CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

There is a big difference between CBD and THC, but most people are not. As the government legalizes the use of cannabis and marijuana products, the demand has become increasingly high.

People are curious about how they can consume it in different ways. But wait, there is a difference between CBD and THC and different effects on your body.

There are various Cannabis and marijuana-derived products like Cannabidiol or CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

These are the two main natural compounds found in the Cannabis plant genus. 

CBD or Cannabidiol is extracted from the marijuana or hemp plant. The hemp plant is a type of Cannabis family that contains only 0.3 percent of Tetrahydrocannabinol. In contrast, the marijuana plant is also a part of the Cannabis family but has a high concentrated THC. 

Cannabidiol is mostly sold in gummies, gels, oils, extracts, supplements, and others. 

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main compound known as a psychoactive chemical found in marijuana plants that make the consumer feel a high sensation after consuming it.

People usually consume it by smoking marijuana. After the legalization of Cannabis and marijuana uses, it has also become available as edibles, oils, capsules, tinctures, and many other forms. 

Both the compound THC and CBD react with the endocannabinoid system in our body but have different effects.

This difference may be due to several reasons. Here below is the comparison of Cannabidiol CBD vs. Tetrahydrocannabinol THC. 

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Difference Between CBD and THC

Chemical Structure Of CBD and THC

The molecular structure of CBD and THC is the same; that is, it has 21 atoms of carbon, 30 atoms of hydrogen, and two atoms of oxygen.

The difference comes when we see how the atoms are arranged in the structure. Both of these compounds have different structural bodies. 

Both of these chemical compounds are also similar to the body’s chemical that is endocannabinoid.

Through this, both of these chemical compounds can interact with our body’s cannabinoid receptors. 

This interaction of chemicals with the body receptors stimulates the release of neurotransmitters in our brain.

The neurotransmitters in our brain are responsible for transpiring the messages between our body cells and play a role during pain, stress, sleep, immune function, and so many. 

Psychoactive Components In CBD and THC

However, the chemical structure of both compounds is the same; THC and CBD have different psychoactive effects on our bodies.

Instead, CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical compound of the cannabis plant. THC concentrates in high amounts and makes the users feel high within seconds of consumption. 

THC is so effective that it binds itself with CB1 or Cannabinoid 1 receptors in our brain and produces a high feeling of euphoria. 

CBD is a soft compound and cannot bind itself with the CB1 receptors. However, CBD can lower THC binding effects and dampen THC psychoactive effects. 

Legality Difference Between CBD and THC

In the U.S., the laws regarding the usage of CannabisCannabis are changing from time to time.

THC and marijuana are both listed as controlled substances. This means that the use of marijuana and THC is prohibited in the eyes of laws in the United States. 

However, some provinces like Washington D.C. have legalized the usage of high concentrated THC and marijuana for medicinal purposes.

There is a law that a licensed physician can only prescribe marijuana. 

Moreover, many states of the U.S. have legalized the consumption of THC and marijuana for recreational purposes. 

In those states where marijuana usage is legal for recreational purposes, one can easily buy CBD without worrying about legal actions. 

However, it is recommended that before you buy any of the THC or CBD products, you must check that state’s legal policies and laws.

If you purchase THC or CBD-containing products in a state where the consumption is not a legal and medical prescription is also banned.

Then you have to go through many legal processes and pay high penalties. 

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Medical Benefits Of CBD vs. THC

There are various common medical benefits of consuming CBD or THC products.

They both help in providing relief in so many health ailments. CBD does not give euphoria effects like the THC compound.

But so many who don’t want to experience the high feeling derived from THC like to consume CBD products.

They use CBD due to its fewer side effects. 

CBD usage in different health conditions:

• Nausea
• Seizures
• Mental Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Bowel Diseases Due To Increased Inflammation

THC usage in different health conditions:

• Insomnia
• Pain
• Nausea
• Low Appetite
• Glaucoma
• Anxiety
• Muscle Spasticity