The Difference Between CBD and THC Explained

CBD and THC are two of the most important cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While they have a similar structure and what they can help treat, the most important difference is that THC will cause a person to experience a high, while CBD will not. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD, while cannabis has a higher concentration of THC. Consumers are increasingly interested in the differences between CBD and THC, as they combine these two molecules to maximize the effects of their cannabis extracts.

CBD and THC have an almost identical chemical composition, consisting of 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. However, these atoms are arranged differently, meaning that CBD and THC ultimately have different qualities. The lack of psychoactive properties means that CBD won't give you the high associated with marijuana. THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main active ingredient in marijuana plants.

It is responsible for the deeply relaxing and euphoric feelings associated with euphoria. It also has analgesic, appetite stimulating and sedative properties. When it comes to their use, cannabinoids have several recreational and medical benefits. Let's focus on the effects of CBD and THC on the brain. Most cannabis users consider a high THC to be a pleasurable feeling.

They often report a relaxed state of mind, reduced physical tension, episodes of euphoria, laughter, and even signs of improved cognition. Even better, CBD can mitigate a strong reaction to THC by binding to the CB1 receptor sites that THC tries to bind to. As a result, many people mix marijuana with CBD hemp flowers to counteract the intoxicating effects of THC. A better way to describe the differences between CBD and THC uses the word “intoxicating” instead of “psychoactive”. Intoxication refers to an altered mental state, exactly what happens when THC enters the body. The effects of THC, on the other hand, depend on the cannabinoid profile of the product, as well as its terpene content and proportions.

Some marijuana strains produce more brain effects, while others ensure a greater physical high. You can use both types to moderate or amplify the therapeutic effects of CBD without consuming too much cannabis. THC and CBD interact with different parts of the endocannabinoid system. For example, THC is the stimulant of CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD has little effect on both. Instead, CBD exerts its actions by working in multiple receptor-based pathways independent of receptors throughout the body. THC has neuroprotective properties and its positive effects are mainly attributed to mental health.

However, it can also reduce pain, increase appetite, help people with insomnia, and reduce cancer cells throughout the body. Both CBD and THC can alter the transmission of pain to the brain. This, in turn, reduces physical discomfort resulting from inflammation, injuries, migraines and fibromyalgia. Side effects of THC include short-term memory impairment, confusion, dizziness, and mental discomfort such as feelings of anxiety and paranoid thinking patterns.

No matter what type of product you choose - full spectrum CBD oil or broad spectrum CBD oil - you should always look for a certificate of analysis that indicates its potency, THC content and purity results. This way you can make sure you don't fail a drug test after taking full spectrum CBD oil.

Kelli Prellwitz
Kelli Prellwitz

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