CBD vs THC: What are the similarities & differences?

As the debate around the legal use of hemp and other cannabis products comes into prominence, people have started becoming more inquisitive and aware of their options. The goodness found in the parts of cannabis has been found extremely effective in treating various ailments. This might make you wonder: goodness in cannabis? Yes, we’re talking about it! And it's due to 2 very interesting natural compounds - cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—found in plants of the Cannabis genus.

Both CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. A slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the differing effects on your body too.THC is just one of more than 400 different active substances that marijuana consists of. Yet it is important to note that THC is the most recognized one.

THC is the major psychoactive substance in cannabis that produces the sensation of being high. It can be consumed while one is smoking cannabis. It’s also available in oils, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and more. Let's understand the effects of these two psychoactive substances better

How do CBD & THC interact with your body?

Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids. This characteristic is what allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.

What’s the difference between CBD and THC?

Despite their similar chemical structures, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive effects. Yes, despite the same build, they're different. CBD is psychoactive, just not in the same manner as THC. It doesn’t produce the high associated with THC. CBD has various good effects on the body just like THC. It is a proven remedy for anxiety, depression, seizures, and other psychological and neurological issues. CBD and THC have many of the same medical benefits. They can provide relief from several of the same conditions. However, CBD doesn’t cause the euphoric effects that occur with THC. The side effects these both cause too are different from each other since CBD is well tolerated, even in large doses but the same might not be the case with THC.

Different forms & methods of consuming THC

THC is often smoked in the form of dried leaves of the Cannabis plant as marijuana, but there are actually a number of different ways that THC can be consumed or utilized. It can be consumed in the following ways: vulgar administration: THC can also be consumed as lozenges or dissolvable strips that are placed under the tongue. Inhalation: Inhaling can be considered the fastest method of delivery to the senses and it produces the quickest psychoactive effects as well. It can get people to feel the effects within the span of a few minutes. There are a couple of different ways that THC can be inhaled. It may be smoked or vaped, although recent reports suggest that vaping may pose safety risks.

Outer application: The substance can also be mixed or put in lotions, balms, salves, oils, bath salts, etc, and can be directly applied to the skin. The effects of this method of application are usually localized, which means they are unlikely to have psychoactive effects. However, it is also discerned that such products may be strongly helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.

Oral ingestion: THC can be consumed by mouth in the form of capsules, edibles, tinctures, or oils. While this method of delivery might not be very fast and take a long time to have an effect, the effects tend to be efficient and last longer than usual.

The Benefits

Some research and anecdotal evidence demonstrate that THC may be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions and ailments. And from a recreational standpoint, it can feel good and can be extremely relaxing, causing a sensation of euphoria and composure in some.

Helps Treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

It’s estimated that almost 24.4 million people currently suffer from PTSD. That makes it 8% of the entire country and that certainly is a high number!

PTSD can include symptoms such as agitation, severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and social isolation and it can be a heartbreaking and gloomy condition. Yet, THC has been shown to be a highly effective option for treating PTSD. Some psychiatrists have even gone on to say that THC-rich cannabis is the only treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Various studies have in fact confirmed the fact that THC is capable of easing a variety of PTSD-related symptoms. From agitation, and depression to insomnia, and nightmares, THC can cure all of them. This means that those suffering from PTSD, can finally get the peaceful sleep they need to heal and regain balance in their lives. However, it is recommended that they safely and legally access cannabis and acquire proper guidance on how to best implement it into their lives.

Powerful Antioxidant

THC and other cannabinoids are potent antioxidants. There’s a reason why this substance has been acclaimed as an anti-aging and anti-stress tool.

This should definitely not come as a surprise, considering that in addition to protecting cannabis plants from pathogens, the herb increases its THC production in response to UVB light. Simply put, UVB light is the same light that causes oxidative stress in humans, contributing to visible aging and other skin diseases. It also makes people more prone to serious ailments like cancer and other neurodegenerative illnesses.

As a potent antioxidant, THC is capable of protecting the body from any stress-related damage that can be caused by any such element.

Eases Nausea & Vomiting

An FDA-approved pill most commonly known by the name of Marinol is commonly used for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. This pill has been around for a long time! Since the 1980s, to be a little precise. In fact, Marinol has even been marketed as a pharmaceutical alternative to cannabis.

Marinol does not include beneficial components such as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all of which work better together rather than separately.

A study conducted in 1995 even revealed that oral doses of THC-8, a cannabinoid-like the regular THC but with lower psychotropic effects, could serve as an effective treatment for children suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea. The only side effect discovered was just slight irritability.

Considering that other nausea medications like Zofran can lead to side effects like diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, etc, THC-based therapies are a much safer and better option.

Protects Brain Cells

There has been a general notion that cannabis consumption can kill brain cells. However, the reality is this could not be further from the truth. While most drugs are neurotoxic, THC is considered to be a neuroprotectant. Which means that it actually protects your brain cells from damage! Yes, you heard it right. Even a study in 2014 concluded that people with THC in their systems were 80 percent less likely to die from traumatic head injuries than those without it.

The takeaway

THC can certainly prove to be a great remedy for several ailments and medical problems. Although a lot of research is still required to explore the useful and safe effects of this psychoactive element, it can be safe to say, enough studies have proved that this element can serve as a healthy alternative to various medications that are widely used.