Natural and organic healing is taking the base as people are trying to avoid putting synthetic chemicals in their body. With lots of people switching to a vegan lifestyle, it is becoming increasingly popular to go organic in all departments. The source of the naturally obtained chemicals THC and CBD is the same, which leads many people to think that they have similar effects on the body. Upon further research, it can be easily found out that they are the opposites of each other in terms of their usage.
THC vs CBD: Chemical Composition
The key to differentiating between THC vs CBD is to understand the chemical composition of the two. Both THC and CBD have the same chemical constituents but a different chemical structure making them isomers of each other. Disclose similarity In The structures is because of their source being common.
THC ( C21H30O2 )- tetrahydrocannabinol is one out of the 113 cannabinoids scientifically identified yet. It is one of the most potent chemicals which also has slight psychoactive properties. It is the principal hallucinogenic component of marijuana. The exact scientific name of THC is (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a prominent lipid component in many plants, but it can be extracted in reasonable amounts from a few strains of the weed plant(Marijuana). THC was isolated, and the properties, structure and synthesis were described in 1964.
CBD ( C21H30O2 ) – Cannabidiol is a plant chemical that was discovered when the research was being done on the substances that lead to hallucinogenic action of marijuana. CBD amounts for 40% of the compound that can be extracted from the plant in its extract. It does not have the same psychoactive effect on the body as THC. Instead, it can alter the working of THC inside the body. Its scientific name is (−)-cannabidiol. It was studied and extracted in the year 1940 for finding its chemical properties.
Both THC and CBD are cannabinoids that have some hallucinogenic effects on the body. This has led to them getting banned in many countries and are treated as scheduled substances. The Human body already has small amounts of these chemicals in the body, but their consumption is governed with the help of the Endocannabinoid system.
THC vs CBD: Mode of action
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to produce their effects. Both THC and CBD are processed inside the body through the ECS. Endocannabinoid system is a network of chemical receptors that ensure proper working of many vital functions. It mainly has two receptors, namely CB1 and CB2. The interaction of cb1 and cb2 with the psychoactive components of THC and CBD lead to many medicinal properties like stress relief, anxiety control, managing mood swings as well as pain relief.
THC can form a direct bond with the CB1 receptor of the ECS. This bond formation upon the consumption of marijuana leads to the feeling of getting “high”. CBD, on the other hand, is not able to form this bond with the CB1 receptors and sometimes even acts as a blocker for THC. CBD can proactively negate the effect of THC when taken together.
THC vs CBD: Legality
There are many health benefits to the consumption of the THC chemical, but its psychoactive effects are usually not well received. THC can also be mind-altering in the long term if it is regularly consumed, leading it to get a schedule 1 classification in most countries. THC can be absorbed by smoking pot or marijuana, which is known to be an illegal substance in many countries.
Most states in the USA have the drug under strict regulation, making it difficult for countless enthusiasts who wish to try out its positive effects on the body. In the Netherlands, on the other hand, weed or marijuana is entirely legal, making it easier for anyone over the age of 21 to consume it.
The WHO, however, has recommended that it be reclassified to a schedule 3 drug so that more research is possible on its medicinal properties.
It can be safely said that THC is illegal in most places due to it being consumed as a drug. Whereas CBD is something that has remained in an unclassified area which doesn’t bar anyone from using it, but its usage is generally frowned upon. This doesn’t mean that CBD obtained from marijuana is legal. Most places have CBD legalised upon extraction from hemp over weed.
THC vs CBD: Which is safer?
If you are trying to use this chemical for medicinal uses, then you need to have a prescription from a professional medical expert. In some countries, THC and CBD have been legalised for either medicinal or recreational uses. Portugal became the first ever country to decriminalise the usage of any drugs, Making sure that marijuana was available for recreational purposes in small quantities. California became the first ever state of the USA, which prompted the creation of state-regulated medical marijuana dispensaries.
CBD is easy to tolerate even in larger dosages. It is because the compound is consumable when it is for medicinal uses. Which means that you get 100% pure and natural chemicals. There are known side effects of CBD, and in case you feel any, it is mostly because of the drug to drug interaction from other medication that you might be taking.
THC, on the other hand, is readily available illegally as well as through regulated dispensaries. Recently Canada was added to the list of countries which provides regulated marijuana for recreational consumptions. There are a few side effects to smoking pot to get a THC high –
- Rapid heartbeat
- Loss in balance and body coordination
- Dry Throat and mouth
- Short memory or memory loss
- Red Eyes
- Weak reaction time
This problem can be due to the hallucinogenic properties of the THC chemical. Unregulated or illegal marijuana can also contain harmful synthetic chemicals, which can cause increased problems.
Neither THC or CBD is fatal even in high dosages. THC, however, can be detrimental for your mental health upon regular consumption. THC can also lead to brain damage if consumed as teenagers. Over the age of 21, the brain is entirely developed, and there are very few chances of any brain damage.
