THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

These days, it seems that everyone is talking about THC and CBD. You’ll see it on the news, advertised in convenience stores and coffee shops, and even in your aunt’s Facebook posts. But with so much talk out there, there is also a lot of misinformation. 

When it comes to THC vs CBD, what actually is the difference? Are these substances healthy for you? And will they get you high?

These are common questions and people tend to end up confused when looking for answers. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. 

So if you would like to learn more, then keep on reading and we’ll walk you through what THC and CBD are and how they differ.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is a chemical compound that is responsible for most of the psychological effects of marijuana. THC is a cannabinoid and acts a lot like the cannabinoid chemicals that are naturally made in the human body.  

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, is a complicated and intricate system in the human body. It was first discovered by scientists several decades ago as they were trying to better understand THC. 

While we are still trying to fully comprehend what the ECS is and how it works, we do know that it plays roles in regulating a variety of processes and functions. These include:

• fertility and reproduction
• memory
• appetite
• mood
• sleep

The endocannabinoid system exists and is active in the body, even if you don’t use cannabis. 

How the ECS Works 

There are three main components that make up the ECS: enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids.  

Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules that are created by the body. They are very similar to cannabinoids, except they are naturally made in the body. 

There are two main endocannabinoids that we know of: 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA).

These endocannabinoids help to keep internal processes running properly. Your body makes them as needed. 

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body. Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors in order to signal that the endocannabinoid system needs to take action. 

There are two key endocannabinoid receptors: CB2 and CB1.

CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system (CNS). CB2 receptors are mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.

Endocannabinoids are able to bind to either receptor. The effects that result from this binding will depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid does the binding. 

Enzymes are then needed to break down endocannabinoids after they’ve carried out their function.

There are two key enzymes that are responsible for this. First, there is the fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA.

There is also monoacylglycerol acid lipase. This enzyme usually breaks down 2-AG.

What Are the Functions of the ECS? 

The ECS is a complex system and experts aren’t sure about exactly how it works or what all of its possible processes are. We do currently know that the ECS is related to the following functions:

• skin and nerve function
• stress
• reproductive system function
• liver function
• bone remodeling and growth
• cardiovascular system function
• muscle formation
• sleep
• motor control
• learning and memory
• mood
• inflammation and other immune system responses
• metabolism
• chronic pain
• digestion and appetite

All of these processes are related to homeostasis. When your body reaches homeostasis, everything internally is balanced.

The current belief is that the job of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis.  

How Does THC Interact With the ECS?

The reason why cannabinoids from plants are able to have medicinal and psychoactive effects within the human body is that they can interact with the ECS. THC is able to get a person high because it activates the CB1 receptor in the brain.

Endocannabinoids also activate the CB1 receptor. So why aren’t we high all of the time?

There are a few reasons for this. First off, THC does not interact with ECS receptors in the exact same way as internal endocannabinoids do.

Also, the metabolic enzymes break down endocannabinoids very quickly. The enzymes are not as effective on THC, so THC is able to affect the brain for much longer. 

THC’s Effects on the Body 

THC is able to create a sense of euphoria in people because it is able to stimulate brain cells and help release dopamine. It also affects how information is processed in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that is in charge of forming new memories.  

THC can also produce hallucinations. It can cause delusions and change a person’s thinking. 

The effects of THC typically last for around two hours. They likely kick in between ten and thirty minutes after consumption. 

After the felt high has stopped, psychomotor impairment might continue. 

In some instances, side effects of THC can include:

• pain relief
• relaxation
• sedation
• issues with recalling short-term memory
• rapid heart rate
• anxiety
• elation

Other kinds of cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, can reduce and mitigate negative effects. 

Medicinal Uses

The marijuana plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Many states have legalized the plant for medicinal uses and some have even legalized it for recreational use. 

THC is usually extracted from marijuana. But it can also be synthesized in a lab. Synthesized THC is used to prevent or treat vomiting and nausea that is associated with cancer treatment. It can also boost the appetites of people who have AIDS. 

THC can also bring many other medical benefits. For example, in small doses, THC can improve memory.  

Many consumers also prefer marijuana to prescription pills because it is more natural and less addictive. 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical compound from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Both marijuana and hemp are varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant. 

