With the progression of cannabis consumption in recent years, more and more people are benefiting from its use. Whether it’s for medical or recreational purposes, there’s a lot to understand regarding cannabis products. Starting with differentiating CBD and THC will help make things clearer when it comes to deciding on a product. They both have different properties and effects, which is why we’ll break down the differences of both CBD and THC:
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also commonly referred to as CBD, is a prevalent chemical compound found in cannabis. CBD can be derived from Sativa plants or hemp. Due to its ability to treat a wide variety of conditions, it has become more and more popular throughout the years.
What Is THC?
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is a psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis. THC activates the reward system in your brain, which releases dopamine. Dopamine is an important factor in administrating feelings of euphoria.
Chemical Structure
Both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. However, there are differences in their chemical structure.
CBD and THC both have the same molecular structure made up of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. While they both interact with your cannabinoid receptors, the slight rearrangement of atoms creates different effects on your body.
The Key Difference
CBD and THC share certain similarities, but there are some key differences between how they work.
- CBD: Is non-psychoactive, which does not produce a high.
- THC: This is a psychoactive property, which produces a high.
Potential Benefits
CBD
CBD has the potential of treating many different medical conditions, such as:
- Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Inflammation
- Mental health
THC
THC can assist in relieving the following problems:
- Pain
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Low appetite
- Muscle spasticity
- Nausea
- Anxiety
While both properties have a lot to offer, it is important to remember that benefits can also have side effects.
Possible Side Effects
As studies show, there is no possible abuse potential when using CBD. However, CBD side effects may be minor, but can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Changes in appetite
THC can cause a different set of side effects, such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Anxiety
- Slow reaction time
- Memory loss
- Coordination problems
While neither of the two is fatal, continued use of cannabis may result in a poorer long-term outcome in individuals with existing psychotic disorders. It may increase the chances of developing psychosis, especially when beginning at an earlier age.
Conclusion
As long as you’re of legal age, and your state and country allows it, you’ll be able to find a variety of CBD and THC products. You can easily find these stores when you buy weed online. From a Penticton dispensary to a cannabis store in Winnipeg, your nearest dispensary will have something in stock to your liking. Remember to keep an eye on your consumption and any side effects that may occur. The most integral part is that the experience should be a positive one.
