As the battle between the legalization of marijuana continues in the United States (and, more recently, globally), it’s worth examining what exactly the cannabis plant consists of. What are the components that has created such a controversy for decades? The two major components of cannabis that are stirring attention and national debate are CBD and THC. In this blog article, we will dissect both these chemicals and learn more about each.
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It was only recently that scientists began to understand the compounds found in cannabis, called cannabinoids. Of these cannabinoids, THC and CBD are the most well-known.
What exactly is THC and CBD?
THC (which stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. This part of the marijuana plant is what contributes to the sensation of being “high,” which is a dominating reason marijuana has such a growing market. It’s a natural alternative for temporarily altering your state of mind, with far less danger than something artificially manufactured. while
On the other hand, CBD (which stands for Cannabidiol), does not have any psychoactive properties. It’s extremely popular with consumers based on its ability to help with everything from chronic pain, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, to anxiety and insomnia.
So, what’s the difference? The primary one is that CBD will not get you high. It also has a range of benefits that THC does not have, such as reducing inflammation and being neuroprotective. However, it doesn’t work quite as well for some conditions as THC does, and it may be less effective in treating higher levels of chronic pain.
Chemical Structures of THC and CBD
While CBD and THC are comprised of an identical chemical formula (21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms), the difference is in the arrangement of the atoms. Both chemicals have the same amount of each kind of atom and the same molecular structure, but their layout is what’s responsible for the difference each chemical has on your body when consumed.
CBD and THC both operate within receptors in your brain that release neurotransmitters, hence affecting memory, sleep, mood, and potential pain. THC has a three-dimensional structure that’s very similar to the brain chemical anandamide, which is linked to pain relief and other effects. On the other hand, CBD does not have this same connection with our brains. This makes for some of their differences in how they affect us once consumed.
How do CBD and THC affect our bodies?
The main psychoactive compound in marijuana is THC, the chemical that attributes to the feeling of being “high.” Humans have two kinds of cannabinoid receptors in our systems, and THC binds with these receptors, which are located mostly in the brain. This is how THC is responsible for altering people’s state of mind and creating that pleasurable, euphoric feeling.
In contrast, the chemical CBD doesn’t cause that high. It is believed to intertwine with other chemicals in people’s bodies and relieve other symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain. In recent years, the usage of CBD has been shown to be effective on animals, too.
So, what’s the difference between CBD and THC? In short, CBD is non-psychoactive and has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, while THC is psychoactive and is mainly used for its euphoric effects. Each cannabinoid has unique advantages that make it ideal for different applications. For example, CBD is excellent for general health and well-being, while THC can be helpful in treating chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions.
What cannabis compound do you prefer? Do you think there are any benefits to using both compounds together? If you have more questions or are interested in trying weed products, visit our dispensary in Lemon Grove.
