Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main active ingredients in cannabis. They are both cannabinoids, which are compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

THC is the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It is the compound that makes you feel “high.” CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive. It does not produce the “high” associated with THC.

CBD is extracted from hemp or cannabis. Hemp is a type of cannabis that contains 0.3% of THC or less. This means that it is federally legal in the United States.

CBD has a variety of potential applications. It is being studied for its use in treating anxiety, depression, and pain. CBD is also being investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD Vs. THC: The Chemical Makeup

CBD and THC differ in many ways, but at their core, they have the same chemical structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

Slightly adjusting how these atoms are arranged has varying effects on the body. For example, CBD is known to be non-psychoactive, while THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” feeling often associated with cannabis use.

CBD and THC interact with our bodies in different ways because they bind to different receptors. CBD binds to receptors called CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in the immune system. THC, on the other hand, binds to CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the brain.

The binding of CBD and THC to these receptors triggers the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals responsible for sending messages between cells, and they also have an effect on pain reception, immune function, sleep, stress, and more.

CBD Vs. THC: Psychoactive Factors

CBD is known for its calming and relaxing effects, while THC is associated with the “high” that comes from marijuana use. CBD does not produce this high, but it is still psychoactive. This means that it can help with issues like anxiety, depression, and seizures.

However, CBD is not known to produce the same kind of psychoactive effects as THC. CBD is non-addictive and does not interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in the same way that THC does. This means that it is not habit-forming, and you will not build up a tolerance to it over time. CBD is also known to be much safer than THC, and it has a very low toxicity level.

This means that it is unlikely to cause any serious side effects, even at high doses. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not produce a high. It is also non-addictive, so you will not build up a tolerance to it over time.

CBD Vs.THC: Potential Benefits

CBD and THC share many similarities, including their ability to help with a variety of medical conditions. Some of the conditions that CBD can help with include seizures, inflammation, pain, psychosis or mental disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, migraine, depression, and anxiety.

THC also helps with many of these same conditions, plus muscle spasticity, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, and nausea. However, one key difference between CBD and THC is that CBD does not have the psychoactive effect of getting high.

This makes CBD a more appealing option for those who are looking for relief from their conditions without the mind-altering effects of THC.

CBD Vs THC: Side Effects

Side effects from THC and CBD consumption can vary greatly. THC is known to cause increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, impaired thinking or concentration, anxiety, and paranoia.

CBD side effects may include appetite changes, fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, and diarrhea. These side-effects are a direct result of the compound’s psychoactive properties.

And while neither compound is fat-soluble, both are able to cross the blood-brain barrier which means that they can potentially have an impact on brain function. So it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before consuming either compound.