CBD and THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. But what exactly are they and how do they differ from one another?
While both CBD and THC are found in the cannabis plant, they have some key differences and ultimately understanding the differences between CBD and THC is important for anyone interested in using cannabis or CBD products. Whether you’re looking to experience the potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds or simply want to learn more about them, it’s important to understand how they work and how they differ from one another.
If you enjoy a bit of THC then we thoroughly recommend trying some CBD, just a vape or something easy. It’s interesting how it changes your buzz!
In this article we will take a quick look at the following:
- What is CBD?
- Where does CBD come from?
- What are the potential health benefits of using CBD?
- What is THC?
- How does THC work?
- What does THC do? Or what’s it like to be high?
- The differences between CBD and THC summarised
What is CBD?
CBD short for ‘cannabidiol’ is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is actually just one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis but unlike its more famous cousin THC it is not psychoactive. This means that it isn’t going to get you high, stoned, zooted, baked, or blazed.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is extracted from the plant and can be made into a variety of products such as oils, edibles, or vapes. Generally it’s extracted from hemp a variety of the cannabis plant which contains very low levels of THC.
What are the potential health benefits of using CBD?
CBD is has a variety of potential health benefits but as with many things more research is needed to fully understand how it works and how it may be used to treat medical conditions. Some of the potential health benefits of CBD include:
- Reducing anxiety and stress: Some studies have found that CBD may be effective in reducing anxiety and stress, potentially by influencing the production of serotonin in the brain.
- Improving sleep: CBD may help to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and stress, as well as by promoting relaxation.
- Reducing inflammation: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in the treatment of a variety of conditions that involve inflammation, including arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Managing pain: CBD may be effective in reducing chronic pain, possibly by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Treating epilepsy: The FDA has approved the use of a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for the treatment of at least two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
It is worth noting that the research on the potential health benefits of CBD is always on going and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. However, many people report experiencing positive results after using CBD products, and it is generally considered to be a safe and non-toxic substance.
What is THC?
THC is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is most well-known for its ability to produce the “high” typically associated with marijuana use. THC is actually one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and it is responsible for the majority of the plant’s psychoactive effects.
THC is found in varying levels in different strains of cannabis, with some strains having higher levels of THC than others. The percentage of THC along with all the other compounds in the plant make every strain unique.
How does THC work?
THC works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, and memory. When THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, it can produce a variety of effects, including altered mood, increased appetite, and altered memory and cognition.
What does THC do? Or what’s it like to be high?
THC is most well-known for its ability to produce the “high” typically associated with marijuana use. When THC enters the body, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. This can produce a variety of effects, including:
Altered mood: THC can produce a feeling of euphoria, or a “high,” as well as feelings of relaxation and altered perception.
Increased appetite: THC is known to increase appetite, a phenomenon known as “the munchies.” This effect can be beneficial for people who have trouble eating due to medical conditions.
Altered memory and cognition: THC can affect memory and cognitive function, which can impair judgment and decision-making abilities.
Changes in coordination and balance: THC can affect coordination and balance, which can make activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery dangerous.
It is worth noting that the effects of THC can vary widely from person to person, and can depend on a variety of factors, including the strain of cannabis being used, the method of ingestion, and the individual’s own unique biology. In addition, the effects of THC can be more pronounced in inexperienced users or in high doses. It is always important to be mindful of the potential effects of THC and to use caution when using cannabis or THC-containing products. As with anything start with less and work your way up if you want to.
Personally I’ve always felt that at it’s best, when you have a nice mellow high it feels kind of like cosy morning as a kid. Warm, laughing, happy, tasty foods. A sort of ‘non-visual’ glow to everything.
The differences between CBD and THC summarised:
| Property | CBD | THC |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive | No | Yes |
| UK Legal status | Legal but may be subject to certain restrictions | Illegal but recently made available for medicinal use |
| Potential health benefits | Reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep, reducing inflammation, managing pain, treating epilepsy | Reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, improving appetite, reducing chronic pain |
| Side effects | Generally well-tolerated, but may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, or changes in appetite | May cause dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, dizziness, impaired judgment and coordination, and paranoia or anxiety in some users |
| Duration of effects | Effects may take longer to onset, but may last longer than THC | Effects may onset more quickly, but typically do not last as long as CBD |
| Drug testing | Unlikely to cause a positive result on a drug test | Can cause a positive result on a drug test, especially with regular or heavy use |
| Overdose | Essentially impossible | Essentially impossible |
So there you have it, these are the main differences between CBD and THC.