CBD vs THC

CBD vs THC

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

CBD vs THC

Both THC and CBD are cannabinoids, and both (along with over 100 other cannabinoids) are derived from marijuana and hemp. People use both THC and CBD to relieve pain and insomnia. CBD in particular also shows promise for reducing inflammation. 

Although studies suggest THC may have a stronger therapeutic impact, many CBD users don’t want to experience the intoxicating side effects or risk the other potential complications of THC use. CBD, on the other hand, does not get users high. 

The most noteworthy difference between the two cannabinoids are psychoactive properties, or the “high”: THC has it, CBD doesn’t. 

The Legality of CBD and THC 

The cannabinoid THC is still strictly regulated. It is currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level. THC is only available for legal purchase in a handful of states due to this Schedule 1 designation. CBD, on the other hand, is completely legal now due to the 2018 Farm Bill. 

CBD's most important distinction from THC is that it lacks any kind of psychoactive component. Simply put, CBD does not give the user the kind of “high” effect that THC will; this is one key reason CBD has exploded in popularity. 

Though early research has shown that THC and CBD offer some similar health benefits (especially pain-management), CBD is often viewed as the superior of the two from a treatment standpoint because it offers benefits without debilitating the user. 

Full-Spectrum CBD Products 

Full-spectrum products do contain trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3 percent), along with dozens of flavonoids, terpenes, other cannabinoids and helpful amino acids and nutrients. The THC concentration in full-spectrum CBD products are not high enough to abuse recreationally. 

What is the benefit for Full-Spectrum?

There are a number of benefits to full-spectrum CBD products. They tend to be less expensive because the process of refining the CBD from hemp is less involved. 

Full-spectrum CBD products also benefit from the entourage effect. Studies have shown that when cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are used together, their overall effectiveness is amplified. For the consumer, that means being able to take less of a product and enjoy a stronger effect, especially in pain-relief.

However, there are potential downsides to consider with full-spectrum CBD products. 

First, your body might interact with the multiple cannabinoids in unanticipated ways, so you will need to closely regulate and monitor full-spectrum use compared to non-full spectrum products. Determining which compound is causing the negative reaction can be difficult because dozens of compounds are present in full-spectrum CBD products. 

Regulating CBD dosing across different brands of full-spectrum products can also be extremely difficult, as each is likely to have varying levels of cannabinoids. 

The Similarities 

Both CBD and THC are made of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. They are both phytocannabinoids – cannabinoids from plants – rather than endocannabinoids – naturally occurring cannabinoids that are made by the body. 

What makes CBD and THC unique are the arrangement of the atoms. The minute differences between the two chemicals result in significantly different responses when they attach to the body’s ECS and other receptors. 

Both molecules attach to the endocannabinoid system’s receptors – CB1 and CB2 – as well as several others, such as the TRPV1 receptors and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. Both THC and CBD bind to CB2 in a similar way, but CB1 is a different story.  

Why THC Provides a High and CBD Doesn’t 

The high attributed to THC is due to the way it attaches to the CB1 receptors and the effects it triggers. Although CBD does bond to CB1, it does so in a different way. Instead of triggering a high, CBD modifies the CB1 receptors’ ability to bind with other cannabinoids.  

CBD is what’s known as a “negative allosteric modulator” for CB1. The effect essentially negates the effects of THC on the CB1 receptors. This means a strain of marijuana that is particularly high in CBD will get users less high, even if it contains high levels of THC as well. This effect is another reason CBD products don’t get users high, even though there are trace amounts of THC present. 

Why Do Some People Prefer CBD to THC? 

Many people don’t like the intoxicating effects of THC, even if there are benefits in terms of mood, pain and appetite. Keep in mind that there are CB receptors throughout your brain, so THC has far ranging effects on just about every important process and sensation your brain regulates. 
  • The amygdala regulates your emotions, including fear and anxiety. For some people, THC has the effect of inducing paranoia or even panic. 
  • The basal ganglia helps trigger movement and is important for planning. THC’s effects on it result in slowed reaction times, which can make driving dangerous and reduce performance in other physically demanding activities.
  • THC’s effects on the brain stem – which enables communication between the spinal column and the brain – generally helps reduce nausea, which is one of the reasons THC is prescribed to people undergoing cancer treatments. 
  • Your balance and coordination are managed by your cerebellum. The reduction in coordination when high can be attributed to impaired neurons in the cerebellum. 
  • The hippocampus is the memory center of the brain. The cliché about stoners and their astonishingly poor memories is based in fact thanks to THC’s effects on the hippocampus. 
  • THC increases appetite thanks to its effects on the hypothalamus, which regulates eating and sexual behavior. THC’s effects on the hypothalamus is good for people with some conditions, including cancer patients, but bad for people who want to lose weight. 
  • The neocortex allows us to think complex thoughts, process emotions and is an important transmitter for neurological purposes. THC causes impairments in judgement, thinking and sensation due to its effect on the neocortex’s neurons. 
  • The nucleus accumbens is the motivation and reward center of the brain. THC tickles the nucleus accumbens in what’s usually regarded as a good way, resulting in euphoria. 
  • The pain-reducing effects of THC are due to its influence on the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting touch sensations, pain and other information between the brain and the body. 
There are certainly some positives in that list, but for many people the negatives outweigh the benefits. Each person’s reaction to THC is different and the effects can vary widely in intensity. Some people’s amygdala makes them particularly paranoid on THC, while others with a higher tolerance may experience no paranoia at all. 

CBD simply doesn’t cause these negative side effects when attached to CB1. 

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