As the legal use of hemp and other cannabis products grows, consumers are becoming more curious about their options. This includes cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two natural compounds found in plants of the Cannabis genus.
Both compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, but they have very different effects.
Read on to learn more about these compounds. While they may have a lot in common, they have some key differences that determine how they’re used.
CBD: What Is It?
CBD, or cannabidiol, can be extracted from hemp or cannabis. Hemp and cannabis come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but legal hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less. CBD is sold in the form of gels, gummies, oils, supplements, extracts, and more.
Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the high sensation associated with cannabis. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not alter your mental state.
CBD has been the subject of extensive research, with studies suggesting that it may offer several health benefits. These include reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and relieving pain and inflammation.
CBD: Benefits and Uses
CBD has been the subject of extensive research in recent years, and many studies have found it to be effective in treating a variety of conditions. Some of the potential benefits of CBD include:
Reducing Anxiety and Depression – CBD has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies. It may also help alleviate social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Alleviating Pain – CBD has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain. It may also help relieve symptoms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions that cause inflammation.
Reducing Acne – CBD may help reduce acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate sebum production.
Neuroprotective Properties – CBD may have neuroprotective properties that can help protect the brain from damage caused by conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.
Cancer Treatment – CBD may help alleviate symptoms related to cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting.
THC: What Is It?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation. It can be consumed by smoking cannabis or using other methods such as oils, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and more.
While THC has been associated with several potential health benefits, it is primarily known for its psychoactive effects. These effects can include euphoria, altered perception, and changes in motor coordination.
THC: Benefits and Uses
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component in cannabis that is responsible for the “high” sensation. While many people associate THC with recreational use, it also has potential benefits and uses for medicinal purposes.
One of the most well-known uses for THC is pain relief. THC activates the endocannabinoid system in the body, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. This makes it a promising treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
THC also has potential uses for mental health conditions. Some research has suggested that THC may be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression, as it can have mood-elevating effects. However, it’s important to note that THC can also have negative effects on mental health in some people, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Another potential benefit of THC is its ability to stimulate appetite. This can be helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments that can cause a loss of appetite.
In addition, THC has shown promise in treating neurological conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Research has found that THC can help to reduce seizures and improve motor control in people with these conditions.
It’s important to note that THC can have side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, and impaired memory and coordination. It can also have negative effects on mental health in some people, particularly those with a history of psychosis. THC is also associated with dependence and addiction, so it’s important to use it responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Overall, while THC is often associated with recreational use, it has potential benefits and uses for medicinal purposes. As research continues, we may learn more about its potential applications in treating various health conditions.
CBD vs. THC: Chemical Structure
Both CBD and THC have the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, a slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the differing effects on your body.
Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids, which allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors. The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain, which are responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, among others.
CBD vs. THC: Psychoactive Components
Despite their similar chemical structures, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive effects. While CBD is psychoactive, it does not produce the high associated with THC.
THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, producing a high or a sense of euphoria. This high may be greater if the THC is inhaled rather than ingested, according to research. On the other hand, CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors. CBD needs THC to bind to the CB1 receptor and, in turn, can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC, such as euphoria or sedation.
CBD vs. THC: Legality United States
When it comes to legality, CBD and THC are treated differently. As mentioned earlier, CBD derived from hemp is legal under federal law, while THC is still considered a controlled substance.
In the United States, the legality of THC depends on the state. As of March 2023, 19 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use of cannabis and THC for adults over the age of 21. These states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
In addition to these states, 37 states and Washington D.C. have legalized medical cannabis and THC for patients with qualifying medical conditions. However, the specific laws and regulations surrounding medical cannabis and THC vary from state to state.
It’s important to note that even in states where cannabis and THC are legal, there may still be restrictions on how and where they can be consumed, as well as age limits and possession limits. It’s always best to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in your state regarding cannabis and THC.
CBD vs. THC: Legality Canada
In Canada, cannabis-related laws have been evolving rapidly over the past few years. As of October 17, 2018, the federal government legalized recreational cannabis, including both CBD and THC. However, there are still regulations and restrictions in place for the production, sale, and use of cannabis products.
Under the Cannabis Act, individuals can legally possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or the equivalent in non-dried form in public. Individuals can also grow up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use. However, it’s important to note that each province and territory in Canada has the power to establish its own rules regarding the sale, distribution, and consumption of cannabis.
CBD products can be legally sold in Canada as long as they meet certain requirements. According to Health Canada, CBD products must be obtained from authorized sources and must not contain more than 0.3% THC. The packaging and labeling of CBD products must also meet certain standards and include important information such as the product’s THC and CBD content.
THC products, on the other hand, are legal for recreational and medical use in Canada but are subject to certain restrictions. For example, individuals must be of legal age (18 or 19, depending on the province) to purchase and consume THC products. The sale of THC products is also regulated by provincial and territorial governments, and there are limits on the amount of THC that can be sold per transaction.
Overall, while the legalization of cannabis has made CBD and THC products more widely available in Canada, it’s important to understand and follow the regulations and restrictions in place.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while both CBD and THC are derived from the cannabis plant, they have distinct differences in their chemical composition and effects on the body. CBD is non-intoxicating and has been shown to have numerous potential health benefits, while THC is psychoactive and primarily used for its euphoric effects.
In terms of legality, the laws surrounding CBD and THC vary widely by country and even by state or province. In Canada, both CBD and THC are legal for medical and recreational use, with certain restrictions and regulations in place.
