Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two types of cannabinoids found in cannabis. These compounds have a few things in common, but they also have some key differences.
THC is the plant’s most famous cannabinoid for good reason—it produces psychoactive effects that help explain why it got so much attention when the first studies were published on its medical benefits. While many people associate THC with getting high, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce any sort of high.
In fact, CBD has a wide range of potential medical applications as we see more research into its use as a treatment for epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, and even cancer. If you want to learn more about the difference between these two cannabinoids and understand how they work together to create the different experiences they provide, keep reading.
What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
Cannabis plants produce both CBD and THC. CBD and THC are not produced in the same way by the plant and are found in different parts of the plant.
THC is produced in the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant, while CBD is produced in the buds of the plant. This means that it’s possible to remove all the THC from a plant, leaving only pure CBD behind. There are multiple strains of cannabis that are rich in CBD but low in THC, for this reason, to produce a high, it’s important to know the cannabinoid profile of the cannabis that you’re consuming.
THC – What Produces The High?
THC is the cannabinoid that produces the effects associated with getting “stoned” or feeling “high”. THC is the ingredient responsible for the high that people feel after taking cannabis, but it’s not the only cannabinoid in the plant that causes the effects that people associate with getting high.
CBD is also present in very low levels in the plant and has its own range of therapeutic benefits. When someone takes THC, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the areas of the brain associated with sensations like feelings of pleasure or feelings of euphoria. At higher levels, THC can cause people to feel anxious, confused, uncomfortable, or even paranoid.
CBD – What Provides Relief?
CBD is a cannabinoid that has shown promise in treating a number of health issues. Most of the research on CBD has been focused on epilepsy, but there are also studies looking at its potential in treating anxiety, chronic pain, nausea, and many other conditions.
CBD is also not psychoactive, which means that it does not cause users to feel “high” or altered in any way. Instead, it has been found to interact with receptors in the brain that are responsible for controlling the body’s processes. When someone consumes CBD, it works to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are responsible for regulating things like mood, sleep, and anxiety levels.
Together, they create the “Entourage Effect”.
In order to fully understand the difference between THC and CBD, it’s also helpful to understand the “entourage effect” that these cannabinoids have on each other and on the human body.
It’s important to remember that THC is the cannabinoid responsible for producing the “high” that many people experience, while CBD is responsible for the overall benefits that come with using cannabis, like relief from pain, nausea, and associated discomfort.
The entourage effect explains how these cannabinoids work together in the plant, how they interact with the human body, and how their individual benefits can be amplified when they work together in the same plant.
How CBD and THC Work Together
THC and CBD form a unique partnership in the cannabis plant, working together to produce effects that depend on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
This system is what is responsible for keeping the body balanced, regulating functions like hunger and sleep, and encouraging different aspects of a person’s health like digestion and the immune system.
When someone consumes THC, it interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to produce the same effects on the body that are produced when someone consumes CBD.
Conclusion
Regardless of how popular CBD becomes, it is likely that THC will remain the most famous cannabinoid in the cannabis family. While CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a high, THC is responsible for the high that many people experience when they consume cannabis.
THC is also present in much higher quantities than CBD, making it the primary cannabinoid for most people who consume cannabis. At the same time, CBD has been found to exhibit a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits when used in conjunction with THC.
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