, such as: Increased heart rate Coordination problems Dry mouth and red eyes Slower reaction times Memory loss Hypoactivity Hypothermia Short-term deterioration of spatial or verbal memory These effects are part of the psychoactive properties of this compound. |
Both phytocannabinoids offer huge health benefits. It is best to combine them to enable the properties of CBD to regulate the hallucinogenic effects of THC.
We hope you found this article useful and that you now understand the difference between CBD and THC. Why not take a look at our other articles on medicinal Cannabis?
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- CBD, natural healing compound
- The extraordinary history of Cannabis: everything you didn’t know
Sources:
- An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system [Hui-Chen Lu and Ken Mackie. 2017]
- Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals [Zerrin Atakan. 2012]
- Update of Cannabis and its medical use [Bertha K. Madras. 2015]
- Efectos terapéuticos de los cannabinoides [Cord. José Antonio Ramos Atance. 2017]
- CBD Oil for Depression, Schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar & More [John M. Grohol, 2019]
- The effect of cannabis use on memory function: an update [Schoeler and Bhattacharyya. 2013]
- An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies [Iffland K1, Grotenhermen F. 2017]
- Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules [Christelle M. Andre,* Jean-Francois Hausman, and Gea Guerriero. 2016]