CBD Vs THC What’s the Difference?
Only about 20-years ago, we all thought anything that had to do with marijuana or hemp plants was a drug that we never wanted our teens to try. But, that isn’t the case, today!
Through research, we have discovered that not only is marijuana not the crazy mind altering drug we once thought it was, but it actually has a plethora of medicinal properties.
CBD and THC both come from marijuana and hemp plants. They both give many medicinal benefits, but they are very different in nature.
In order to fully understand the difference between the two, we will need to delve into exactly what each is and how it affects the body.
Where did CBD and THC Come From?
As humans, we are naturally curious. With this curiosity, Raphael Mechoulam discovered THC and CBD in the 1960's found in cannabis plants.
He wanted to know how the chemicals in marijuana worked and if we had similar compounds in our own bodies. In fact, without his curiosity, we wouldn’t know what we do, today.
What we found is that THC and Marijuana are chemical compounds found in all cannabis plants. Some cannabis plants have higher CBD chemicals and some have higher THC.
The two cannabis plants we most notably hear about are the hemp and marijuana plants.
Hemp Vs Marijuana
It is important to know the difference between hemp and marijuana plants because many people including the federal government have grouped these 2 different plants together.
Although hemp and marijuana both come from the same cannabis family, they are very different in nature. They are different in appearance, in chemical makeup, and in how they are cultivated.
Appearance
The appearance of marijuana and hemp are actually quite different even though they belong to the same family.
Marijuana: When you look at the marijuana plant, the leaves tends to be broad leafed, tight bud, or like a nugget with hairs.
Hemp: Hemp is much skinnier and taller. It can be up to 20 feet tall. Hemp has skinnier leaves that are concentrated at the top and few branches and leaves.
Chemical Makeup
The major difference between hemp and marijuana is the chemical composition between the two. In fact, the major difference is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the chemical that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. An average amount of marijuana can have 25-30% of THC within its makeup.
Hemp, has only a maximum THC level of .3%. Therefore, it is almost impossible to feel any psychoactive effect such as feeling “high” from industrial hemp. Hemp also has high concentrations of CBD.
Because there is so much CBD in the hemp, it acts as an antagonist to THC making the minimal amount of THC in hemp plants useless.
Cultivation
The way that marijuana and hemp is grown is also very different. In fact, you would be surprised how different plants from the same family are when cultivated.
Hemp needs to be grown closely together to thrive. Industrial hemp is usually only placed at most 4 inches apart and grown in large plots. Hemp can be grown in various climates as well.
Marijuana, on the other hand, requires a careful, controlled, warm, and humid environment to thrive. It also needs to be grown at least 6 feet apart.
A side not to cultivation is that if a hemp field is grown too closely to a marijuana field, the hemp will ruin the marijuana and dilute the THC.
So, now we know the difference between the plants and that each plant produces a different amount of CBD and THC. But, what is the difference between CBD and THC?
What is CBD?
CBD is an acronym for Cannabidiol. It is 1 of over 100 different chemical components called phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants.
Although you can find CBD in both marijuana and hemp plants, CBD is most notably cultivated from industrial hemp. This is because, as stated above, hemp has more CBD than THC.
What is THC?
THC is an acronym for Tetrahydrocannabinol which is another phyto cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.
THC, unlike CBD is responsible for the “high” most people associate with marijuana. Hemp has very low amounts of THC, but marijuana has a lot of the phytocannabinoid.
Both THC and CBD are the two most prevalent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants. However, they are only 2 of over 100 different cannabinoids.
How Does THC and CBD Work in the Body?
When THC was discovered, scientists wanted to know how it worked in the body and if we had similar chemicals in our own bodies.
What we found was that we have a complex system within all of our bodies called the endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System
This system is a collection of cell receptors and molecules. Receptors are found on your cells. They are kind of like a lock to your cells where only the right molecule can unlock them.
Molecules are the keys to unlock your cell receptors to activate them to do something within the body. Each time a chemical molecule binds to a cell it gives that cell specific instructions.
The endocannabinoid system has two different cell receptors on its cells. These are cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Go figure, right?!
Our body actually produces keys to unlock these cell receptors. We call them endocannabinoids because “endo” means within.
