Sometimes choosing between two options is challenging. Whether it’s deciding what to eat or which movie to watch, your brain likes to overthink things. When it comes to choosing between THC and CBD, your first inclination is probably to feel overwhelmed by the choices. This can lead to indecision and nothing getting done. Despite some overlap, these two compounds produce dramatically different effects. The following post will compare their various benefits and differences.
What Are The Differences Between THC And CBD?
CBD and THC are the two main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (although up to 100 others exist). Nevertheless, there is a difference between THC and CBD, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. There is one significant difference between THC and CBD, and that is that THC is psychoactive while CBD is not. This difference comes from the seeds used to grow the plant, and some strains tend to have more CBD than THC. When looking for marijuana seeds to buy for your own use, you should be aware of what you want to get from the plant. If you want more THC, you can opt for a traditional Indica, Sativa, or hybrid strain. Conversely, if you are primarily looking to grow CBD-rich plants, you should select seeds that state as such.
Chemical Structure
The molecular structure of CBD and THC is identical, and both contain:
- 21 carbon atoms
- 30 hydrogen atoms
- 2 oxygen atoms
Although it might seem that the similar makeup of the compounds should cause similar effects, they interact with your body differently. The difference in impact on your body is due to a slight difference in the way atoms are arranged. Interactions within your body lead to neurotransmitters being released. In addition to relaying messages between cells, neurotransmitters affect pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, making both of these compounds highly beneficial for medical reasons.
What Is THC?
Both THC and CBD compounds have been used for medicinal purposes for years. Nevertheless, there is a difference between THC and CBD, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. THC creates a high because it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, which are found primarily in the central nervous system and immune cells. Because it does not bind to these same receptors, CBD does not have any of the psychotropic effects that THC causes.
Does Medical Marijuana Contain THC?
The answer is yes. Medical marijuana contains THC, which has numerous medical benefits. However, medical marijuana contains various compounds, including THC and CBD. The concentration of these compounds varies according to the strain of medical marijuana.
Medical Benefits Of THC
THC, the active chemical in cannabis, has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including pain relief, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased appetite and digestion. The medical benefits of THC have been recognized for centuries, but only recently have scientists started examining how it works on the body. Some studies show that THC can help with conditions like nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy treatment. It can also help increase appetite and digestion, which is especially useful for patients who have lost their appetite due to their illness or treatment.
What Is CBD?
CBD comes from hemp plants, but not all hemp plants produce CBD. The amount of CBD that can be extracted depends on how much THC is present in the plant’s flowers and leaves during harvest time. It is one of the most commonly used natural compounds and has been used for centuries in similar ways to THC (though the two compounds were not separated, and the entire plant was used). Additionally, it has gained attention because of its beneficial medical effects without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Medical Benefits Of CBD
CBD has become a popular alternative to other drugs or medications because it does not have the same side effects as any other drug or medication. CBD is also legal in many states across the U.S., making it more appealing to some consumers than prescription drugs. There are several forms of CBD products on the market today, including oils, vapes, and tinctures. They have been used to help alleviate symptoms such as:
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
Despite the fact that CBD and THC are both found in the cannabis plant, their effects are very different. Nevertheless, both have been found to be beneficial for your health in a variety of ways, but THC has the added effect of creating a euphoric high that some people love and others loathe.
