What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two primary cannabinoids that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant, most commonly known as cannabis.
Both of these substances interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the human body and brain, but they differed dramatically in their effects.
CBD is non-psychoactive which means that it will not get the user high. Because of this trait, CBD appears more frequently than THC in dietary and natural supplements.
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What is THC?
THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. In other words, THC is the primary agent responsible for creating the ‘high’ associated with recreational cannabis use.
This compound works, in part, by mimicking the effects of anandamide and 2-AG. These neurotransmitters are produced naturally by the human body and help to modulate sleeping and eating habits, the perception of pain, and countless other bodily functions.
The effects of THC include:
RelaxationAltered senses of sight, smell, and hearingFatigueHungerReduced aggression
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What Are the Natural Benefits of THC?
Research studies indicate that THC may useful in helping with:
Side Effects of ChemotherapyMultiple sclerosisHIV/AIDSSpinal injury: Lessen tremorsNausea and vomitingChronic painInflammationDigestive health
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What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is one of the most critical cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant. It exists both in agricultural hemp, as well as medical cannabis. While cannabinoids are present within several plants in nature, cannabis is the only plant known to contain CBD.
CBD has the same chemical formula as THC, with the atoms in a different arrangement.
This slight variance causes THC to create a psychoactive effect, while CBD does not. This fact means that when you ingest CBD for medical purposes, you will more likely experience a relief of your unwanted discomfort, with little or no noticeable effect on your cognitive abilities.
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What Are the Medical Benefits of CBD?
Research studies indicate that CBD may be useful in helping with:
Pain (neuropathic, chronic, cancer-related, etc.)EpilepsyMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Parkinson’sInflammationAcneDyskinesiaPsoriasisBroken BonesMad Cow DiseaseDepressionBacterial InfectionsDiabetesRheumatoid ArthritisNauseaAnxietyADHDSchizophreniaSubstance Abuse/WithdrawalHeart DiseaseIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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CBD vs. THC for Pain
Research suggests CBD may be better for inflammation and neuropathic pain, while THC may excel with spasticity and cramp-related pain.
It is worth noting that sometimes high doses of THC can exacerbate pain symptoms. Meaning THC consumed in this capacity should be done in small amounts.
Additionally, many individuals experience difficulty managing the side effects associated with THC, rendering useless any potential benefits.
Some experts suggest that a combination of THC and CBD is the ideal way to approach pain, giving validity to something known as the entourage effect.
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