CBD vs THC – What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get lost in all the information out there about cannabis, including what it effects are and what ailments are best suited for its individual cannabinoids.

The cannabis plant contains over 114 compounds, most of which we didn’t even know existed until the last decade. This in itself has led to a revolution and re-evaluation of which cannabinoids and compounds correlate to certain illnesses and bodily functions.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC and Cannabidiol, CBD are making all the headlines, and rightfully so. So how do they stack up against each other? Let’s take a little look at CBD vs THC, the heavyweight battle in the world of marijuana.

What are THC and CBD?

Before we get started, let’s find out a little bit about THC and CBD. These two are making their way to the top of the medical world with staggering speed. It’s becoming clear that medicinal properties in cannabis have a ton more functions than just inducing a psychoactive high and make you hungry.

Furthermore, THC is most heavily researched and scrutinized compound in Cannabis. Discovered in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechulam, THC is the cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for “high” like effect from cannabis. THC can be described as creating a euphoric, bliss like state that can be felt for hours.

Moreover, when THC is introduced into your brain chemistry; it stimulates certain brain cells and releases a substance called dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for controlling your brain’s reward and pleasure centers. This rush of dopamine and activated brain cells will affect the users though process, perception of time and memory function.

CBD; on the other hand, does not create any psychoactive effects. This means you would not feel the “high” associated with THC. Furthermore, the main functions of CBD are still being researched, but unlike THC, it doesn’t mimic the bodies endocannabinoids but rather boosts the number of natural cannabinoids in our bodies.

Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is why topical cannabis works, as even the skin and muscles in a given spot on the body have cannabinoid receptors.

In addition, as well as regulating the ECS, CBD allows cannabinoids to stay in the body for a longer period of time. This allows the cannabinoids to work their magic and better regulate essential bodily functions.

How do CBD and THC Interact With Each Other?

An important difference between CBD and THC is that THC binds well with a specific neuronal receptor named CB1, while CBD binds mostly with the receptor CB2. Moreover, CBD reduces or “antagonises,” some of the effects of THC like anxiety, paranoia, tachycardia, and possibly the high itself, by partially blocking CB1 receptors.

Clinical research on the simultaneous use of THC and CBD is just at its first stages. However, people reported better effects and less anxiety with hybrids containing a balanced proportion of CBD and THC than using strains with high THC alone. It also seems that CBD enhances THC’s painkilling and anticancer properties, while both CBD and THC stimulate neurogenesis, the creation of new cells in the peripheral nervous system.

A common therapeutic strategy seems to be administering consistent and measurable doses of CBD plus as much THC as a person is comfortable with. Some conditions seem to respond well to a small dose of a CBD with little THC, while others benefit more from a balanced ratio around 1:1.

Furthermore, different CBD:THC ratios can also be used at different times of the day. What follows is a rough description of the effects for each one of the significant CBD:THC ratios that people are today looking for, together with a selection of the corresponding cannabis genetics.

Research so far seems to have found that 1:1 THC:CBD ratio provides the most therapeutic relief across a wide varity of ailments, with just minor side effects. This proportion between cannabinoids has the best effect on sleep, pain and muscle spasms reduction, and furthermore it is under research for the treatment of autism, cancer, fibromyalgia, and skin diseases. The relaxation comes with very light high effect and little euphoria.

Picking Between CBD and THC

Now that we know what each cannabinoid does respectively; which one is right for you? That in itself is a trick question; because as we’ve seen, the 2 molecules work hand in hand; quite well in fact, for a plethora of medical symptoms and conditions.

Moreover, while most symptoms can be improved with a combination of THC and CBD; unfortunately, that is not the case for every one. If you were looking to rid yourself of anxiety, a high dose of THC alone would not be recommended. While a mixture of both; or higher levels of CBD, are fantastic to crush that pesky anxiety.

Here’s a little break down of what to expect from CBD vs THC

THC

Sedation – Induces a state of relaxation overall wellness

Analgesic – Reduces inflammation and pain

Helps patients fall asleep

Uplifting and Euphoric

Appetite Stimulation

CBD

Anti-Depressent – Reduces Depression and Anxiety

Reduces Seizures and Convulsions

Neuro-Protective

Anti-Emetic – Reduces Vomiting and Nausea

Anti-oxidant – It fights neuro-degenerative disorders.

Anti-psychotic: It combats psychosis.

Anti-inflammatory

While THC alone has many amazing health benefits, it’s becoming clear that coupled with CBD, the improvement of symptoms in numerous conditions is unparalleled.

Furthermore, with CBD’s lack of psychoactive effects, it’s used as a medicine has far less scrutiny than products loaded with THC. That being said, we don’t need to worry who would win in a CBD vs THC, in this battle royale, everyone’s a winner.

We’ve come a long way in recognizing cannabis as a legitimate medicinal miracle. Up until now, cannabis has been not extensively studied; however, with October 17, 2018 just around the corner, that’s all about to change. It’s safe to say we will be watching a holistic revolution (and unfortunately pharmaceuticals too) right before our very eyes.

To purchase CBD or any cannabis related products, please visit our partner, Herb Approach.