THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
You’ve probably heard the terms CBD and THC a lot in reference to cannabis and marijuana products, but what exactly are these compounds? When it comes to THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference? Let us explain.
The Science
Cannabis plants make a substance packed with compounds named cannabinoids.
The two most common cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both of these compounds are found in marijuana and hemp. Marijuana has way more THC than hemp, while hemp has lots more CBD.
Both CBD and THC contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. That said, they aren’t the same, due to the fact their atoms are arranged differently. Because of this difference, the compounds impact your body in very different ways, although both CBD and THC interact with receptors that deliver neurotransmitters to your brain
So, what’s the main difference in how CBD and THC impact your brain?
THC gives you that feeling of being “high.” It binds with receptors in our body to give you that feeling of euphoria- that psychoactive response that you get when you’re on a marijuana high.
CBD doesn’t give you that high, and it doesn’t result in a psychoactive response.
Medical Uses
According to MedialNewsToday.com, people often use CBD to help treat inflammatory bowel disease, seizures, depression, inflammation, psychosis or mental disorders and migraines. People use THC to help with glaucoma, muscle spasticity, low appetite and insomnia. Both CBD and THC are used to help treat pain, anxiety and nausea.
We’re learning more about the possible benefits of CBD and THC each day, as medical studies are constantly taking place to study the impact of these compounds on the human body and health.
The Skinny
In conclusion, CBD and THC both come from the same cannabis plant and have the same number of carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms, but the similarities end there. THC is known for giving you that feeling of being “high” or other psychoactive impacts, while CBD is often more commonly known to treat health conditions.
Which is right for you? It all depends on your needs. Before taking either, remember to ask your doctor and look at how CBD and THC might interact with other medications you’re on.
Glossary
CBD: CBD, according to Merriam-Webster (merriam-webster.com), is a “nonintoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp.”
THC: THC, according to Merriam-Webster (merriam-webster.com), is a “either of two physiologically active isomers C21H30O2 from hemp plant resin” and “one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana.”
Sources:
MedialNewsToday.com, Merriam-Webster.com, Healthline.com, WebMD.com.
