Cannabinoids refer to substances found in the cannabis or cannabis Sativa plant. In addition to CBD and THC, researchers have identified over 100 other cannabinoids that can affect the human body.
CBD vs. THC: What’s The Difference?
Although both are cannabinoids, CBD and THC interact with slightly different cannabinoid receptors in the human brain. Because THC has a similar chemical structure to anandamide, there is evidence that it can bind to major cannabinoid receptors.
Potential uses for these cannabinoids may include treating below mentioned medical condition :
- pain
- nausea
- cancer
- appetite loss and eating disorders
- epilepsy
- spinal cord injury
- glaucoma
- multiple sclerosis
- Tourette syndrome
- anxiety
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- sleep problems
Must Read: Billionaire medical marijuana tycoon seeks justice after brother’s death in Mallorca, Spain
Getting ‘High’
This chemical belongs to the group of cannabinoids that are naturally produced in the body and are known as endocannabinoids or endocannabinoids. This structural similarity allows THC to interact with these receptors and evoke the euphoria that people associate with recreational cannabis use.
Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the euphoria that people associate with cannabis use. Experts aren’t entirely sure how CBD interacts with receptors, but they think it binds in a different way than THC. Instead, CBD may potentiate the effects of other cannabinoids or bind to other receptors that researchers have yet to discover.
From Where Did They Come?
Both CBD and THC are naturally present in cannabis plants. However, different species of these plants can contain different amounts of cannabinoids. We use CBD. The main difference between hemp and other cannabis plants is their THC content.
Chemical Structure
Although their pharmacological effects are different, CBD and THC have similar chemical structures. Both contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, slight differences in the arrangement of atoms explain the difference between CBD and THC.
Must Read: Biden DOJ: Medical Marijuana Patients Too ‘ Dangerous to Trust’ to Dismiss Gun Rights Lawsuit
Benefits
CBD and THC have similar effects in treating medical conditions. However, there are some differences in the use of each substance. People commonly use CBD to treat:
- inflammatory bowel disease
- seizures
- depression
- inflammation
- psychosis or mental disorders
- migraine
THC has potential uses in treating some of the following:
- glaucoma
- muscle spasticity
- low appetite
- insomnia
People may use either to help treat:
- pain
- anxiety
- nausea
Legality
Many states in North America have approved people with at least limited medical cannabis use. Each state differs slightly in how it defines and regulates the legal use, prescription, or sale of cannabis. There is no federal law recognizing the legal use of medical cannabis.
As a result, it is illegal to use or prescribe medical cannabis in states where it is not legally permitted. Several states have approved the recreational use of cannabis.
Like medical cannabis, recreational use is not permitted under federal law. You should check your state’s laws before purchasing medical cannabis. Unless your state specifically authorizes its use, you may face legal issues when acquiring or using cannabis for medical or other purposes.
