CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most well-known compounds found in the cannabis plant. The key difference between CBD and THC lies in their effects on the human body. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects or the “high” that is associated with marijuana use.
It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and produces a feeling of euphoria, altered perception of time and space, and increased appetite. * We all have specific receptors that are part of the human Endocannabinoid System and there are 2 main receptors involved the regulation of this system: CB1 and CB2. THC, while being able to bind to both CB1 and CB2, predominately binds to the CB1 receptor. These receptors are mainly located in the brain and central nervous system.
Chad A. Sallaberry and Laurie Astern, two prominent members of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Colorado State University had this to say about the endocannabinoid system and homeostasis of the human body:
“The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very important role in the human body for our survival. This is due to its ability to play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human body, which encompasses the brain, endocrine, and immune system, to name a few. ECS is a unique system in multiple dimensions.
To begin with, it is a retrograde system functioning post- to pre-synapse, allowing it to be a “master regulator” in the body. Secondly, it has a very wide scope of influence due to an abundance of cannabinoid receptors located anywhere from immune cells to neurons. Finally, cannabinoids are rapidly synthesized and degraded, so they do not stay in the body for very long in high amounts, possibly enabling cannabinoid therapy to be a safer alternative to opioids or benzodiazepines.”
“The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very important role in the human body for our survival. This is due to its ability to play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human body, which encompasses the brain, endocrine, and immune system, to name a few. ECS is a unique system in multiple dimensions.
To begin with, it is a retrograde system functioning post- to pre-synapse, allowing it to be a “master regulator” in the body. Secondly, it has a very wide scope of influence due to an abundance of cannabinoid receptors located anywhere from immune cells to neurons. Finally, cannabinoids are rapidly synthesized and degraded, so they do not stay in the body for very long in high amounts, possibly enabling cannabinoid therapy to be a safer alternative to opioids or benzodiazepines.”
It is important to note that while CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it does not cause a person to feel “high.” Most CBD products on the market today are derived from hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant that has a very low THC content. Look for products that are accompanied by a recent C of A, or certificate of analysis by a reputable 3rd-party lab that specialized in the analysis of cannabinoids.
In summary, the main difference between CBD and THC is that THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not. Both come with many potential benefits that must be weighed on a person-by-person basis.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.