Cannabis flower and oil

THC and CBD Difference: Guide

Skriven av: Jans Beloglazovs

|

|

Tid att läsa 10 min

Introduction

People are increasingly interested in the potential benefits of cannabis, with the buzz often centering on CBD and THC. They're both found in cannabis plants but you might be wondering about the THC and CBD difference and how they impact your experience. We’re going to dive into the specifics so you understand those distinctions.


Understanding the differences between THC and CBD will let you choose a product that works for you. So whether you’re new to these cannabis plant compounds (cannabinoids) or you want more clarity on what sets them apart, let’s break it down. 

CBD: What It Is, What It Does

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in cannabis. While scientists identified more than 100 cannabinoids that are able to impact the human body, CBD is probably the most notable after THC.


It was first discovered in the 1940s, but has become a recent phenomenon due to the potential medical applications it may have, but it's important to remember that while research looks promising, a great deal of additional research and studies are still needed in this area.


One reason it may be gaining popularity is because unlike THC, CBD lacks the psychoactive properties that often come to mind when people think about using cannabis, but that's not to say that it does nothing. CBD also interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.


The endocannabinoid system is composed of naturally-produced cannabinoids as well as receptors for them throughout the body. The receptors and natural cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, act as messengers, sending messages back and forth to carry out important processes, including sleep regulation, mood modulation, pain response, immune function, and even more.


This endocannabinoid system appears to respond to the various cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, meaning both THC and CBD can impact it in some way. Because cannabinoids are very similar in structure to the body’s natural endocannabinoids, they’re able to activate these receptors and impact these critical body processes.

CBD flower Nine Realms

CBD’s Role in Wellness

Many people tout the potential wellness applications of CBD for pain management, although more in-depth studies and research are still necessary. Evidence notes that while CBD binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), its influence on each varies.


Where CBD stands out is in its affinity for CB2 receptors which are mainly present outside the central nervous system. This preference means that, unlike THC which has a higher preference for the CB1 receptors within the brain, CBD does not cause the high sensation. It might even mitigate THC’s intoxicating effects when you consume products containing both, often known as the “entourage effect”. It may have antipsychotic effects that could even prevent or mitigate psychiatric issues that THC sometimes produces.

Sources of CBD

You’ll often see the term “hemp” on labels for CBD products because you need to understand how CBD is regulated. Although the source plant is ultimately Cannabis sativa, there are various strains or sub-species which fall under that categorization, with different potencies and legal classifications.


Legally speaking, you will generally only see cannabis plants referred to as "hemp" when their THC concentration is less than or equal to 0.3%, the legal maximum defined by European law. Because the law permits commercialization of cannabis products, hemp plants have become the main source of CBD products on the marketplace to adhere to those guidelines. But just to add another level of complexity, individual countries still have their own legislation so there are variances. If you travel, you'll want to be extra careful as it can be tricky - so just check those guidelines and be mindful. 

Further Readings

→ What is THC?

→ What are the potential drawbacks from CBD and THC?

"Not everyone wants to get high, some people just want to get better."

Unknown

THC: Unveiling the Mind-Altering Molecule

THC is the component of marijuana responsible for that characteristic high. Although there is increasing interest in the potential for this cannabis plant compound, THC is still heavily regulated in the EU. That’s due to its impact on cognitive functions, as well as the abuse potential for some people.

THC Under a Scientific Lens

THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most prevalent cannabinoid present in cannabis plants, although researchers have identified hundreds of these, for example HHC, THCP, THCJD etc. While the concentration and impact vary, scientists have established that cannabinoids in general bind to receptors present in your brain and body, known as the endocannabinoid system.


Unlike CBD, THC has a high affinity for cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors which are heavily concentrated in the central nervous system. CB1 receptors mainly impact motor skills, coordination, brain processes such as thought, perception, and even mood. Research into how it functions has noted that activating CB1 receptors with THC is what triggers dopamine production, the brain chemical associated with reward and pleasure. That’s the same dopamine released in addictive behaviors such as eating sugary treats and gambling which makes continued THC use so compelling.


This difference in receptor preference is why you experience psychoactive effects with THC and not CBD. These intoxicating sensations come from how your brain processes information when THC activates its preferred CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. 

THC laboratory Nine Realms

THC Content: Getting Stronger?

There seems to be more THC present in cannabis products sold in modern times. An analysis of market trends found that average concentrations of THC present in cannabis plants in the US rose from around 4% in 1995 to over 12% in 2014, a triple increase. Conversely, those same cannabis plants also displayed significantly less CBD, averaging only 0.15%, dropping down from over 0.28%.


With marijuana increasingly grown for high-potency THC, you may not get much benefit from CBD if you consume this plant form, depending on the concentration and how its prepared. It's crucial to know what you're looking for. In short, a product with higher concentrations will pack more punch. If your main goal is experiencing those euphoric highs, the choice may seem clear, but you have to be aware. 

Weighing the Risks and Potential Drawbacks

Both CBD and THC interact with receptors that impact critical systems throughout the body, although research into those responses remains in the early stages. But this early data can shed some light on potential negative impacts associated with the use of either compound. This might influence how often you use products containing either THC or CBD.

Managing CBD-Related Risks

One point to remember about products containing CBD is that the EU does not regulate them the way it does traditional over-the-counter and prescription medication. Research has revealed potential issues, including contaminants, misleading information on labels about contents, and a range of side effects that consumers should be mindful of, particularly those with pre-existing conditions who are taking prescription or other medications.


