What Is the Difference Between THC and CBD?

The world of cannabis is rapidly growing since the discovery of cannabis relation wellness. Today, cannabinoids, key hemp plant compounds, are at the centre stage as revolutionary therapeutic agents. At the focus of the endless debates about the cannabis plants are THC and CBD, some of the naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant.

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Read on to learn more about these products and their differences to help you make informed decisions about if and which of them aligns with your preferences.

What is THC and CBD

THC and CBD are the most common occurring compounds in cannabis, a variety of the hemp plant. THC, however, induces a high effect as it interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and alters perception, mood regulation, and other cognitive functions in the brain.

CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound popular for its therapeutic effects without the intoxicating properties of THC.

Typically, each of these products is significant depending on your desired effects. For your overall well-being, CBD may be the best choice.  However, research is ongoing about the effects of each compound to ensure you are fully familiar with them.

Here are some key differences of the two cannabinoid compounds:

Chemical Structure

THC and CBD have chemical structures similar to the endocannabinoid system in the human brain. The endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that help regulate different physiological processes and maintain the body’s state of balance.

Although CBD and THC have similar molecular structures, their molecule arrangement differs in each compound. This is why, despite their mimicking the endocannabinoids' chemical structure, both compounds still have different effects upon interacting with the ECS receptors in the brain.

Sources

While THC and CBD can be extracted from marijuana or the hemp plant, it is preferable to extract CBD specifically from the hemp plant. This is because of the increased THC levels in Marijuana.

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CBD can also be sourced directly from marijuana; however, it will contain higher THC levels that may surpass the preferential amounts for anyone trying to avoid THC in their CBD products.

If you are concerned about passing drug tests without CBD showing up, you may need to be concerned about the source of the CBD product you intend to consume. This is because sometimes CBD extracted from marijuana may contain higher THC levels than the declared amount on the labels.

Risks and Side Effects

CBD is believed to be generally safe when used in the recommended dosages. However, it may react with certain medications or on its own, causing unwanted effects, including drowsiness, changes in mood and appetite, nausea and dizziness, and feelings of anxiety.

Despite the high effect, THC can be quite safe if used within the recommended dosages. However, it can have several side effects, including altered judgement, short-term memory, and impaired coordination. Most of these effects result from altered brain development, leading to cognitive impairment.

Mode of Use

Both CBD and THC can be used in several forms, including smoking or vaping, and indirect consumption in the form of oils, sprays, tinctures, and other edibles.

CBD can also be added in lotions for topical application or ingested orally as capsules.

Manufacturers have also discovered how significant CBD inhalers are since they deliver precise dosages of CBD. Generally, there are different application methods for THC and CBD depending on your desired effects.

You must, however, consider the risks and possible health concerns or drug test issues that may be associated with the specific consumption method you choose.

Legal Status

When choosing the cannabinoid compounds, CBD or THC, you must always consider their legality. Although CBD may be legal in certain forms, its legality varies from one state to another. For instance, while the UK has approved the use of CBD, its use is limited to containing no more than 0.2% of THC.

However, these may not apply to other rules, especially considering the changing forms of CBD and THC products.  You must, therefore, confirm the different country’s laws before travelling with either of these products.

Duration of Action

You need to consider different factors when it comes to the duration of THC and CBD impacts on the body.

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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC has a relatively short impact duration, considering its psychoactive effects that kick in within seconds to a few minutes of consumption and lasts about 2 to 3 hours. When consumed orally, THC may take about 30 minutes to 2 hours to react, but its effects can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD typically has a longer duration of action compared to THC. When consumed sublingually or orally, the therapeutic effects may last 6-8 hours. However, you must know the therapeutic effects may not be similar to THC’s high effects.

It is also important to note the duration for these products’s action will vary from one individual to another depending on different factors such as;

Dosage: higher doses of either THC or CBD may mean more lasting effects. This, however, is based on individual body tolerance. If you are used to using THC regularly, your body may gradually develop tolerance, affecting the duration of action and the intensity of the product’s effects.

Your method of consuming the cannabidiol product also determines the duration of the effects felt. If you choose to smoke or vape the THC or CBD, you are likely to experience immediate effects, with shorter durations of actions compared to oral consumption.

The relevant product type, whether CBD or THC may also have a different duration of action depending on the type of products manufactured.

How to Choose Between THC and CBD

When choosing between THC and CBD, here are some important factors to consider:

Purpose of Use

THC’s psychoactive effects make it the best option for anyone interested in the high effects of cannabis. However, choose CBD to avoid the high effect, especially if you need a general well-being effect.

Tolerance and Sensitivity

You have to consider your body’s tolerance to CBD. This is why some individuals have excessively sensitive bodies that may cause different reactions to THC’s psychoactive effects. If you are not careful about this, you may have to prepare for the possible side effects of each of these products.

To ensure you choose the right cannabinoid product that will not pose any health risks to your body, you must consult with a healthcare professional to help you appropriately. It is also important that you monitor every step of your body’s response and keep a journal of your experiences with both THC and CBD.

Drug Testing

Put in mind that THC is detectable in most drug tests. So, you have to consider your dosage and how you intend to consume the compounds, especially if you are in a profession that requires frequent drug testing.

To avoid drug test detection for either of the compounds, you may need to abstain from taking the products before the test to increase the likelihood of passing the test. In other cases, you may have to consult the relevant persons in your department on your concern about drug testing.

Dosage and Delivery Method

Different THC and CBD products have different absorption rates and duration effects. When choosing either of the products, consider their intensity and the duration of their effects on the body. Advisably, it is best to start low and go slow with either of the cannabinoid products until you are able to achieve the desired feel while minimising the risk of unwanted side effects.

In Conclusion, as much as THC and CBD are both cannabis compounds and may have unique properties with different potential benefits, you need to make informed decisions based on your preferences before choosing either of them. You must always consider your individual tolerance, legal regulations around you and the desired duration of action.