Learn the differences between CBD and THC: definition, properties and side effects

Both thc and cbd are cannabinoids that belong to the same plant family: cannabis sativa, but they are actually quite different in terms of their effects on the human body and mind.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the natural chemical compounds derived directly from cannabis. There are more than 100 other components in the plant.

CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not result in the euphoric side effects associated with marijuana. However, CBD oil may contain some trace amounts of THC, but less than 0.3 percent (not enough to experience mind-altering effects). Still, many people are often confused about what is the cbd.

CBD has become extremely popular for its numerous health benefits: it is commonly used against anxiety and for patients who suffer from insomnia, and it is an excellent option for treating different types of seizures and chronic pain (and that is the reason why it appears in many dietary and sports supplements).

What is THC exactly?

Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the other well-known chemical component of cannabis and is the main psychoactive ingredient in the plant, responsible for the "high" feeling users experience when they consume the drug.

Just like CBD, THC has many medical uses: it treats low appetite, insomnia, anxiety, pain, muscle spasms and glaucoma.

Understanding the differences between CBD and THC

Both CBD and THC have the same chemical composition (21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms), and interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body and brain systems that are responsible for regulating many important processes, keeping internal functions running smoothly.

However, those atoms are not arranged in the same way and, also, CBD and THC do not affect the same receptors. That gives CBD and THC different chemical properties and unique effects in the way they work.

The major difference between THC and CBD is that THC has psychoactive effects, whereas CBD does not. That is because THC activates the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for the mind-altering effects that come with using cannabis.

On the other hand, CBD does not activate the CBD1 receptor, so it is impossible to get the feeling of getting "high". In fact, CBD does actually the opposite: it can indirectly keep THC from activating the CB1 brain receptors, making the psychoactive effects less intensive.

Side effects

While THC and CBD share similarities and are often used to treat many of the same ailments, there are some key differences between the side effects of CBD and THC.

As mentioned before, CBD is commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress, among other health uses.

There is no evidence of health-related problems associated with the use of CBD. However, it should be noted that CBD can increase levels of certain other medications, just like many other natural supplements or food products, like grapefruit juice.

THC may be also used to alleviate symptoms of a number of conditions. However, THC can cause a variety of temporary sensory and psychological symptoms in different people, including severe anxiety, paranoia, and dizziness, especially after long-term. Also, large doses of THC can produce hallucinogenic effects.

It should be noted that THC is carried to the brain through the bloodstream, altering the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex functions, which are areas of the brain related to the ability to pay attention and performing difficult tasks.

How to buy CBD or THC

As the cannabis market continues to expand, new CBD and THC-based products are constantly being made to all kinds of public. There are numerous online shops to buy CBD such as Holland and Barrett, Access CBD or Sarah's Blessing.

Although THC is often administered by smoking marijuana, it can also be found as an ingredient in other products. Furthermore, CBD and THC can be delivered in many ways, including edibles, CBD to smoke topicals, oils, lotions, CBD, flowers, tinctures, and concentrates.

It should be noted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing a CBD or THC product. The right choice depends on many factors, such as tolerance, budget, and the kind of feeling you are expecting to get out of it.

If you are planning on buying any CBD or THC product, it is extremely important to make sure to invest in a reputable and well-made product: do your research, read reviews, the list of ingredients and pay attention to the extraction method of the substances, considering certain guidelines and standards that you can easily find online.