A study published in JAMA took a look at those CBD-related concerns. They found that over 70% of CBD products sold online had labeling inaccuracies that misrepresented actual THC concentrations. They discovered higher THC levels, although it didn't reach high amounts that would cause noticeable psychoactive effects in the products, the presence was greater than what was claimed.


On the other hand, several products were also shown to have far less CBD than what labels purported, ranging from only half the purported concentration to almost no CBD whatsoever. Some products were contaminated with solvents, pesticides, or even fungus.


If you are thinking about using CBD products you may want to focus on buying from established retailers or manufacturers who utilize independent, third-party lab testing so that you can make informed decisions.

Potential Drawbacks of THC

Because it interacts with your central nervous system by stimulating dopamine release, THC does have more pronounced effects on both short-term and long-term mental and even physical processes, impacting the development of teen brains or influencing mood regulation and coordination. These effects have to be factored in when weighing benefits against drawbacks.


In some studies conducted on people using cannabis, temporary impairment of cognitive functions has been widely documented, affecting mental processes that deal with focus, learning, memory, coordination, and reaction time. But in many of those cases, those impaired functions largely returned to normal within only 3 weeks of abstaining from using cannabis products.


In addition to the short-term impairment of cognitive functions and temporary reduction in reaction speed, other possible impacts associated with cannabis use include feelings of panic, paranoia, and psychosis in people with a family history of those issues, which may not be helped by lowering CBD potency or choosing broad spectrum extracts or other varieties or by consuming less cannabis product in general.


These negative impacts may even be aggravated in high-potency strains. It's critical to consult a health professional when dealing with issues such as these to learn more about risks and side effects of cannabis.


While there’s a great deal of discussion around THC CBD difference, it ultimately boils down to individual responses to either chemical. What works for someone else might not necessarily have the same benefit for you, especially with such variable responses. 

Man smoking Nine Realms THC cannabis

Key Takeaway:

Cannabis use, particularly THC, can have significant short-term and long-term effects on mental and physical processes, including cognitive impairment, mood regulation, and coordination. While many of these effects are temporary and may subside after abstinence, there are potential risks such as panic, paranoia, and psychosis in susceptible individuals.

Decoding CBD vs THC Effects on Your Body and Mind

Understanding the potential impacts that CBD and THC have on your physical and mental functions will guide how you choose your cannabis products. While there is quite a bit of information around these responses, researchers are still digging deeper. They’re conducting ongoing studies to unveil the mysteries of THC and CBD difference as more information comes out.

"It is in the nature of humans to prefer one thing to another, to find one thing more meaningful than another."

Susanna Clarke

CBD's Impacts: Still in its Early Stages

While CBD may be growing increasingly popular for its supposed benefits in anxiety and pain management, experts do not yet fully understand how it exerts those effects in the human body.


Studies using neuroimaging have established that CBD interacts with various areas of the brain, influencing communication, reducing seizures, possibly modulating anxiety and mood, and impacting perception and even learning, as well as memory function.


It is not exactly known, although evidence notes that CBD might also boost levels of anandamide. It's one of the endocannabinoids, produced naturally by the body, that activates the endocannabinoid system in several beneficial ways.


A review of the available studies evaluating how effective CBD might be for mental health determined that it did offer some benefits in alleviating those conditions although, those potential benefits still needed further in-depth study before conclusive results could be produced. 

The Influence of THC: The Intoxicating Experience

Research into the mental and physical impact of THC remains relatively recent. As cannabis use for medical applications becomes more widely studied and accepted, understanding its complex response to systems throughout the body may prove useful in treatment and development.


One of the main benefits of cannabis plant extracts and medications, as determined by some researchers, is their rapid absorption, causing more pronounced results. This is particularly appealing for people with chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, those experiencing nausea and vomiting due to treatments for various illnesses, those with severe nerve pain, or people with low appetite and severe pain that are seeking immediate, short-term symptom management, although there can be long-term impacts as well.


You need to factor in long-term responses in those treatments. One major concern raised by several experts is that consuming products with high concentrations of THC on a regular basis for several weeks or more may produce an addiction in people, as much as 30%. It can even have more serious consequences when there is regular use prior to adulthood.


If you want to experience the more pleasant THC-induced feelings without experiencing addiction, check for CB2 receptors, terpenes and low-dose options or consider using a product containing both CBD and THC, particularly one with low potency to ensure a lower THC content. That “entourage effect”, combining cannabinoids from multiple species, could mitigate those issues by balancing those CB1 receptor interactions in a person's brain.


So there you have it, although this data sheds some light on the THC and CBD difference in potential benefit and response, further studies may completely change how you understand the nuanced differences. 

Conclusion

Beneath and innovation-driven industry like cannabis fosters an environment where pioneers like chemists, marketers, and small-business owners can thrive. Take, for instance, HHC and THCP – cannabis enthusiasts are intrigued by these molecules, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in our cannabinoids.


If you're wondering about the future of cannabis, it's hard to ignore the buzz around THCP and HHC. As these compounds enter the mainstream, it's essential we approach them with both excitement and caution.


So, as you navigate the ever-expanding world of cannabis, keep an open mind and a curious spirit. Who knows what other exciting discoveries await us in the years to come?

A man smoking Nine Realms vape

Author: Jans Beloglazovs

Emerging from Europe's strict cannabis landscape, Jan has become a known figure in the European cannabis industry through vast experience in cannabusiness and a keen understanding of the shifting trends in Europe. Co-founding the Nine Realms cannabis brand, he leverages his expertise to advocate for progressive cannabis policies and educate a broad audience.