Cannabinoids get their name from the cannabis plants because that is where we found them first. The two endocannabinoids we produce are:
- Anandamide
- 2-AG
What we discovered was that the phytocannabinoid THC closely resembled our own endocannabinoid Anandamide.
From there, we found that CBD also closely resembled our own endocannabinoids, but didn’t have the same psychoactive effects as THC.
Both THC and CBD interact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system allowing are cells to give specific instructions to various parts of our body.
In fact, these receptors are responsible for keeping our body and its functions in homeostasis. These two receptors work in our bodies in the following ways:
The CB1 receptors: These receptors can be found in parts of our brain including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.
The CB1 receptors keep our nervous system, intestines, connective tissues, gonads, and other glands throughout the body in homeostasis.
This means that when you receive extra cannabinoids that interact with the receptors, you can have the following effects in the body:
- Relieving depression
- Lowering blood pressure
- Decreasing intestinal problems
- Increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (vital to learning, working memory, and higher thinking).
- Lowering anxiety
- Reducing fear
The CB2 Receptors: These receptors work on your bodies spleen, tonsils, thymus, immune cells, monocytes, macrophages, B and T cells, and the microglia.
This means that when a cannabinoid such as CBD activates CB2 receptors, it can quite literally affect every type of human disease in your body including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Psychiatric diseases
- Autoimmune diseases
- Kidney function
- Bone and Skin Health
- Pain
- Cancer
7 Ways CBD and THC are Different
Although CBD and THC both affect the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, they are actually quite different. Here are 7 ways CBD and THC are different:
#1 CBD Vs THC Chemical Structure
Chemically, CBD and THC actually have the same molecular structure. They both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.
However, the atoms are arranged differently. This is what makes each cannabinoid have a different effect on our body.
Think about it this way; a key to a deadbolt is made of metal; however, not every key fits in every deadbolt. The keys are made differently.
CBD and THC are also both chemically similar to our own endocannabinoids. They interact with cell receptors to send specific messages in our bodies.
THC fits into those cell receptors like a lock in a key interacting with receptors directly. CBD, however, interacts with our receptors indirectly.
#2 The Psychoactive Components
As stated above, CBD does not directly bind with our receptors. Despite THC and CBD having similar chemical structures, they affect the body differently.
Because THC actually binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, it produces a high or sense of euphoria. CBD does not do this and actually caused THC not to bind to the receptors.
Instead, CBD actually causes your body to produce more or less of our own endocannabinoids in response to it being there working indirectly with the receptors.
In fact, marijuana strains high in CBD actually dampen the psychoactive effects of the THC.
#3 Difference in Legality
Although THC is one of the least concerning of all drugs, it is still considered a drug. This is because THC produces a “high”
Because THC can affect your reaction time and mental status, it is considered dangerous in most states. Even the federal government considers it a class 1 drug making it the same level as heroin.
However, as new research becomes available, the issues of legality for both CBD and THC are evolving.
It is now currently legal in all, but 4 states to use and possess CBD. With that being said, only 33 states have legalized marijuana medicinally. This means you need a prescription.
Of those 33 states that realize the medicinal benefits of marijuana, only 11 states have legalized it recreationally.
So, in most states, you are able to get CBD, but in most states you cannot get marijuana. Before you buy either product, you should be aware of your state’s laws regarding CBD and marijuana.
#4 Medicinal Benefits
The medicinal benefits of CBD and THC can be the same. However, CBD doesn’t give a euphoric effect or “high” like THC. Because of this many people prefer CBD.
However, like all medications, CBD and THC do differ in how they affect the body, and CBD may provide more benefits than THC alone.
CBD Medicinal Benefits
When CBD is extracted, it is used to help with various conditions such as:
- seizures
- inflammation
- pain
- psychosis or mental disorders
- inflammatory bowel disease
- nausea
- migraines
- depression
- Anxiety
THC Medicinal Benefits
When THC is used, typically smoked as marijuana, it helps with the following ailments:
- pain
- muscle spasticity
- glaucoma
- insomnia
- low appetite
- nausea
- anxiety
#5 Side Effects
Another difference between CBD and THC is the side effects. Although neither cannabinoid is lethal, THC does tend to have more side effects than THC.
In fact, research suggests that any side effect that may occur with CBD is most likely a result of drug-to-drug interactions rather than the CBD itself. CBD is tolerated well even in large doses.
