What Are The Differences Between CBD And THC?

CBD For Infections
CBD For Infections
Health Benefits Of CBD
Health Benefits Of CBD

More and more states in the US are legalizing the use of marijuana and hemp products because of the health benefits they provide. The main reason for the therapeutic properties of these plants is the two cannabinoid compounds THC and CBD. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD stands for cannabidiol.

CBD is gaining huge popularity all around the world for its health benefits and the lack of any side effects. CBD is legal in the United States and its possession, use, and transport are usually not considered a federal offense.

Even though CBD and THC are extracted from Cannabis Sativa, they have very different features. In this article, we will take a look at the differences between THC and CBD.

Differences In Chemical Structure

There is not much of a difference in the chemical structure of CBD and THC. Both have 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The only difference is in the arrangement of these atoms that accounts for the varying effects on your body. The endocannabinoid system of our body, CBD and THC all share a similar chemical structure.

Differences In Psychoactive Properties

The psychoactive properties of CBD and THC are very different even though they almost have similar chemical structures. THC is a psychoactive compound while CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. THC can provide the user with a euphoric sensation when it binds with the CB1 receptors present in the brain. CB won’t bind with the CB1 receptors as efficiently as THC. However, CBD can interfere with the binding of THC to the CB1 receptors and reduce its psychoactive effects.

Differences In Health Benefits

The health benefits of CBD are the main reason why it is popular around the world. Both CBD and THC offer similar health benefits. However, because of the psychoactive effects of THC, many people are reluctant to use it to alleviate health problems. CBD is currently used in treating health disorders like anxiety, arthritis, epilepsy, skin problems, etc. THC can be beneficial in the treatment of muscle spasm, pain, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, etc.

Difference In Legality

Until today, Marijuana and THC are on the list of controlled substances and prohibited on a federal level. However, there are some states in the US where the medical and recreational use of marijuana is still legal. CBD, on the other hand, is legal in most of the states in the US if the THC content in the CBD product is less than 0.3 %.