A Closer Look at the Differences Between CBD and THC
Marijuana is a multifaceted plant. Knowing the differences between CBD and THC, the primary compounds found in cannabis, is incredibly helpful. Once you understand the differences in properties of these two key cannabinoids, choosing the right type of cannabis formulation becomes a world easier.
This article will examine both CBD and THC’s effects as isolated compounds and when taken together. After reading this you will be better equipped to make an informed choice when purchasing and consuming cannabis products.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Within the cannabis plant, there are over 120+ chemical compounds known as cannabinoids with more and more being discovered each year. The two most well-known and studied cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and Cannabidiol, CBD.
The molecular structure of these two cannabinoids is actually very similar, both containing 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms, with a slightly different arrangement of the atoms. This slight variance in placement accounts for the majorly differing impacts that these compounds can have on your body. The most notable difference is found in the psychoactive effect, with THC being highly psychoactive while CBD is completely non-psychoactive.
On the molecular level, both THC and CBD are very similar to the endocannabinoids that your body produces internally to help maintain and control the endocannabinoid system of your body. The structure of THC is most similar to a brain chemical called Anandamide, or AEA. Both THC and AEA interact primarily with the cannabinoid receptors labeled as CB1 receptors.
The structure of CBD is most similar to another endocannabinoid compound called 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG, both of which interact with CB2 receptors.
As you age or experience disease the endocannabinoids that your body produces to maintain your health often declines. This is known as endocannabinoid deficiency and is seen as a precursor to many illnesses.
By duplicating the roles and effects of AEA and 2-AG, as well as modifying their concentration levels in the blood, both THC and CBD have shown to stimulate the endocannabinoid system by activating cannabinoid receptors.
Medical and Therapeutic Benefits of THC
If you are using a medical marijuana product that gets you high, then it definitely has THC in it. THC is the most well-known compound in cannabis because of its psychoactive effect and the history of its use throughout time.
THC binds especially well with CB1 receptors in the brain and throughout the nervous system because it mimics AEA in shape and structure. The basic role of CB1 receptors is to facilitate and regulate the nervous system including pain levels, appetite, stress, sleep cycles, and mood. THC mimics AEA and also affects endocannabinoid levels in the bloodstream. Research suggests this is the main way that THC appears to provide therapeutic and medical benefits including:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Pain relief
Elevated mood
Deeper sleep
Increased appetite
And others
One study indicated that THC from cannabis is effective for managing chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and reducing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis when used appropriately.
CB1 receptors and THC are also associated in this study with activating the brain’s pleasure and reward pathways, giving you feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and stress relief.
Medical and Therapeutic Benefits of CBD
Cannabis that has very little to no THC in it is generally called hemp. Hemp has been grown mostly for industrial and textiles purposes, but now more commonly for making CBD oil and CBD products. In the United States, hemp production is now federally legal.
There are many reports and studies exploring the effects of CBD stimulation on the brain despite its non-psychoactive effect. CBD is able to indirectly stimulate both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Researchers have discussed the effect CBD has on CB2 receptors extensively as a major pathway of the therapeutic benefits CBD can provide. CBD also binds with other receptors such as Vanilloid and Serotonin receptors and effects bloodstream levels of 2-AG and anandamide.
CB2 receptors are most commonly found in the immune system, scattered evenly throughout the body, and in increased expression during periods of inflammation in the body. When CB2 receptors are activated they help with boosting immune function and controlling inflammation by providing communication for the proper hormones and enzymes to be released.
CBD is able to stimulate both CB1 and CB2 receptors to work together, providing many therapeutic benefits such as:
Anxiety and stress relief
Anti-seizure and epilepsy treatment
Neuroprotective antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammation and pain relief
Muscle relaxation
Enhanced mood
Healthy sleep regulation
And more
In clinical studies, CBD has shown the potential to be helpful to opioid addicts for reducing cravings for opioids as well as reducing the symptoms of withdrawal. Another study explored the role that CBD could play in ending alcohol addiction and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Although further research is necessary, early findings show promise for innovative cannabinoid-based therapies and medicines in a wide range of health issues.
Side Effects of Cannabis, CBD vs. THC
The side effects of cannabis are generally quite mild, especially when compared to side effects of conventional and pharmaceutical drugs and treatments. THC is known for having more adverse effects than CBD, especially after prolonged or long-term usage.
Side effects of THC could include any of the following:
Paranoia
Anxiety
Sleepiness/ lethargy
Increased heart rate
Dry mouth
Dry and red eyes
Increased appetite or “munchies”
Impaired short-term memory
Most of these side effects are often temporary and wear off as soon as the THC wears off. Long-term usage or abuse of THC cannabis could result in some long-term side effects, but further research is required. Some studies have shown that CBD blocks the adverse side effects of THC and can even reduce the effect of feeling high.
Reported side effects of CBD also seem to be quite mild, including dry mouth, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure, especially compared to its tremendous clinical benefits. Studies done by a team of German researchers investigated the side effects of CBD in isolate and found it to be safe for human consumption with no lasting adverse effects.
The Entourage Effect - How THC and CBD Work Together
Even though THC and CBD are often marketed separately, the cannabis plant is made up of dozens of other cannabinoids, plus other types of compounds including terpenes and flavonoids. When used together, in balanced whole plant extracts, THC and CBD work together synergistically in a phenomenon commonly called “The Entourage Effect.”
A study done in 1981 shows that whole cannabis plant extracts produced 330% more brain activity than THC alone did in mice. When you use cannabis, the phytocannabinoids enter into your bloodstream and then quickly begin stimulating various types of neuro-receptor activities.
The entourage effect theory gives an idea of how these compounds can work together to change the effects, and possibly produce a stronger benefit together than they would in isolation.
Learn More about Medical Marijuana
We hope this article helps you to understand how the primary compounds found in cannabis function. New research into cannabis’ effects continues to expand our understanding of how to interact with marijuana to fulfill our individual needs.
To continue learning about medical marijuana stay tuned to our blog at Maine Cannabis Exchange. We would love to hear your comments below and please find us on social media to stay connected. Thanks for reading!