CBD vs THC: Everything You Need to Know

Cannabis plants contain over 540 chemical substances, including over 100 discovered cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are plant compounds that can impact the human body. Two of the more popular cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

What is the difference between CBD vs. THC? How can both impact the human body?

Keep reading to find out!

This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about these two popular cannabinoids. You might even decide to try cannabinoids like CBD for yourself. Read on to learn more about THC vs CBD today!

What is CBD?

First, let's look at each cannabinoid on its own. What is CBD oil, exactly?

Cannabidiol is the second more prevalent chemical compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't cause psychoactive side effects like hallucinations. CBD won't get you high, either.

Rather, most people use CBD for its therapeutic benefits.

For example, CBD could help with mental health conditions like:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Addiction
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

It's important to note that everyone reacts to CBD a little differently. The effects you might experience can vary based on your overall health. Your age and weight could have an impact as well.

The type of CBD, potency, and product type can have an influence, too.

You can take CBD in different forms, including:

  • Oils and tinctures
  • Creams and lotions
  • Capsules and pills
  • Edibles
  • Vapes
  •  CBD candy

What is CBD oil, exactly? It's a liquid infused with CBD. You can place a few drops under your tongue to absorb the compounds quickly.

CBD oil is a popular product choice. If you have a topical issue such as joint pain or a rash, you might consider using CBD-infused lotion instead. Topicals are also ideal if you have eczema, psoriasis, or another skin condition.

Some people prefer to use CBD capsules instead.

In fact, the FDA recently approved Epidiolex, a high-potency CBD drug for seizure disorders.

Edibles like CBD gummies and chocolate are gaining popularity, too. You can use gummies if you prefer discretion. You won't have to worry about the taste or dosage, either.

Potential Benefits

One of the main reasons people start using CBD oil is for the pain relief it can provide.

CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your ECS is responsible for regulating:

  • Appetite and digestion
  • Sleep
  • Motor control
  • Metabolism
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammation
  • Mood
  • Learning and memory
  • Skin and nerve function
  • Stress
  • Reproductive system function
  • Bone remodeling and growth
  • Muscle formation
  • Liver function
  • Immune system disorders
  • Muscle formation
  • Cardiovascular system function

Your ECS keeps your body in a state of homeostasis, or balance. Otherwise, outside forces can throw your body out of balance.

CBD works by interacting with your body's natural ECS. Scientists think CBD might stop enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are responsible for keeping bodily functions running smoothly.

Enzymes break down endocannabinoids once their job is complete.

If CBD stops enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids, endocannabinoids might have a prolonged effect on the body.

CBD might also help:

  • Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
  • Alleviate cancer-related symptoms (like nausea and vomiting)
  • Induce cell death in human breast cancer cells
  • Reduce sebum production, acne, and other skin problems
  • Provide neuroprotective benefits for patients with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
  • Lower high blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome
  • Help patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders
  • Reduce heroine-seeking behavior and morphine dependence in addicts
  • Have anti-tumor effects to prevent the spread of prostate, brain, colon, lung, and breast cancer
  • Prevent diabetes

Make sure to talk to a doctor before you decide to start using CBD vs. THC. Otherwise, you might experience side effects if you're taking medications. CBD and THC can interact with certain medications.

What is THC?

What is THC, then?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive element found in cannabis. It's capable of activating the brain's reward system. Check out the best delta 9 gummy available online.

THC can also signal the body to release more dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a part in your mood and pleasure.

Boosting dopamine levels could stimulate feelings of euphoria. You could start to feel high as a result. Some people hallucinate under the effects of THC, too.

Like CBD, THC works by interacting with your ECS. It's available in capsule, edible, and oil form.

Key Similarities and Differences

Now that we've looked at both separately, let's discuss CBD vs. THC.

Both work by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system to keep the body in a state of homeostasis. How they interact with your ECS differs, though.

Your ECS is made of three main components.

Endocannabinoids are naturally created by your body as needed. They make sure internal systems run as intended.

Receptors are located throughout your body. They tell endocannabinoids to complete certain actions. Your CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are in the peripheral nervous system.

THC is capable of binding with your CB1 and CB2 receptors. This makes it more potent.

THC could stimulate your appetite or reduce pain symptoms. It might make you experience anxiety or paranoia, too.

CBD, on the other hand, keeps enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids. It might have a prolonged effect as a result.

CBD won't make you feel paranoid, anxious, or high. In fact, it could ease feelings of anxiety.

When comparing THC vs CBD, it helps to know they have a similar molecular structure. They're similar to your body's natural endocannabinoids, too.

Their psychoactive properties differ, though. THC can cause a sense of euphoria while CBD will help you relax.

Consider trying CBD without THC. You can look into THC-free cbd crude oil here.

You might experience side effects when taking CBD vs. THC, though. For example, you might experience:

  • Changes in mood
  • Changes in appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • Drowsiness

Make sure to consider consulting a doctor before trying CBD for the first time.

CBD vs. THC: Unlocking the Cannabinoids

To recap, what's the difference between CBD vs. THC? Both can interact with your body's endocannabinoid system. While CBD has therapeutic properties, THC is more popular for causing euphoria.

Consider trying CBD without THC to experience this cannabinoid's soothing benefits firsthand.

Searching for more tips and tricks? You're in the right place.

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