CBD And THC

After the recent legalization of hemp-derived products in the United States, many are curious to know the health benefits provided by various compounds present in the hemp plant. The two most popular cannabinoid compounds present in the hemp and marijuana plants; cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are proven to be very effective in alleviating many health problems.

The cannabinoid compound CBD is mainly extracted from the hemp plant. Since the recent legalization of hemp-derived products, the CBD market is rising exponentially in the United States. According to federal law, CBD products should not contain more than 0.3 % THC. However, there are some states that legalized the use of medical marijuana, which contains a high amount of THC.

The main reason why THC is still considered as a controlled substance in the United States is that it creates psychoactive properties. It will produce a sensation of high to the users. Both THC and CBD products are available in many forms, including pills, capsules, vapes, edibles, etc.

Chemical Structure Of CBD And THC

When it comes to the chemical structure of these two cannabinoid compounds, both of them have the same molecular structure. Both THC and CBD have an equal number of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The only difference is in the placement of the atoms and how this arrangement accounts for various effects on the human body.

One of the main features of both CBD and THC is that their chemical structure is similar to the endocannabinoids present in our body. This is the reason both CBD and THC are able to interact with the cannabinoid receptors.

The interaction of CBD and THC with the cannabinoid receptors present in our body can affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain and can help regulate many bodily functions. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals in your body that facilitate the communication between the cells and also plays an important role in the regulation of sleep, pain, immune function, appetite, stress, etc.

Psychoactive Properties Of CBD And THC

Even though both CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, they do not have the same psychoactive properties when ingested and this is due to the difference in the placement of their atoms. Many people think of CBD as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid but it also has some psychoactive properties. The use of CBD does not provide the sensation of high that is usually associated with the use of THC.

Studies have proven that CBD helps in alleviating some mental health disorders like anxiety and depression by providing a sense of calmness to the user. Many people mistakenly think of this calmness as a psychoactive effect.

The euphoric sensation associated with THC use occurs due to its interaction of THC with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors. CBD does not have the capability to strongly bind with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. However, the use of CBD can reduce some of the psychoactive effects of THC, like sedation or euphoria.

Health Benefits Of CBD And THC

Both CBD and THC offer a wide range of health benefits and currently, they are being used in various forms all around the world for the treatment of several health disorders. Several clinical and laboratory tests have proved that both these cannabinoid compounds possess many therapeutic properties that are beneficial for the treatment of many mental and physical health disorders.

CBD is a very effective treatment for most anxiety disorders and insomnia. Many doctors are recommending topical CBD products for alleviating several skin problems. Both THC and CBD are very effective in alleviating different forms of pain. They can also reduce inflammation and give you relief from many inflammatory disorders.

CBD is found to be very effective in decreasing the severity and frequency of seizures in children who are suffering from epilepsy. Epidiolex is a medicine approved by FDA for the treatment of epilepsy. It is currently the only CBD-based medication that is approved by the FDA.

Most people prefer using CBD products instead of THC for alleviating their health disorders because of the psychoactive effects of THC. However, THC is better than CBD in treating some of the health problems, such as nausea, anxiety, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, glaucoma, etc. If you do not wish to have THC in your CBD products, you can go for products that are made using CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD.

Side Effects OF CBD And THC

Studies have proven that even high doses of CBD are well tolerated by the human body. According to most of the existing studies, the side effects that usually occur due to the interaction between CBD and other drugs that you take for your health problems. Some of the side effects of CBD and THC include the change in appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, red eyes, memory loss, drowsiness, etc.