CBD vs THC: What You Need To Know About Cannabis Compounds

So, you’ve heard about marijuana. You know it’s associated with CBD and THC; but what are they? And more importantly, which one should you use? In this article, we break down the differences between these two compounds and offer some recommendations for when to use them.

What are CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are the two most abundant compounds in the cannabis plant. They are also the two most well-known cannabinoids.

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a non-psychoactive compound that has a wide range of potential therapeutic applications.

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets users “high.”

CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of functions including mood, appetite, pain, and memory.

While CBD and THC have similar effects on the body, they have different mechanisms of action. CBD does not directly bind to the CB1 receptor like THC does. Instead, it indirectly stimulates the receptor by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down anandamide (a natural endocannabinoid). This increases levels of anandamide in the brain, which has been shown to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.

THC binds directly to the CB1 receptor, which is why it produces such strong psychoactive effects. The binding of THC to this receptor activates certain signaling pathways in the brain that lead to its well-known effects on mood, appetite, pain, and memory.

pink and green petaled flower cannabis
Photo by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash

Why Should You Care About the Difference?

CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. They are also the most studied. CBD is known for its therapeutic properties, while THC is known for its psychoactive effects.

While both cannabinoids offer health benefits, they each have their own unique effects. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. THC is psychoactive, meaning it will get you high.

CBD is often used to treat anxiety, pain, and inflammation. THC is often used to treat nausea, pain, and insomnia. Both cannabinoids can be used to treat cancer symptoms and side effects of chemotherapy.

So why should you care about the difference between CBD and THC? If you’re looking for a cannabinoid to treat a specific condition, it’s important to know which one will work best for you.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is derived from the Cannabis plant. It has many therapeutic benefits and can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. CBD oil is rich in cannabidiol, a compound that has been shown to have numerous health benefits.

CBD oil has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including: anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, seizures, and more. CBD oil is also safe for most people to use, with minimal side effects.

If you’re considering using CBD oil to treat a condition or improve your health, it’s important to understand how it works and what the potential risks and side effects are.

brown glass bottle on brown wooden table
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What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is the name given to the phenomenon whereby different compounds in cannabis work together to produce a more desired effect than any one compound alone. CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids, but there are many others that play a role in the entourage effect. The exact mechanisms by which these compounds interact are not fully understood, but it is thought that they work together to modulate each other’s effects.

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing properties, while THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. When used together, these two cannabinoids can provide relief from a wide range of conditions including pain, anxiety, and inflammation. The entourage effect may also explain why some people find certain strains of cannabis more effective for certain conditions than others. This is because different strains contain different ratios of CBD to THC as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes.

While more research is needed to fully understand the entourage effect, it is clear that different cannabis compounds can have synergistic effects when used together. This suggests that the whole plant may be more effective than any one isolated compound, such as CBD or THC.

How Can CBD Help With Pain Relief?

CBD oil and other CBD products are gaining popularity as natural pain relievers. But how does CBD work? Is it really effective?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its more famous relative THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a high. However, it does have some medical benefits, including pain relief.

There are two main types of pain: nociceptive and neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to tissues, such as from an injury or surgery. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nervous system, such as from diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

CBD appears to be effective at reducing both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. In one study, CBD was found to reduce chronic inflammation and nerve damage in rats with arthritis. In another study, CBD reduced neuropathic pain and inflammation in mice with spinal cord injuries.

CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates many different functions, including pain perception. By modulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help reduce chronic pain.

If you’re looking for natural pain relief, CBD oil may be worth trying. Be sure to talk to your doctor first, especially if you’re taking other medications.

cbd
Photo by subcom810 on Pixabay

How Is CBD Different from Medical Marijuana?

CBD and THC are both compounds found in the cannabis plant. However, they have different effects on the body. THC is the compound that gets people high, while CBD does not. CBD is also known to have medicinal properties, while THC does not.

When Is It Legal to Use Cannabis in Canada?

In Canada, cannabis is only legal for adults aged 19 and over. Possession of cannabis is limited to 30 grams per person. It is illegal to sell or give cannabis to anyone under the age of 19.

Cannabis use is also restricted in public places. It is only legal to consume cannabis in private residences. It is illegal to consume cannabis in any other public place, including parks, streets, and businesses.

Cannabis use is also prohibited in vehicles. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. It is also illegal to have open containers of cannabis in vehicles.

green cannabis on clear glass jar
Photo by Budding. on Unsplash

Final Thoughts

CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. While they are similar in some ways, they also have key differences that you should be aware of.

THC is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It is what gets you “high” when you consume it. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and does not produce any mind-altering effects.

So, what does this all mean? Well, it’s important to know that not all cannabis products are created equal. If you’re looking for a product that will get you high, make sure it contains THC. If you’re looking for something that won’t alter your state of mind, look for a product with CBD.

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