The Difference Between CBD and THC 

In 2020, CBD (cannabidiol) versus THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a hot topic. Both are natural compounds derived from the same plant– cannabis sativa.  So what is the difference between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are two of the most prominent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both cannabis and hemp produce CBD and THC. However, cannabis has a higher concentration of THC. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD.

CBD and THC have the same chemical makeup, 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The difference is that they don’t have the same chemical arrangement, and the body receives them as different compounds. These compounds bind to neurotransmitters in your brain and affect things like mood, pain, sleep, and memory. 

PSYCHOACTIVE COMPONENT

The THC compound is the one known most famously for the high sensation you get from it, a psychoactive response. And in many states, it is still illegal. 

CBD, alternatively, is considered a “non-psychoactive” compound, meaning that you do not get that high that we associate with THC. Although CBD legally may have trace amounts of THC up to .3%, it is not enough to result in a psychoactive response.

CBD is known to have many of the promising health benefits, minus the psychoactive side effects. 

MEDICAL BENEFITS

Both compounds communicate with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to Norml, the endocannabinoid system is, “perhaps the most important physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.” It plays a role in regulating many functions and processes, including, sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility.

Although they both interact with the ECS system, they have separate properties with different medicinal benefits.

CBD is available in capsule or oil tinctures (like the ones you see here on our website), edibles, or you can even lather it on in cream form. 

THC BENEFITS

More than half of US states have made “medical marijuana” legal, which means in order to use it you must have a doctor’s prescription. The effects of THC have been known to offset many otherwise painful symptoms associated with chronic pain and nausea.

SIDE EFFECTS 

CBD rarely exhibits any noticeable side effects, even when taken in very large doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said in its research that, “CBD was tolerated in all patients, with no signs of toxicity or serious side effects.”

If side effects were detected, it was usually a result of CBD interacting with another drug the person took at the same time. Always consult a doctor, especially if you are considering taking CBD while taking other drugs. 

THC, on the other hand, does have a few well-known side effects such as increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction time, and memory loss. These side effects are associated with the compound’s psychoactive properties.  

DRUG TESTING

Standard drug tests typically look for chemicals related to THC, so you can expect that THC would show up on a screen. 

Does CBD contain THC?

The short answer is yes. CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, up to 0.3 percent. Although almost negligible and such a small amount would never be enough to cause any of the psychoactive side effects, it is still likely to show up on a drug test. 

A FINAL WORD

CBD and THC are derived from the same cannabis plant. But these two compounds have distinct properties that separate them from one another. THC is associated with the high feeling or psychoactive effects, and CBD is more well known for its health benefits. Before using either, be sure to check with your doctor and consider how these will affect other medications you are already taking.