The acceptance of marijuana use has been increasing over these past few years. The use of marijuana both for medical and recreational use has been legalized in several places and countries and it is getting more votes to many places. Marijuana is an amazing weed and cannabis experts are still exploring the amazing effects of this plant.
Marijuana is consisting of many cannabinoids and in this article, we will discuss CBD vs THC. Knowing the difference between these two components as they have different effects on the body. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main components of cannabis. These components are just two of the many cannabinoids that are present in marijuana. When these two are in the body, they interact with cannabinoid receptors to take effect.
What is Marijuana?
Before we further proceed with the differences between CBD vs THC, let us know what is marijuana first. Marijuana is known by many names. It is called weed, cannabis, weed grass, Ganga, 420, herb, dope, blunt, Mary Jane, reefer, buds, stinkweed, nuggets, chronic, hay, rape, skunk, boom, etc.
Marijuana is known to be the most illicit or abused drugs globally. Marijuana came from an Indian hemp plant, and the part that is often used is the flower which commonly called the buds as well as the plant’s leaves, stems, and roots.
When sold, marijuana is a mixture of dried flowers, stems, leaves, or the plant. It is usually, brown, gray, or green.
Marijuana can be used for both recreational and medical purposes. Recreational use, meaning it has psychoactive effects that can give you the high that you seek in consuming cannabis. The use of marijuana is not just contained for recreational purposes. It has also many medicinal benefits.
These two components are both cannabinoids that can be derived in a cannabis plant. Here’s a quick comparison of CBD vs THC so we can see the difference between these two components.
CBD vs THC: How Exactly do they Differ
Basic Information
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the high in marijuana
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is responsible for the medicinal benefits
- Marijuana is a rich source of CBD
- Many marijuana plants also have a very strong THC content
- CBD often comes in gummies, edibles, oils, and topicals
Chemical Structure
- Molecular Structure. These components have the same molecular structure: thirty hydrogen atoms, twenty-one carbon atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The difference is in how the atoms are arranged which accounts for the different effects on the body.
- They are chemically similar to the body’s endocannabinoids which allows them both to interact with the receptors and do their function. These affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. The neurotransmitters are the chemicals that relay the messages between cells and play an important role in pain management, stress, immune function, and sleep.
Psychoactive components
- THC has a more psychoactive component compared to CBD. THC ties up with the cannabinoid called (CB1) which is found in the brain. This produces the “high” or euphoria that cannabis consumers are after consuming marijuana or cannabis.
- CBD binds very weakly with the CB1 receptor thus it does not produce psychoactive effects.
- CBD may not produce the high but it reacts differently to the receptors thus it helps in dealing with anxiety, seizures, and depression.
- CBD reduces some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC.
Legality
Both CBD and THC are still considered as Schedule 1 under the federal law. The use of cannabis is legal in 33 states in the US plus Washington D.C. Lawmakers are passing laws to make medical cannabis with high levels of THC legal.
Medical cannabis may need to be prescribed by a licensed physician. There are states also that have made the use of recreational cannabis legal. This means that you can smoke weed with high THC content and enjoy its benefits.
In places where cannabis is legal either for medical or recreational, you can buy cannabis in local stores or online given the legality of your age. If you want to use cannabis in your place, it is important to know the law in your state as possession of cannabis in places where it is prohibited may lead to serious conditions as per federal law.
Medical Benefits
Both CBD and THC has several medical benefits. Both these compounds can provide relief in several health conditions. As mentioned earlier CBD does not cause the “high” that occurs with THC.
CBD is effective against:
- Inflammation
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Pain
- Bowel disease
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Depression
THC, on the other hand, can help you with:
- Anxiety
- Low appetite
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Nausea
Side Effects
Consuming marijuana or cannabis has several side effects on the body. These side effects are caused by the compounds in it.
The effects of THC include:
- Coordination problems
- Increased heart rate
- Red eyes
- Slower reaction times
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Dry mouth
The effects of CBD are:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
The above-mentioned side effects are part of the compound’s psychoactive properties. No need to worry because these side effects are not fatal. But just be aware that high THC may result in long term side effects especially to adolescents.
Drug Testing
These compounds are stored for a given period as soon as you have consumed cannabis. Both of them can show up during drug testing a few days after you take them.
In the case of CBD, it is usually not detected by drug testing devices except CBD-sensitive devices. Standard drug test kits will usually look for THC so it is pretty much obvious that THC will appear in drug tests.
It is great to know the contrast between CBD vs THC. Both components play major roles in how marijuana affects the system. They produce different effects. Remember that THC is responsible for the “high” while the CBD is more on the medical benefits. Having been able to discuss CBD vs THC, you now know the contrast between the two components. Just take note that these two have medical benefits and they are safe though there is a possibility of side effects, do not worry as it is manageable. You can now enjoy a strain that you want to consume by availing it at seed bank. Either it is CBD rich or THC rich strain, the choice is yours.
