CBD and THC are both compounds that come from the cannabis plant. While we’ve heard a lot about CBD in recent years, with one-in-seven Americans using CBD products, yet THC is still shrouded in a certain sense of mystery.
When comparing CBD vs THC, there are a lot of similarities but some massive differences, too. Knowing the difference can have a huge impact on your health and medication.
In this guide, we’ll show you what you need to know. Ready to learn more? Then read on!
- Different Chemical Structure
If you take a look at CBD and THC molecules’ base makeup, you could be forgiven for assuming that they must be the same chemical. They both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Yet despite the ingredients being the same, the compound remains different thanks to a different structure of bonds.
Despite this different structure, they both interact with the human body through our endocannabinoid system. This is a large network of chemical pathways in our body that are why humans react to cannabis in a way that other animals do not. It’s similar to the pathways that cats have for catnip, which is why they react so strongly to that plant.
- Responsible for Different Reactions in Cannabis
If you’ve ever smoked cannabis or eaten edibles, you’ll know that there are two common and distinct reactions to ingesting it. You’ve got the cerebral high that makes you feel energized, sociable, and full of life. The kind of high where you get the giggles over nothing.
You’ve also got the body high, which is responsible for the stoned feeling you get, where you just want to sit down on a couch and watch movies or TV.
The first response is down to THC, which is far more psychoactive than CBD. CBD tends to promote feelings of relaxation, while THC brings you up on a high.
- Both Have Exclusive Medical Uses
CBD and THC extracts are both used in medical products as well as herbal supplements. In isolation, they tend to be used to alleviate specific problems, as these FAQs explain.
THC, for instance, has shown strong promise in helping to alleviate nausea in chemotherapy patients, while CBD has been used to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures.
While other effects are less studied and still unproven, anecdotal evidence tends to show that CBD is also useful for helping people feel less anxious, less stressed, and reducing insomnia.
Both taken at the same time has also shown promise, specifically in treating multiple sclerosis.
CBD vs THC: Both Have Their Uses
Comparing CBD vs THC, despite their similarities, is like comparing apples to oranges. Both have their own specific uses, which can be augmented by using them together. As always, if you are planning to start using either, talk to a medical professional first to ensure they’re suitable!
For more helpful, informative, and interesting articles like this one, check out the rest of our blog.