The main difference between marijuana and hemp has to do with how much THC each plant has. In order for a Cannabis Sativa plant to legally be considered hemp, it cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC.

Because of this, marijuana plants tend to have high concentrations of THC and low concentrations of CBD. The opposite is true for hemp plants.

CBD is a naturally occurring substance and is one of the main cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, along with THC.  

How Does CBD Interact With the ECS?

Thanks to the ECS, CBD is able to affect a wide variety of symptoms. CBD is able to bind to both CB2 and CB1 receptors. 

CBD can also interact with the body via several biological channels. The fact that it can activate several channels at one time may be why it’s able to produce distinct therapeutic effects.  

CBD also has a very interesting relationship with THC. At a molecular level, CBD acts in an opposite way to THC. While THC is an agonist of CB1 receptors, CBD is an inverse agonist.

When THC and CBD are taken together, CBD has the ability to curb the negative side effects of THC. It does this by activating an inverse response from CB1 receptors. 

CBD Won’t Get You High 

Perhaps the biggest difference between CBD and THC is that CBD cannot get you high.

While CBD is psychoactive, it is nonintoxicating. This means that you won’t have any euphoric or paranoid effects. You won’t feel altered or sedated in any way.

It should be noted that there are some possible exceptions to this. First off, some people simply react differently to CBD. These same people tend to feel side effects from drugs like Tylenol and Advil.

You never know just how your body is going to interact with a new substance. So you should also start small and under supervision.

It is also possible that the CBD product that you buy actually has THC in it. This is why it’s very important that you buy your CBD from a reputable source like Muddy Boot Botanicals. 

What Are the Health Benefits of CBD?

Scientists are still learning about the possible health benefits of CBD. Many CBD retailers will claim that CBD is a panacea that can cure just about any ailment. While this isn’t true, we can also confidently say that CBD isn’t just some snake oil with zero benefits. 

Out of all of the possible health benefits that CBD brings, it’s perhaps most effective at treating seizures and epilepsy. 

CBD’s efficacy was made famous by the case of Charlotte Figi. Charlotte was a young girl who would experience hundreds of seizures every week. After taking CBD, she only experienced a couple of seizures every month. 

In fact, the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that uses CBD as the main ingredient is Epidiolex, which is used to treat epilepsy. CBD is so effective at treating epilepsy because it uses unique pathways to reach the brain, which other medications don’t do. 

CBD has also been known to treat a variety of other health issues, such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and even cancer. 

CBD and Inflammation

CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. CBD is able to reduce inflammation because it inhibits an enzyme known as COX2. NSAID drugs, like Aspirin and Advil, also target COX2 in their method of action. 

By inhibiting inflammation, you can relieve joint pain, reduce tumors, and even treat acne.

CBD Won’t Make You Fail a Drug Test

There are currently no drug tests out there that test for CBD. Because CBD doesn’t get you high, it shouldn’t interfere with your work at all. If you take THC before a drug test, you will likely fail the test. 

With that said, there are CBD products out there that might contain traces of THC. Even if the packaging says that it is pure CBD, it still might contain some THC. And even though it is likely not enough THC to get you high, you can still fail a drug test from it. 

The legality of THC and CBD

The legality of both THC and CBD in the United States is very confusing. At a federal level, THC is illegal to possess, both medically and recreationally.

However, there are many states that have legalized THC, both medically and recreationally.

After President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, he also legalized CBD, so long as it came from a hemp plant that contained less than 0.3 percent THC. 

However, CBD is also outlawed in several states. In order to make sure that you are on the right side of the law, it’s very important that you research the legal status of these compounds in your city and state. 

Also, thanks to a loophole in the Farm Bill, Delta 8 THC is also technically federally legal. Make sure to check out this page to learn more about Delta 8 THC. 

The Importance of Knowing the Difference When It Comes to THC vs. CBD

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now understand the differences when it comes to THC vs. CBD. As we can see, THC and CBD both come with positive aspects.

However, each compound also interacts differently with the human body. By understanding these differences, you can make more educated and confident purchasing decisions. This will help you better treat your own health issues in a natural and effective way.

Are you looking for other helpful articles like this one? If you are, then you should make sure to check out the rest of our site today for even more!