With an increase in the popularity and legality of cannabis products, users are becoming interested in exploring their options. These options include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – the two compounds present in the Cannabis genus plant.
In this blog, we will be covering the key similarities and differences between CBD and THC.
THC and CBD – The Similarities:
The Chemical Structure:
The main similarity between the two compounds is with regards to their chemical structure. Both THC and CBD consist of 2 oxygen atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 21 carbon atoms.
How they Work:
Since they have the same chemical structures, both THC and CBD appear chemically similar to the endocannabinoids present in the body. This allows either compound to interact with our cannabinoid receptors.
THC and CBD – The Differences:
1) Psychoactive Properties:
The key difference between the two compounds is that THC is psychoactive, which means that consuming this compound can get you ‘high’.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-p
sychoactive, which means that, unlike THC, it is not associated with the ‘high’ sensation. Even though legal forms of CBD can contain up to 0.3% of THC, these trace amounts are not enough to create a psychoactive effect.
2) Medical Benefits:
Although THC and CBD have the same chemical structure, the arrangement of the atoms is slightly different – and this difference is what accounts for the varying impacts that the two compounds have on our bodies.
THC is commonly used for the following issues:
- Pain
- Glaucoma
- Low appetite
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Muscle spasticity
CBD, meanwhile, is used for a wider range of conditions, including:
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Seizures
- Mental disorders
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Depression
- Anxiety
3) Side-Effects:
CBD has little to no side-effects, even if consumed in large doses. According to research conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization), CBD is generally well-tolerated, and is not indicative of any serious side-effects or toxicity.
In case of any noticeable side-effects, check if CBD is not interacting with any other medicines that you might be taking. If you are already taking any other drugs, make sure to consult your doctor b
efore starting off with CBD.
THC, meanwhile, is associated with several significant side-effects, including dry mouth, coordination problems, red eyes, elevated heart rate, memory loss, and slower reactions. These side-effects have to do with the psychoactive properties present in THC.
Final Word:
To sum up, even though CBD and THC have the same chemical structures, that is pretty much where the similarity ends. Not only is CBD non-psychoactive, but it is also used to help with a wider range of health conditions and issues, and is associated with virtually no side-effects. If you want to know more about how CBD can help with your specific issues, or want to purchase pure, organic CBD products, please feel free to visit our website.
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