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CBD vs. THC: Benefits, Side Effects, and Types

Posted on by seomanager
CBD vs. THC
31
Oct

Cannabis and marijuana products are becoming legal in an increasing number of countries around the world. There are approximately 113 cannabinoids in cannabis, which induces a plethora of medicinal benefits and psychoactive effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two cannabinoids found in cannabis products most often.

Both hemp and marijuana contain THC and CBD. Hemp has a lot of CBD, while marijuana has more THC. Both of these natural compounds affect the endocannabinoid system in your body, but their effects are very different. If you are curious or planning to use CBD and THC, read more about these cannabis-derived compounds’ differences and their potential effects.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the second most common chemical molecule in cannabis. It was first found in the 1940s but has only been used as a natural treatment for various illnesses in the last few decades. CBD from hemp still has trace amounts of THC, while CBD derived from marijuana is less than THC.

CBD does not make you feel high. For hemp-derived to be legal, the amount of THC in it must be 0.3% or less. Hemp-derived CBD products can be bought in many different forms, such as capsules, gummies, oils, tinctures, creams, and extracts.

What Is THC?

THC is the main part of cannabis that induces psychoactive effects or makes you high. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that THC tells the brain to make dopamine, which then turns on the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects how you feel and what makes you feel good.

The euphoric feeling you get from THC comes from the chemical’s ability to make the brain release more dopamine than usual. Most people get THC from smoking marijuana, but it can also be found in capsules, tinctures, edibles, oils, and more.

THC, CBD, and the Entourage Effect

When both THC and CBD are taken simultaneously, there is a better chance that both cannabinoids will work better in helping you manage a wide range of medical conditions. The term for this kind of phenomenon is the “entourage effect.”

People prone to unpleasant side effects may still be able to get the possible health benefits if they stick to products that are low in THC and high in CBD. It has been shown that taking CBD along with THC can help lessen some of the adverse side effects that THC can do.

For example, people who use cannabis, especially with a lot of THC, may be more likely to have mental health problems like paranoia, anxiety, and psychosis. This is especially true when the THC level of cannabis is high. But some research shows that CBD might be able to make these effects less harmful.

The Main Differences Between CBD and THC

The endocannabinoid system is affected by both CBD and THC. The endocannabinoid system is a vital part of how the body keeps homeostasis. Memory, hunger, sleep, mood, and fertility are just some of the things known to be affected by this complex system, which scientists are still trying to figure out.

Even though THC and CBD have some things in common, they are also very different in some crucial ways.

Chemical Structures of CBD and THC

CBD and THC have the same chemical structure, comprising 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Because of this, they can work with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. However, although CBD and THC have similar molecular structures, they do not have the same intoxicating effects.

CBD does not give you the high that you usually get from THC. THC can bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain, inducing a feeling of excitement or a high. Research shows that the effects of this psychoactive high could be made more potent if the THC was inhaled instead of eaten.

On the other hand, CBD does not connect to CB1 receptors very well. But CBD can work to counteract some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC, like anxiety or intense euphoria.

Potential Medical Benefits of CBD and THC

Cannabis plants, especially those with CBD and THC concentrations, have excellent medical use in many ways. They can provide relief from the symptoms of various illnesses and diseases. The main difference is that CBD will not make you feel high like THC, which is why people often find it a better choice.

Potential Benefits of CBD

In 2018, Epidiolex was approved to be the first prescription drug to include CBD. It is used to treat some types of epilepsy that are rare and hard to control. CBD is also used to help with several other problems, including:

  • Inflammation
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBM)
  • Nausea
  • Migraine
  • Symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Sleep problems

More research must be done to determine if CBD can effectively treat these and other illnesses. Currently, none of these applications have been approved for medical use yet. CBD is also being looked at as a possible treatment for the following conditions in ongoing clinical research:

  • Mood disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sleep disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorders

Potential Benefits of THC

Two different versions of synthetic THC have been approved to be used to treat specific health problems. The first one is Nabilone, also called Cesamet, which is approved to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Another medicine is Dronabinol, also called Marinol and Syndros, which is approved to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It can also help people with AIDS or anorexia increase their appetite.

THC is often used to manage the symptoms of the following health problems:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Glaucoma
  • Low appetite
  • Chronic pain
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety

Recent studies have looked into whether THC could be used to treat a number of conditions, including:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Neuropathy

Potential Side Effects of CBD and THC

Unlike THC, CBD is easy for the body to handle, even at high doses. Research shows that CBD side effects are most likely caused by interactions between CBD and other drugs or medications you are taking. Here are some of the common side effects that could happen because of CBD:

  • Appetite changes
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Drowsiness

On the other hand, THC can lead to severe forms of side effects when taken in large doses. The fact that the substance is psychoactive means that it will always have these harmful effects. Some of these adverse effects include:

  • Faster heartbeat
  • Red eyes
  • Memory loss
  • Anxiety
  • Tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizure

While most of these effects are temporary, research shows that high THC use may have adverse long-term effects on the mind. This could be especially true for teens and young adults who take large amounts of THC.

