Exploring the Difference Between CBD and THC

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two primary compounds found in cannabis. Many people don’t know the difference between CBD and THC or what each compound does. 

Though they are almost identical in chemical makeup, they produce very different effects. And as cannabis becomes more mainstream, it’s increasingly important to understand these differences. Knowledge is power.

So, please sit back and relax while we break down everything you need to know about CBD and THC. We’ll share all the facts about CBD and THC to empower you to make the best decisions for your body and mind’s wellness!

Hemp vs Marijuana

First thing first, these plants are family. Science classifies animals and plants into what’s called taxonomic groups. Marijuana and Hemp both belong to the Cannabaceae plant family, the Cannabis genus, and the cannabis sativa plant species. The scientific name for both marijuana and Hemp is the plant Cannabis Sativa.

The critical difference comes down to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC is a cannabinoid with psychoactive properties that gets you high, while CBD is considered “non-psychoactive.” Marijuana is typically high in THC and low in CBD. Hemp is typically high in CBD, with a trace amount of THC.

Now while we typically don’t use the term marijuana, for these purposes, we will use it to refer to any cannabis that has a THC concentration of more than .3 percent.

What is Hemp?

Hemp refers to any plant from the Cannabaceae family that is federally legal to cultivate. The classification was implemented when congress ended the prohibition against growing Hemp with The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (more commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill).

The Farm Bill defined Hemp as cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC, with no limit on CBD content. The intent behind the law was to permit hemp cultivation for industrial, nutritional, and therapeutic applications while continuing the federal ban on the cultivation of cannabis plants with psychoactive effects.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana refers to plants from the Cannabaceae family that contain more than 0.3% THC and are prohibited by federal law. With selective cross-breeding over many years, thousands of cannabis strains are now fitting this description, some with a THC level as high as 30%.

Despite the federal law, California legalized medical marijuana in 1996. Since then, medical marijuana has been legalized in 39 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, recreational cannabis is now legal in DC and 19 other states, including California.

What is CBD?

There are over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the most abundant. It is absorbed by the human endocannabinoid system, which helps keep the body in homeostasis by regulating everything from sleep cycles to reproductive health. A growing body of evidence suggests “the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vital nexus in the brain-gut-microbiota axis, serving as a critical regulator of intestinal homeostasis.“

One key difference between THC and CBD is that CBD does not bind to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. But it does affect the interactions between these receptors and cannabinoids. As a result, CBD can potentially lessen THC’s psychoactive effects by binding to other cannabinoid receptors. This would prevent THC from activating those receptors and allow for a more mild experience, making products that blend CBD and THC an excellent option for new users.

Is CBD Psychoactive?

The belief that CBD is non-psychoactive is plainly inaccurate. More precisely, when people use the term “non-psychoactive,” they actually mean “not intoxicating.” And this much is true —CBD will not get you high. But CBD is unquestionably a mood-altering substance that may affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin in your system to produce both an antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

Does CBD Have Medicinal Use?

The list of conditions CBD may help with continues to grow and evolve as more research becomes available. More research is definitely needed, but humans presently use CBD to treat these symptoms and conditions:

• Insomnia
• Inflammation
• PTSD and anxiety
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Opioid withdrawal
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders

As more research becomes available, the list of conditions that CBD may help with will continue to grow.

What is THC?

While other cannabinoids, terpenes and natural chemical compounds in cannabis influence its effects, THC is the rockstar — it’s the cannabinoid that gets you high. But that high is about more than just a good time. For many people suffering from chronic illness or other medical conditions, the THC high provides psychological relief from symptoms like pain, anxiety and depression.

How Does THC Get You High?

THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system as a CB1 and CB2 agonist by binding to those cannabinoid receptors and activating them, which produces the feeling of being high. Most cannabis strains contain more THC than any other cannabinoid, making it the most abundant cannabinoid.

Does THC Have Medicinal Use?

While most regard THC as a good time cannabinoid, it may provide an array of medical benefits on par with those offered by CBD. There is evidence that THC may treat the following symptoms and conditions: 

• PTSD
• Nausea
• Glaucoma
• Poor appetite
• Autoimmune disorders
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Neurodegenerative conditions

Because everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, the effects of THC will vary from person to person. Some people may find that a little THC goes a long way, while others may need higher doses to achieve their desired effect. For example, medical patients that use cannabis to manage their pain may find that a higher cannabis potency provides more relief than a lower one.

Key Differences Between CBD and THC

Way down at the molecular level, THC and CBD look virtually identical. They both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. Both also mirror the endocannabinoids naturally produced by our bodies.

However, the structures that connect these atoms are different. This affects how they bind to different receptors and catalyze the release of neurotransmitters in the human body. That’s why CBD and THC feel and act so differently in the human body and mind. 

While we’ve covered a bit of this, some of the more obvious differences between CBD and THC include the following:

• CBD doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors, while THC binds to CB1 and CB2.
• CBD does not cause anxiety or paranoia, while THC may cause both in high doses.
• CBD is non-addictive, while chronic THC use may create a dependency.
• CBD is safe for dogs, while THC can be toxic for dogs.
• CBD is extracted from Hemp and marijuana, while THC is not extracted from Hemp.
• Hemp derived CBD products are federally legal, while THC products are federally illegal.

