With Cannabis and Marijuana becoming legal in more and more states, quite a number of novices are focusing their attention into its two natural compounds: THC and CBD.
Cannabis is a plant that makes a thick substance full of compounds are called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that interact with receptors found throughout the body to achieve certain physiological effects. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that are identified , but the ones you’ll most commonly hear about are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the more well-researched and popular phytocannabinoids (act on your endocannabinoid system, which works to keep your body in homeostasis, or balance). People take CBD and THC in a variety of ways, and they can be consumed separately or together.
CBD AND THC: THE DIFFERENCE
In Chemical Structure, CBD and THC have the same chemical formula – 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. However, it differs in the way the atoms are arranged (which can affect the body differently); THC makes people feel “high.” Due to its psychoactive compound. CBD doesn’t cause that high. Instead, it’s thought to work with other elements in the body linked to feelings of well-being.
Though both CBD and THC work with receptors that release neurotransmitters of the brain. They can affect things like pain, mood, sleep, and memory.
MEDICAL BENEFITS
CBD products can help with everything: from arthritis and Crohn’s disease to diabetes and multiple sclerosis, it can give relief to its to its consumers. The FDA has approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex – a treatment for several severe forms of rare childhood epilepsy. Some people claim that it helps with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Perhaps that is the reason why hot topic for researchers. THC also helps to ease medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease tremors, nausea, glaucoma, nerve pain, muscle sclerosis pain etc.
BALANCING THC AND CBD
Many people who use cannabis do it for the euphoric effects caused by the main psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, often called THC.However, Some people experience unpleasant side effects like anxiety, hunger, paranoia, dissociative thoughts, impaired memory or even psychotic episodes after taking THC. Several studies suggest that CBD may help reduce these side effects.
As cannabis has become more potent, and there are several balanced cannabis hybrid sprouting in dispensaries, it is becoming more likely that some users will experience THC’s unwanted side effects. Fortunately, according to studies, another compound present in the plant – non-psychoactive CBD – actually works against THC and can block those negative effects. THC can cause: Problems with concentration, drowsiness, balance, memory, dizziness and vomiting as side effects while CBD users may experience Upset stomach / diarrhea, tiredness /drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, crankiness, and low blood pressure as side effects.
A research also states that certain flavonoids and terpenes may provide neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers proposed that these compounds could improve CBD’s therapeutic potential.
CBD AND THC EFFICACY
Some research suggests that taking them together (THC and CBD) — along with smaller organic compounds in the cannabis plant, known as terpenes or terpenoids — is more effective than taking CBD or THC alone.