SEO TITLE: CBD Vs. THC: How Do They Work, Safety, Differences and Benefits
META DESCRIPTION: CBD vs. THC are two of the most common cannabinoids in full-spectrum medical marijuana. As with any critical consumer topic, there is a lot of misinformation on these compounds. In this blog, our goal is to discuss the benefits of these cannabinoids and, probably, something you didn’t know about them.
CBD Vs. THC
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Currently, CBD vs. THC is a controversial topic yet worth delving into. You might be wondering what THC and CBD are.
CBD and THC, or cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol, are two cannabinoids among the many differences present in marijuana plants. While in your body, THC and CBD interact with your body’s cannabinoid receptors to influence how you feel.
As cannabis products and legal hemp use grow, consumers continue to be curious about the options at hand. CBD and THC are just a selection of the cannabis genus to watch.
What are THC and CBD?
Although the two compounds share the same roots, they have several distinct differences.
Manufacturers extract CBD from either hemp or marijuana plants. CBD isolate oil does not have any traces of THC. Although it continues to gain popularity, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for any medical uses.
THC is also extracted from either marijuana plants. It is responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC acts like other natural body cannabinoids.
Both CBD and THC work with receptors that release neurotransmitters in your brain. In layman’s terms, they change how you feel by interacting with your endocannabinoid system.
These effects can be mild or extreme depending on various factors like genetics and the level of CBD and THC present in a product. So far, there is no evidence that either CBD or delta-8 THC is addictive or causes long-term damage to your body on its own. However, each compound does have its own set of effects.
How Do They Work?
When consumed, CBD affects your body’s cannabinoid receptors. In your body are CB1 receptors in the brain’s central nervous system and CB2 receptors in the body’s immune system cells, peripheral nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Peripheral nerves are nerve extensions from your brain & your spinal code to other body parts.
While using these cannabinoids, their effects are pretty noticeable. For example, some anecdotal studies suggest activating CB2 receptors deprives your brain of beta-amyloid proteins.
THC is the most potent cannabinoid. It’s also the only one that causes psychoactive effects, resulting from its interaction with receptors in our brains—the CB1 receptors. CBD doesn’t have this effect because it doesn’t bind directly with our CB1 receptors.
Since your endocannabinoid system plays such an important role throughout your body, these cannabinoids may be effective in several ways.
What’s The Difference Between THC and CBD?
The most significant difference between THC and CBD is that THC may get you high, while CBD cannabinoids do not. Both are cannabinoids: compounds found in marijuana and hemp plants that work with your body’s internal system to produce positive effects.
CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa plants. Though not intoxicating, it is non-psychotropic. Hence, it won’t induce a euphoric state like THC does.
THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is produced from the resin glands of marijuana flowers and leaves. This compound causes intoxicating effects in high doses, which many people associate with cannabis use.
However, D8 THC is not as potent as D9 THC. Hence, you may use legal delta-8 THC, just like CBD. You may consider delta-8 THC as a less potent delta-9 THC.
Below is a THC and CBD summary:
| THC | CBD |
| Psychoactive (produces the high feeling) | Non-psychoactive |
| Typically Sourced from Marijuana | Sourced from hemp plants |
Chemical Structure
Both delta-8 THC and CBD’s chemical structures are similar to our body’s neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers. Their roles range from stimulating appetite, pain, sleep, immune system, and mood.
THC and CBD have a similar molecular structure. However, their differences are in how the molecules work and align themselves, leading to unique feelings.
The Entourage Effect and Full-spectrum CBD
An entourage effect results from THC, CBD, terpenes, and other aromatic flavonoids, working in tandem to produce a more significant effect than either compound will have on its own.
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam first described the entourage effect in 1998. He describes the phenomenon as occurring when all the compounds found in cannabis work together to produce a more significant and better effect. So what does all that have to do with full-spectrum CBD?
A similar idea—the whole is greater than the sum of its parts—is at work with full-spectrum CBD products. A full-spectrum product contains many different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds that may benefit your health (like fatty acids and vitamins).
Researchers believe that the combination of several cannabinoids produces an even more significant effect than when taken as an isolate product. This is another reason why you may want to choose a full-spectrum product over one made with CBD isolate instead.
The safety of CBD and THC
It’s crucial to know that the effects in cannabinoid products are not equal. While THC and CBD have a similar chemical structure, their impacts on the body differ drastically.
For instance, high doses of THC are highly addictive and can cause paranoia, anxiety, and other side effects.
Though your body may tolerate CBD, it tags a few side effects. However, they are mild. Hence, you can easily manage them.
Some of the CBD side effects include
- Cottonmouth
- Dry eyes
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness.
To deal with CBD’s side effects, one should drink a lot of water. It will help you remain relaxed and hydrated.
CBD and THC can interact with other prescribed medications that you are taking. Hence, you should consider talking to your doctor before using any cannabis product for the first time.
THC VS CBD Takeaway:
It can be a confusing world when picking CBD-rich and THC-rich products. The two are often mentioned in the same breath as if they were interchangeable and both part of the same process. But their uses and effects on the body are very different. They could hardly be more different, but we love them both.
However, when taken together, CBD and THC work in a synergistic way to support the user. This is not to say that CBD won’t work on its own. When combined, the effects manifest faster and in a better way.
Getavawellness offers premium products that are safe for you. Being vegan, our products are rich in cannabinoids , cruelty free and made in the US.
The Entourage Effect in our full-spectrum products stimulates the human body receptors to work together. Having any questions about the best vegan product for you? Do not hesitate to Contact Us!