When stepping into the cannabis community, you may see a lot of buzz surrounding two natural compounds: CBD and THC. These are cannabinoids and they are considered the main drivers of cannabis’ effects. If you want to learn more about CBD, THC, and how they might influence your next dispensary visit – keep reading.
The Basics
There are more than 140 chemical compounds unique to cannabis plants, but CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most common. They are cannabinoids, and both compounds are found in marijuana and hemp. Traditionally marijuana contains more THC than hemp – and hemp contains more CBD than marijuana.
There are distinct properties that separate CBD and THC, mainly that THC is the psychoactive chemical in cannabis and CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical. An easy way to think about that is THC is often defined by how it makes cannabis enthusiasts feel, while the effects of CBD aren’t typically felt – but it depends on the individual and how they respond to cannabinoids.
Strains can be THC-dominant or CBD-dominant, which means they will present more of either cannabinoid and its intended effects.
The Science
CBD and THC actually have the same chemical formula, 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, but the difference lies in how they are arranged. The differences in structure give CBD and THC different chemical properties and they affect your body differently.
Researchers have found that the chemical structure of CBD and THC are similar to the body’s natural endocannabinoids. CBD and THC mimic endocannabinoids and bind with receptors, which is how they cause effects in the body. The endocannabinoid system plays an integral role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis. CBD and THC work with receptors that release neurotransmitters in your brain to affect things associated with mood, sleep, pain, appetite, and memory – all things researchers associated with the endocannabinoid system.
How CBD and THC Affect the Body
As mentioned earlier, THC is a psychoactive chemical in cannabis. This is what makes cannabis enthusiasts feel “elevated.” CBD doesn’t cause elevated feelings and instead, works with other elements in the body linked to feelings of well-being.
CBD can actually block some of the effects of THC, creating a less intense psychoactive effect. This is why products with a mix of both compounds are ideal for first-time enthusiasts.
➡️ Read More from The Clean Cannabis Blog: Cannabis Terpenes: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Medicinal Benefits
More research is needed to better understand the efficacy (and range) and CBD’s benefits, but CBD products are taken to help with a host of conditions and symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Opioid withdrawal
The FDA has approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, to treat severe forms of rare childhood epilepsy, and the research continues. The National Institutes of Health clinical trials database shows nearly 200 trials involving CBD that are either active or recruiting.
THC is said to make enthusiasts feel hungry and relieve symptoms related to pain, nausea, Multiple sclerosis pain, Parkinson’s disease tremors, and glaucoma. The FDA has approved a few drugs that contain THC, including Marinol and Syndros. These drugs contain synthetic THC and are used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy during cancer treatment. The FDA also approved Cesamet, which contains a synthetic substance similar to THC and is used to treat weight loss and appetite problems associated with both chemotherapy and HIV/AIDs.
Ways to Take Each
Both THC and CBD can be consumed in a number of different forms. THC is most often consumed by smoking cannabis, but other cannabis products that may include THC and CBD include:
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Sprays
- Capsules
- Vape products
- Edible products (gummies, chocolate, or other infused food items)
- Beverages containing cannabis oil
- Lotions and salves
The Takeaway
THC and CBD are considered the main drivers of cannabis’ effects. And despite being derived from the same cannabis plant, the two compounds have distinct properties that separate them from one another. CBD and THC levels may vary from crop to crop – even from plant to plant. It is recommended that enthusiasts check with their dispensaries about the specifics of their strains’ levels. It is also recommended that enthusiasts purchase only lab-tested products that clearly state the CBD and THC levels, to gain a better sense of the expected experience.
These cannabinoids could also have an effect on some health conditions or interact with certain medications, particularly how medications metabolize in the body. Before engaging in cannabis usage or products that contain THC or CBD, check your state laws to ensure they are legal where you live and talk to your doctor and/or primary care physician. Both THC and CBD are show signs of alleviating and even treating, some medical and mental health conditions – however research into this is still new, and more is needed.