Cannabinoids are chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most frequent and well-known cannabinoids, although each has its own set of characteristics. THC generates a ‘high,’ whereas CBD does not. It’s possible to consume CBD derived from cannabis plants lawfully. However, because of legal limitations, merchants have difficulties obtaining CBD from cultivated hemp plants.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis?
Cannabis is a term that refers to both hemp and marijuana plants, which are all varieties of cannabis. To put it another way, hemp and marijuana can both be correctly identified as cannabis plants.
However, they have a number of key characteristics in common – most notably, their legality. While hemp (which is legal in the United States) has a maximum THC concentration of 0.3 percent, marijuana has a significantly higher level of THC. Despite this, both cannabis plants fall under the broader definition of “cannabis.”
Hemp and cannabis (marijuana) interact with the human body and mind via the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that collaborate to modify numerous important functions, such as pain, hunger, sleep, and more.
Cannabis contains a variety of chemicals that support the body’s function. THC and CBD are two of the most frequently occurring components, and they’re the subject of the most research. But what exactly are they, how do they function, and why are they distinct from one another?
CBD & THC: The Superstar Cannabinoids
Previously, the general public associated cannabis with getting high, which meant that the attention was always on THC. Recent studies, however, have revealed CBD and other cannabinoids. This has created a new window of opportunity for studying the medical advantages of marijuana.
Cannabis flowers and buds contain both THC and CBD, which are cannabinoids. They’re both found in the cannabis plant’s trichomes, which coat a mature flower. However, each strain may yield significantly different amounts of each chemical.
What Is THC & How Does It Work?
THC is the first real star of the cannabis plant, responsible for producing the intoxicating high. There’s no doubt that smoking a high-THC strain will change your thoughts. However, THC has a variety of powerful medical uses as well.
THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When THC reaches the brain, it activates dopamine-producing cells. THC also activates cannabinoid receptors, which have a variety of functions in the brain. Some high-THC strains provide a burst of energy and creativity. Other marijuana plants produce a relaxing effect as the high takes control of your body. Depending on certain strains, THC may have mild or strong effects, with impacts showing up 10 minutes after consuming cannabis. The following are some of the most typical effects of THC:
- Increase in appetite
- Drowsiness
- Analgesic
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
According to a 2019 study, THC may help with symptoms of illnesses more than CBD. In a 2019 research (see previous paragraph), almost 3,300 people completed roughly 20,000 self-administered medical marijuana sessions using Releaf’s app. After utilizing high-THC products, users reported feeling significantly better. High-CBD medicines, on the other hand, were not linked to any measurable symptom improvements.
What Is CBD & How Does It Work?
The most exciting aspect about CBD is that it does not induce intoxication. As a result, the chemical is typically used for medical/therapeutic purposes only. Scientists are still trying to figure out how CBD functions in the body. However , research suggests that there is an interaction between the ECS and CBD.
Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are the two most abundant cannabinoid receptors in the body. The majority of CB1 receptors are found in the brain. They’re important for memory, sleep, mood, hunger, pain sensation, and a variety of other things.
CBD binds to two types of receptors: the CB1 receptors, which are found in the brain and nervous system, and the CB2 receptors, which are present in the immune system and various organ and tissue systems throughout the body. These receptors mediate anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. While THC affects both receptors directly, CBD works indirectly on them by increasing levels of endocannabinoids in the body. CBD also appears to prevent natural breakdown of endocannabinoids. Here are a few of CBD’s most notable attributes:
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-convulsant
- Neuroprotective
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
There’s evidence that CBD can help with some aspects of Parkinson’s disease. Additional research may reveal further information about CBD and its possible applications in the future.
THC: Why the High?
We must pay close attention to the CB1 receptors, which are particularly found in the nervous system and brain, when it comes to the euphoric effects of cannabis. THC binds strongly with CB1, whereas CBD does not. Simply put, the THC molecule is perfectly formed to make the link; like a key in a lock, it fits well. The CB1 receptors are stimulated by THC once this connection is made
THC is a cannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptors. THC, like other cannabinoids, mimics anandamide, aka the “bliss molecule,” which is a naturally occurring endocannabinoid. Because THC’s structure resembles that of anandamide, it helps to elicit pleasant emotions when it activates CB1 receptors.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an antagonist of CB1 receptors, whereas THCV is a non- Became aware cannabis strain with high CBD content. THCV works in opposition to the functioning of CB1 receptors.
If you use the same cannabis strain with an equal amount of THC and CBD, it may create a strong high. However, if it also includes 8 percent CBD, these side effects will be reduced, and paranoia should go down as well.
CBD & THC: Better Together?
When cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids are combined in cannabis plants, they have been found to work far better for medical purposes than any single ingredient. The entourage effect is the term used to describe this phenomenon. When cannabis’ components are combined together, they can produce numerous favorable effects that no individual component could accomplish alone. The use of cannabis for chronic pain is a good example. While THC alone might assist in the alleviation of pain, CBD can help with anxiety symptoms that can accompany chronic illnesses. CBD for sleep is also gaining a lot of attention recently. Depression, arthritis, anxiety disorders, and headaches might be treated effectively using a blend of THC, CBD, and terpenes.
Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may help to alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. This was shown in a 2009 research published in BMC Neurology, which involved both cannabinoids. Both cannabinoids were found to be well tolerated by participants in the studies reviewed.
Legal Status
THC
Uruguay was the first nation on earth to legalize marijuana for recreational use when it did so in 2014. Bill C-45, which legalizes the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis, was passed in Canada. (It also permits the sale of cannabis by licensed merchants). Cannabis is still internationally prohibited in the United States, although it is permitted for recreational usage in a growing number of states.
CBD
CBD is a Schedule I drug, which means it is illegal in the United States. All CBD products derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant are classified as such. The 2018 Farm Bill, on the other hand, allows industrial hemp with an overall THC concentration of no more than 0.3 percent to be grown throughout the nation.
Conclusion on CBD Vs. THC
The popularity of CBD products has increased dramatically in recent years, owing to the Farm Bill. CBD products are now available for purchase, including oils and capsules. According to preliminary research, CBD appears to have a wide range of health advantages.
However, while CBD is likely to be useful in treating a variety of issues, THC may also assist. There is evidence that THC is more effective than CBD at relieving certain symptoms. Researchers will be able to figure out how each chemical works and whether it benefits people as the number of research on CBD and THC grows.
