As you know Cannabis contains over 113 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two types of chemical compounds derived from cannabis. In recent years, the popularity of cannabis has increased rapidly because of its potential health effect. Much of this interest depends on the two major cannabinoids ‘CBD and THC’.

There are varieties of cannabis products available in the cannabis online and in local stores that contain CBD, THC, or both. They help in alleviate ailments such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia. To understand their side effects and potential benefits, it is important to first understand the term CBD and THC.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most dominant chemical compounds found in cannabis. It is first discovered during the 1940s, and CBD has recently become more popular as a natural treatment for a range of conditions. CBD is derived from hemp or marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD has a little amount of THC, while marijuana-derived CBD may contain more.

What Is THC?

THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC activates the brain’s reward system by signaling the release of the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood and pleasure. THC triggers trigger our brain to release dopamine which gives a feeling of euphoria. THC is often administered by vape marijuana, but it can also be found as an ingredient in capsules, edibles, and oils.

CBD vs THC: Chemical Structure

When we talk about the chemical structure of CBD & THC, both have the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. 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 our body’s endocannabinoids. Which allows them to interact with our cannabinoid receptors. Because of the interaction, the brain releases neurotransmitters that relay the message between cells and help to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress as well as improve immune function, stress, and sleep.

CBD vs THC: Psychoactive Components

There is a difference between the psychoactive effects of both CBD & THC. THC is more psychoactive than CBD and others. CBD doesn’t produce a high effect like THC. CBD helps relieve anxiety, depression, and seizures while THC reacts with the cannabinoid 1 receptors in the brain and produces a high sense of euphoria.

CBD vs. THC: Medical Benefits

CBD and THC both have some similar medical benefits. They can provide relief from several health conditions, but CBD doesn’t give the euphoric effects that occur with THC. Some people may prefer to use CBD to avoid this side effect. As per the FDA report, CBD helps in treating rare and difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy.

CBD is also used to help with many health conditions, such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Pain
Inflammation
Nausea
Migraine
Seizures
Mental disorders or psychosis
Inflammatory bowel disease

THC also helps in several medical conditions like:

Anxiety
Nausea
Low appetite
Pain
Muscle spasticity
Glaucoma
Insomnia

CBD vs. THC: Side Effects

CBD gives mild effects, which are well tolerated even in large doses. However, if you experience any side effects with CBD, they are likely the result of drug-to-drug interactions between CBD and other medications you may be taking.

THC causes some temporary side effects, like:

Anxiety
Red eyes
Dry mouth
Memory loss
Increased heart rate
Coordination problems
Slower reaction times

The side effects of CBD may have:

Diarrhea
Dizziness
Weight loss
Fatigue
Appetite changes

How To Take CBD and THC

Both CBD and THC can be consumed in different ways.

The most popular method to consume THC by smoking, but besides this, there are varieties of methods to consume CBD and THC, they are:

Oils
Tinctures
Sprays
Vape Products
Edibles including gummies and chocolates
Beverages containing marijuana oil

CBD can also be consumed in many ways. The most popular form is CBD oils, which are used for vaping. CBD can also be taken orally as a tincture, oil, capsule, or spray. Edible CBD products are also popular such as gummies, candies, and beverages.

Whenever you are choosing CBD products, it is also important to know about their formulation method. Isolate products contain only CBD, Broad-spectrum products contain other cannabinoids with the exception of THC, while full-spectrum CBD products contain CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.

Which One You Should Choose CBD or THC?

Which one you should choose depends on the effects you are trying to get. If you want to reduce stress or insomnia, CBD may help without any side effects. THC might be a better choice for symptoms or conditions for which the substance has demonstrated benefits, such as tremors or poor appetite.

if you take CBD along with THC, it will help you to reduce some of the unwanted effects that THC may have. For example, one study claims that CBD may potentially reduce some of the negative cognitive effects of regular cannabis use.

People who take cannabis have high THC levels and may have a greater risk of experiencing psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, and paranoia. Studies have found that CBD may help mitigate these effects.

It is also crucial to know that CBD and THC trigger the different areas of the brain, and researchers do not yet fully understand the effects that these cannabinoids have, either alone or in conjunction with one another.

In a study in 2019, it is found that low doses of CBD played a role in amplifying the psychoactive effects of THC, while high doses of CBD reduced THC’s effects.

What is the Entourage Effect?

According to some research, the potential therapeutic effects of THC and CBD tend to be greater when the two cannabinoids are taken together at the same time. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.

CBD vs THC: Drug Testing

As we mentioned above, THC is the main psychoactive substance of cannabis, it can be detected on the most standard drug test. CBD may be perceptible as well, while many drug tests are not designed to look for cannabidiol.

CBD products have trace amounts of THC, however, they may detectable if you are consuming large quantities of CBD or if the product you are using contains more THC than the packaging label claims.

In research, it is found that 70% of CBD products are mislabeled or contain more High voltage extracts than the label suggests. Because of the lack of regulation of these products, it is difficult to know exactly how much THC you are getting.

Simply, you can say, there is no way to differentiate between THC and CBD based on appearance, smell, taste, or texture. So, always purchase from reputable manufacturers and retailers, it may help ensure that you are getting the type of product you want.

Both THC and CBD are stored in consumers’ body fat, which means they can be detected on drug tests for some time after you have stopped using them.

Final Words:

CBD and THC both have medical benefits and are considered safe to consume. However, you may experience some side effects because of overdose and interactions with other drugs you’re taking. So, if you are taking any medication, talk with your doctor or expert cannabis or CBD clinician before use.