CBD vs THC Explained

Do you know what is THC and what is CBD? Need the CBD vs THC story explained? Both come from the cannabis sativa plant family. Users call it weed, marijuana, or cannabis. People from various parts of the world consume cannabis and its byproducts for multiple reasons. The molecules that are available in cannabis plant families are known as cannabinoids, and science says it can interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

There are more than a hundred distinct cannabinoids found in cannabis strains. However, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most famous cannabinoids.

Cannabis plants contain THC in high quantity, but it contains CBD as well. On the other hand, hemp plants (cannabis family) are rich in CBD and possess low THC levels. People choose the strain depending on their needs. Nevertheless, both of these cannabinoids interact with our ECS, and both can create varied impacts.

Chemical structure

CBD and THC possess the same molecular properties. Both have twenty-one carbon, thirty hydrogen, and two oxides, and C21H30O2 is the molecular formula for both these compounds. However, both have a slight difference in the chemical structure.

CBD has a hydroxyl group structure.

THC has a cyclic ring to connect the molecules; due to this simple difference, both CBD and THC exhibit distinct effects on the user’s body and mind.

Psychoactive properties – CBD vs THC

Honestly, both compounds can be psychoactive depending on the user’s health condition at the time of consuming. Nevertheless, CBD is not as psychoactive as THC. Mostly, it interacts with the receptors that are responsible for the pain-relieving and stress-relieving actions. So, CBD will never give you the euphoric-high that is associated with the weed.
THC is the active compound in weed, which creates the ‘high’ in users. It interacts with the receptors that are responsible for brain functions. Notably, CBD can intercept with THC, and it alleviates or prevent the “high.”

CBD vs THC – Side effects

CBD and THC are not fatal, but both are associated with some side effects upon long term usage and inappropriate dosage.

High doses of THC can cause serious side effects that could affect the users mentally. Some side effects can be permanent and are hard to manage. For that reason, it is better to avoid including high doses of THC in your diet.

CBD is relatively non-psychoactive. Likewise, it doesn’t create any permanent side effects. In some cases of high dosage, CBD can cause mouth-dryness, dizziness, red eyes, and an increase in the heartbeat. However, CBD is safer to consume in optimal doses.

Are CBD and THC sensitive to drug tests?

Employers, sports associations, and many other organizations include drug tests as a part of the screening process. These drug tests aim at identifying unethical activities. People who consume these substances often fail to understand the seriousness of drug tests.

CBD users are less likely to fail a drug test. However, it depends on the daily dosage and product type. CBD products that have high THC levels may stay longer in your fat cells. As a result, you could fail a drug test even when you don’t use any drugs. People should buy CBD that is THC-free to increase the chances of passing a drug test. Likewise, it is better to maintain a low to moderate dosage.
THC stays in your body system for more than a day. In some cases, you could fail a drug test even after a couple of days. Long-term users need to flush their body systems at least a week before the drug test. Else, the drug test could identify the THC molecule in your body system quickly.

Legality

Some countries have legalized medical cannabis. Contrarily, many countries across the globe still treat THC as a scheduled drug. Many government organizations approve the therapeutic uses of THC. However, the recreational use of THC products is not allowed in most of the countries due to its psychoactive effects.
CBD is considered a novel food in some parts of the world. However, many nations have passed a law to legalize THC-free CBD. In some countries, CBD product with less than 0.3% of THC is legal, and anything beyond that is entirely illegal.

Nevertheless, the legal status of CBD vs THC is not the same everywhere, and it keeps changing often. Users must check the recent updates in the legislation in their respective locations before dealing with CBD and THC infused products.

How are CBD and THC relevant to the endocannabinoid system?

The brain controls the human body, and it sends chemical signals to the body cells through neurotransmitters. There are receptors, which receive the signals and exhibit the intended actions through body cells. Technically, endocannabinoids are the chemical compounds that carry the messages to these receptors, which are present in various parts of our body.

The human body produces endocannabinoids naturally. Neurotransmitters, endocannabinoids, and the neuroreceptors form a system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Cannabinoids play a vital role in the endocannabinoid system in exhibiting the signals from the brain. This whole system works towards reclaiming the homeostasis in the body. CBD, THC, and many other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant family has a similar structure of the endocannabinoids. These external cannabinoids from cannabis and hemp can interact with the neurotransmitters in the human body.

How to buy CBD that is safe and legal?

Nowadays, brands are becoming more transparent in terms of processes and ingredients. Check the source of the CBD. Hemp-derived CBD is less likely to have THC in it. For that reason, many states have legalized hemp-derived CBD.

Anyhow, don’t buy from brands that don’t provide the third party lab test reports to prove the THC-free status of their products. Also, learn about what is CBD and what is THC before using it.

When it comes to legality, it depends on your location. Check your government portal for the legal status of CBD usage. Also, check the permissible THC levels in CBD infused products.

Wrap

Many scientists and research institutes claim different facts regarding the CBD vs THC issue. Dosage proves to be the primary reason for many adverse side effects of both substances. So, users must consult their doctors before consuming the product. Doctors will be able to determine the ideal dosage, depending on your health status.