According to research done in 2021, long-term use of cannabis can cause a syndrome called amotivational syndrome, which is characterized by low motivation and depressive symptoms. On the other hand, no research can prove that using cannabis causes mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Drug Testing in CBD and THC

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are kept in the body’s fat cells. Thus, you might still have traces of them in your body days or even weeks after using them.

Although CBD won’t appear on every drug test, some people are more likely to test positive for it than others. If the test is one of the basic drug tests, which look for compounds related to THC, CBD molecules can be detected as THC.

Also, hemp can make both CBD and THC. This means that a test for THC could come back positive even if you only used a CBD product. Thus, if you are going to take a drug test, you should refrain from using CBD or THC products.

Types of THC and CBD Products

CBD and THC can be made into a plethora of products. Knowing the differences between the options will make it easier to choose the best one. Here are the most common types of CBD products you can find online:

  • Whole Plant CBD: This is made from the whole plant and includes all the compounds and chemicals in it, but it is usually too thick for general use.
  • Full-Spectrum CBD: This does not contain any waxes or oils from the whole cannabis plant, but it does contain small amounts of THC.
  • Broad-Spectrum CBD: This does not have THC, but it does have other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
  • CBD Isolate: This only contains CBD. It does not contain THC or other ingredients, cannabinoids, flavonoids, or terpenes.

On the other hand, you will see a wide range of THC products in the market made from the Cannabis sativa plant and even Indica strains. However, various types of THC can be found in cannabis plants. Some of these are:

  • THCA: Most cannabinoids in cannabis are in the form of THCA. It is the precursor of THC and does not make you feel any high.
  • Delta 9 THC: This is the cannabinoid that gives marijuana its euphoric effects. It also helps relax the body and increases your appetite.
  • Delta 8 THC: Less than 1% of the cannabis plant is made up of Delta 8 THC, and research shows that it is not nearly as psychoactive as Delta 9.
  • THCP: This is about 33% stronger than Delta 9, and not enough conclusive research was done to price its health benefits.
  • THCV: This sticks to receptors less strongly, so it does not provide psychoactive effects unless you take it in huge doses.
Medical Cannabis or Medical Marijuana Tea for Pain Relief

How to Include Cannabis-Derived Products in Your Diet

THC and CBD can be consumed in many different ways. The most common way to get THC is by smoking cannabis, but you can also get it in many other cannabis products. CBD can be taken in many different ways, just like THC. Some of the most common cannabis products you can purchase online are:

The product you choose should depend on what you want to achieve. CBD may have benefits without the adverse side effects that come with THC. This makes it a good alternative for people who want to experience pain relief or better sleep. On the other hand, there is a chance that THC is a better way to treat symptoms or diseases like loss of appetite and anxiety.

Conclusion

In the past few years, people have become more interested in how cannabis might affect and help their health. There are more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and two of them are gaining a lot of attention from both researchers and cannabis users.

CBD and THC are two different types of chemical compounds that come from cannabis. Many products on the market now contain CBD, THC, or both of these substances. These products are made to treat things like stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Before you use cannabis or CBD products, you should talk to your primary care doctor or a trained cannabis or CBD clinician. CBD and THC help make cannabis useful for medicine and are thought to be safe, but you should know that they could have side effects or interact with other medicines you may be taking.

If you are looking for the best CBD and THC products, check out the available lab-tested items here at Ahuevo. Place your order now and receive your discreet parcel within the day through our same-day delivery service around Metro Vancouver.

FAQ

CBD seems to show promise in reducing inflammation, which could help people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis feel less pain. However, THC seems to have a more significant effect on how the mind perceives pain. Most studies that look at how well THC and CBD work for treating pain use a ratio of 1:1. If you have never used any of the two cannabinoids to relieve pain before, using a ratio of 1:1 can help you get used to how both chemicals make you feel.
A strain with a THC concentration of more than 15% is considered to have a high cannabinoid potency. Some concentrates like shatter, wax, and dabs can have up to 80% THC on their own. Other extracts can have as much as 90% THC.

One of the most common misconceptions about cannabis use is that a higher THC content means better quality bud, which leads to a better and stronger high. However, the amount of THC in your cannabis product is just one of the many factors that can contribute to your cannabis experience and is only a vague sign of how strong and effective it is.

At first glance, CBD might not seem dangerous, but there is no guarantee that it is entirely safe. If you take too much CBD, you might experience dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. Even though it is rare, liver damage could also happen.

If you or someone else thinks they have taken too much CBD, you should seek medical help. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. If someone is not responding, having trouble breathing, or having a seizure.

CBD oil is a type of cannabis product that is becoming more popular and is often marketed as a way to help people lose weight. But the most recent studies do not show that it affects weight. Some studies show that CBD may boost metabolism and simultaneously reduce body fat and appetite, but others show that it may make people hungrier.

There is not much evidence proving that CBD directly affects metabolism or appetite. But using CBD may help control weight in other ways. For instance, many people eat more when they are stressed, in pain, or tired. If CBD proves effective in helping manage stress and pain, it makes sense that it could also help stop people from overeating.

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