THC vs CBD: Understanding the differences between them

The Differences Between THC and CBD

Cannabis consumption has remained a hot topic over the topic as many countries in the world are for and against it.

The same is true in the United States where there are many states where cannabis consumption is still illegal.

Today you can find many cannabis dispensaries in the United States that are regulated by the local government, allowing people to buy cannabis and cannabis-related products for recreational and medical purposes.

However, before you go ahead and buy these cannabis products you must have clarity about the two natural compounds that get the most attention: CBD and THC.

While many compounds are extracted from a Cannabis Sativa plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two compounds that you would hear about.

Both cannabis and hemp have these compounds, but cannabis has more THC while hemp has more CBD.

If you are planning to buy cannabis products you need to be informed about these compounds to help you make the right choice.

If you are unsure about it, you can consult your local dispensary that can help you with choosing the right products ^[1].

In terms of chemical structure, both THC and CBD are identical but the difference lies in the arrangement of atoms which can have different effects on your body.

THC vs CBD: How It Affects Your Body?

It is important to know that both these compounds have psychoactive components which make them illegal in many states. A human body has two types of cannabinoid receptors and THC binds with receptors that are associated with mood, feelings, and pain. This gives us the sensation of being ‘high’. Consuming THC can make you feel euphoric and give you the feeling of being high.

Although, CBD shares the same chemical structure binds weakly with the receptors and therefore most consumers don’t feel the sensation of being high. Hence, you can have a better experience with CBD without having to be high. In many ways, CBD offers promising results and health benefits compared to THC.

Both THC and CBD communicate with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) ^[2]. While many experts are still trying to learn more about the ECS system it is known as a complex cell-signaling system that regulates many body functions and processes like memory, sleep, appetite, mood, and fertility. This system is very much active in all humans even if they don’t use cannabis products.

THC vs CBD: Medical Benefits

While THC can get you high it can offer you some relief from pain, glaucoma, and muscle spasticity ^[3]. It can also offer you resolve health issues like low appetite, nausea, nerve pain, and multiple sclerosis pain.

On the other hand, CBD can provide you with more medical benefits and help you with problems like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. It can also help you treat other mild health issues related to sleep, memory, anxiety, inflammation, seizures, migraine and skin health.

Also Read - Benefits Of CBD You Probably Don’t Know

THC vs CBD: Side Effects

Consuming both these compounds can have some side effects. With THC you can experience dizziness, drowsiness, and memory loss ^[4]. With CBD you can feel tiredness, drowsiness, upset stomach and crankiness.

4 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Root'd in wellness: https://rootd510.com/
[2] A comparison of CBD and THC: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325871
[3] Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
[4] Cannabidiol (CBD): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556048/

Jason Vredenburg, RD

Jason Vredenburg is a nutrition writer with over twenty years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. He has researched and written nu Read Full Bio