More and more countries are legalizing cannabis for medical purposes. Therefore, it is important to understand them. Cannabis includes THC and CBD. In this article, we would like to introduce them and the difference between THC vs CBD.
What are THC and CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid, a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. Another well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound is known for its psychoactive effects of marijuana use. Both THC and CBD are natural compounds of the cannabis plant.
CBD can be isolated from the cannabis plant and separated from THC. CBD is incorporated into tinctures, oils, foods, and other products without THC and without psychoactive effects. Meanwhile, THC has a psychological effect. It can be consumed by smoking marijuana. It is modulated into oils, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and many other ways. THC vs CBD both interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, but they have different effects.
THC vs CBD: What’s the different?
Chemical Structure
When it comes to chemical structure, both CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The only thing that sets THC vs CBD apart is how the atoms are arranged to account for the different effects on the user’s body.
Both of these substances produce endocannabinoids in the body, allowing them to interact with the human cannabinoid receptors. The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for transmitting messages between cells and with roles in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, to name a few.
Benefits
CBD vs THC when compared in terms of medical benefits will have many similarities. However, CBD does not cause the same euphoric effects as THC. Therefore, it is more likely that users will love CBD.
CBD is used to help with various medical conditions such as convulsions, inflammation, pain, psychosis, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, migraines, depression or anxiety. Meanwhile, THC is used when the patient has pain, muscle spasms, glaucoma, insomnia, appetite. It also helps with nausea and anxiety conditions, which is similar to CBD.
Legality
Comparing the legality of THC vs CBD, countries will generally accept CBD more. In the US, cannabis-related laws are evolving regularly. Technically, CBD is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law. However, in some other Asian countries, CBD is illegal and strictly prohibited. Even so, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) here still classify CBD as a Schedule I drug. Meanwhile with THC, 33 states plus Washington, DC, have passed marijuana-related legislation, making medical marijuana with high levels of THC legal. It can be used as directed by a licensed physician.
In states where marijuana is legal for recreational or medical purposes, people will be able to buy CBD. A note for purchase and use is that users need to accurately research the laws of the locality of use if they do not want legal penalties.
Side Effects
CBD is generally better tolerated by the user’s body even in large doses. Most side effects that occur with CBD use are due to drug-drug interactions between CBD and other medications the patient may be taking. The obvious side effects that using CBD bring to the recipient are usually changes in appetite, fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, and diarrhea. Comparing THC vs CBD, THC will also cause side effects like increased heart rate, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reactions, memory loss, and anxiety.
These side effects are part of the psychoactive properties of the compound. However, neither compound was fatal. Users should be aware that high THC use can be connected to negative long-term psychoactive effects. This is especially true for adolescents who consume large amounts of THC, although there is no convincing evidence that marijuana use causes mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
Conclusion
CBD vs THC? Both have medical benefits. Both are considered safe, but the side effects and interactions with other medications the user may have should be considered. If you have any questions, contact us.
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