Even though these natural compounds are vastly different, they are complementary and integrative health compounds. When used together, they may provide a more comprehensive approach to wellness than either compound can on its own. So, that’s what we’ll explore next!

Benefits of Taking CBD and THC Together

The cannabis plant is incredibly complex. There are over 120 different cannabinoids and 400 terpenes (essential oils) in cannabis. Every cannabis strain has different levels and ratios of these compounds. While most agree that this is why different cannabis strains can smell, taste, and feel very different, not everyone agrees on whether cannabinoids and terpenes work together in an “entourage effect” to create the effects of marijuana. 

The chemists Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shaba coined the term “entourage effect” in 1999. They were the first to theorize that the compounds in cannabis all worked together to create a therapeutic effect. However, their theory conflicted with the established idea of the time that THC alone causes marijuana’s effects.

Although there is still some debate, numerous studies suggest that CBD and THC both work better when used together. This is because together, they amplify their synergistic effect on the body.

How CBD Helps THC

Studies have shown that CBD may modulate the effects of THC:

• CBD may enhance THC’s pain-relieving effects.
• CBD may temper negative side effects of THC, like anxiety.

Many cannabis users report that taking CBD may help with the adverse side effects of taking too much THC. This anecdotal evidence fits well with the studies that suggest CBD can lessen the negative side effects of THC.

Currently, we don’t know exactly how CBD modulates the effects of THC. One theory is that CBD changes how the body processes THC. CBD may do this by impacting how THC interacts with CB1 cannabinoid receptors.

How THC Helps CBD

As we already know, CBD has a wide range of potential benefits when used on its own, and some studies have found that CBD may be more effective when taken with THC, even in trace amounts. 

Possible Side Effects of CBD & THC

While CBD is typically well tolerated, there are some side effects you should be aware of: 

• Nausea — CBD supplements may cause nausea in some people, depending on their sensitivity and dosage.
• Drowsiness — This could be considered a side effect of benefit, as some people take CBD to help sleep. This effect may intensify if you’re taking CBD with other sedating medications.
• Dry mouth — Commonly called “cottonmouth,” CBD can dry out your mouth and eyes. This side effect is far more likely to occur with THC.
• Gastrointestinal issues — CBD may give some people diarrhea or liver problems, depending on their medical history. Always consult your physician.
• Can interact with other medications — CBD might interfere with the other meds. Again, always talk to your doctor.

Pro Tip: Because Hemp derived CBD is technically a supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA. Many brands are not tested for purity, and some may contain pesticides or other contaminants. If your state has legalized medical or recreational cannabis, always buy a marijuana-derived CBD product from a licensed retailer to ensure it’s been tested for purity and is free of contaminants. 

While marijuana is considered safe, it’s essential to know that different strains can have varying THC levels. This makes dosing difficult and could result in some other side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth and dry eyes
• Lightheadedness and dizziness

THC may also have side effects for people with mental health conditions. For example, chronic use may increase the risk of depression or worsen its symptoms. Research also suggests that marijuana use may increase the risk of psychosis in people with schizophrenia.

Different Types of CBD and THC Products

There are no “different types” of CBD and THC products. However, there are contrasts between methods of preparation and consumption:

• Full spectrum cannabis (distillate): Contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the plant. This is the best preparation to achieve the entourage effect.
• Broad spectrum CBD (distillate): This is a CBD preparation containing some terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids present in the plant but no THC.
• THC or CBD Isolate (isolate): These are pure preparations of THC and/or CBD in which those cannabinoids are distilled from the parent plant. Typically, these are for other delivery systems such as CBD Oil and THC oil, vaporizers, or edibles.

As for the ways CBD and THC can be consumed, the most common are:

• Flower — The traditional way to consume cannabis is by smoking the dried and cured flowers of the plant, also known as buds. Most people think of this when they hear the word “weed.” It’s important to note that there is such a thing as CBD flower, but it can only be purchased at licensed dispensaries.
• Edibles — Edibles are food products that have been infused with cannabis. They can come in the form of gummies, candy, cookies, brownies, drinks, and more. They can be both THC and CBD.
• Concentrates — Concentrates are cannabis extracted to remove all the plant material. This leaves a potent product typically vaporized in a device called a “dab rig” or used to make edibles. This method of consumption generally is only used for THC.
• Topicals — Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, oils, and balms that you apply to your skin. CBD oils and balms are popular, topical products.
• Vaping — Vaping is a method of consuming cannabis that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves using a vaporizer to heat cannabis and inhale the resulting vapor.
• Sublinguals — Sublinguals are marijuana-infused products or CBD oil placed under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream. They come in the form of tinctures, oils, and strips and are used to treat various conditions.

With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. The best way to figure out what works for you is to experiment with different products and consumption methods. Start with a low dose and increase as needed. Pay attention to how your body reacts, and always consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

CBD and THC: The Bottom Line

If you really want to reap the full benefits of THC or CBD, a full spectrum preparation is an optimal choice. Because this preparation method includes THC, it is only available at a licensed dispensary. But even if you prefer a broad spectrum or CBD isolate with no THC, the best products are still those available at a licensed dispensary. Remember, Hemp based CBD is not subject to FDA approved testing for purity and contaminants. Marijuana derived CBD is tested for both. 

No matter which preparation or delivery system is right for you, Body and Mind is the right spot for all your CBD and THC needs. So stop by today or visit us online for fast, discrete delivery!