The Differences Between CBD And THC: What Makes It Important

This question is asked a lot and rightly so. Although CBD and THC are similar in some ways, they are also very different.

Similarities of CBD and THC

Both come from the cannabis plant and consist of the same molecular structure, both are similar to our body’s endocannabinoid system and react to CB1 and CB2 receptors, and both aid in the treatment of medical conditions.

Differences in CBD and THC

Despite these similarities, there are noticeable differences.

The cannabis plant is made up of three strains for human consumption – Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis, with the main two being Indica and Sativa.

The Indica, when used for medical marijuana, has a higher ratio of CBD to THC and the Sativa plant has a higher ratio of THC to CBD. The plants are different: The Indica is shorter and bushier with wide leaves while the Sativa is tall and thin, with narrow leaves and more fibre.

Their growing conditions are different as well. The Indica grows faster with a higher yield while the Sativa takes longer to grow and mature and requires more light.

The third strain, the Ruderalis which we do not talk about as much, is lower in THC than either of the Sativa or Indica plants and because of this, we do not use it as much for recreational use. Its short stature limits its production of hemp. The plants have thin, fibrous stems with little branching and large leaves. It matures much quicker than the other two – 5 to 7 weeks from seed.

It was traditionally used in Russian and Mongolian folk medicine for treating depression. Today, it combines with Bedrocan strains (Sativa dominant strain) to produce the Bediol strain (a combination of THC and CBD) for patients with medical prescriptions. Because of its higher concentration of CBD, Ruderalis treats epilepsy, cancer, sclerosis, and loss of appetite.

CBD vs THC

The fundamental difference, however, is that CBD will not make you high while THC will. CBD binds more with the CB2 receptors producing a relaxed state while THC binds more with the CB1 receptors producing the ‘high’ or euphoric state.

Benefits of CBD and THC

While both CBD and THC help with certain conditions, it comes down to what you wish to experience. If you like that feeling of being high, then products containing THC are what you want. However, many people want pain relief but do not want to experience this high or euphoric state, thus CBD products with little to no THC are better for them.

Some various conditions that CBD and THC are used to manage or aid in are:

CBD

Seizures associated with Epilepsy*

Pain relief

Anxiety and stress

Depression

Mental disorders

As an anti-inflammatory

Increasing appetite

Aiding in smoking or drug withdrawals

Relief from nausea

Migraine headaches

Skin conditions such as acne

Type 1 diabetes

*The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved in June 2018 cannabidiol (Epidiolex is an oral solution) to treat two difficult forms of epilepsy—Dravet’s Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome – for patients aged 2 and over. It was the first drug containing a purified marijuana derivative that the FDA approved.

THC

Chronic pain

Glaucoma

Sleep disorders

Eating disorders

Nausea from cancer treatments

Muscle spasms caused by MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Crohn’s disease

Muscle relaxant from tremors in Parkinson’s Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)

 

 

Side Effects of CBD and THC

CBD

Drowsiness

Dry mouth

Low blood pressure

Prescription drug interference

Diarrhea

Nausea

Changes in appetite and weight

THC

Dry mouth

Dry, red eyes

Increase in appetite/munchies

Sleepiness

Memory Impairment

Anxiety/paranoia

Euphoria (high)

How to Ingest or Use CBD and THC

The most common ways to ingest or use both CBD and THC are in the following ways:

Tinctures/oils

Pills/capsules

Inhalation (vaping)

Isolates

Topical Creams and salves

Edibles/drinks

FDA Disclosure