However, THC on the other hand, can cause temporary side effects which include the following:
- increased heart rate
- coordination problems
- dry mouth
- red eyes
- slower reaction times
- memory loss
Most of the side effects associated with THC are part of the compound’s psychoactive properties. High amounts of THC use can also be connected with long-term negative psychiatric disorders.
This is a serious issue especially for adolescents who consume large amounts of THC.
#6 Drug Testing
Drug tests are used to ensure a person is not abusing a substance. Even in states where marijuana is legal, you may be subject to drug testing especially at work.
Because marijuana is considered a drug and illegal by federal law, companies do not have to hire those who test positive for a marijuana test.
CBD, on the other hand, is not a class 1 drug. Therefore, it is less likely to be tested for. You should not fail a drug test when using CBD.
However, if you are on a very high dose of CBD, it is possible to fail a drug test. This is because industrial hemp does contain trace amounts of THC (usually less than .03%).
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are stored in your body’s fat, so they can both show up on a drug test days or even weeks after you use them.
Not all drug tests will detect CBD, but there are CBD-sensitive drug tests available. It is safe to say, however, most standard drug tests are looking for THC (marijuana).
#7 Pain Control
Another difference between CBD and THC is how well it controls pain. Scientists have discovered that CBD is better for inflammation and neuropathic pain.
THC works better for muscle related pain such as spasticity, and cramp related pain. It also works more immediately whereas CBD works slower.
It is also important to note that sometimes THC can exacerbate pain symptoms especially when consumed in high doses. Therefore if THC is used for pain, it should be done in smaller doses.
With this research, scientists have suggested that a combination of THC and CBD is the idea way to manage pain. This is known as the entourage effect.
Do THC and CBD Work Together?
Through research and studies, we have found that using the entire cannabis plant actually has more benefits that simply extracting certain cannabinoids.
This is called the entourage effect. What we have found is that extracting just CBD from a hemp plant does not give the same effects as if we used the whole plant.
While it can be more cost-effective to simply extract CBD from industrial hemp, those who use just CBD may find that they experience less benefits due to the absence of terpenes and other cannabinoids.
According to the NCBI, marijuana strains cultivated with a higher CBD content tend to tame the THC and produce more medicinal benefits.
Although there is not a lot of evidence of the effects of hybrid marijuana, many dispensaries are carrying strains of marijuana with a high CBD content to produce the entourage effect.
High CBD strains of marijuana
You can also find balanced CBD/THC strains of marijuana. This is where you will usually have the same amount of CBD to THC.
However, some strains may have a little more CBD or a little more THC. These strains are less likely to cause anxiety paranoia, and other negative side effects caused by THC.
The high CBD strains tend to be most effective for pain relief; however, they also give a mellow buzz for those who smoke recreationally.
Marijuana strains that are high in CBD, are not natural. This is because scientists must genetically modify the plant to produce it.
If you are curious to find out about the entourage effect or learn more about high CBD strains of marijuana, you can find them on Leafly. Here are a few strains you can try:
- ACDC
- Harlequin
- Canna-Tsu
- Dancehall
- Remedy
- Sour Tsunami
- CBD Mango Haze
- Pennywise
Many people still don’t know the difference between CBD and THC. In fact, even more people think hemp and marijuana are the same plant.
Knowing the differences between hemp and marijuana and CBD and THC is the best way for you to make an informed decision about each.
Always talk to your doctor when considering CBD or THC to help with specific ailments. When in doubt, speak with a medical cannabis doctor in your area.
What do you think about CBD and THC? Is one better than the other, or do they both have a place in society? Share your thoughts, comments and opinions in the comments below.
References
- CBD vs. THC: Properties, Benefits, and Side Effects. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc.
- Why THC Gets You High & CBD Doesn't. (2018, November 28). Retrieved from https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/thc-vs-cbd/.
- The Difference Between THC and CBD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/thc-cbd/.
- Staff, L. (2018, November 14). CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/whats-the-deal-with-these-high-cbd-strains.
- Staff, M. (2018, September 26). CBD Vs. THC – Battle of the Two Top Cannabinoids. Retrieved from https://www.marijuanabreak.com/cbd-vs-thc.
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