If you’ve browsed a cannabis shop, you’ve most likely seen various labels detailing the THC or CBD content of a given product. Like most of us, you’re shy to ask the difference between the two because you feel that it’s somehow common knowledge. THC and CBD have begun to be widely understood in the medical world, but cannabis enthusiasts are still left in the dark about the main differences between these two beneficial compounds.
What is THC?
The compound that’s responsible for giving you the “high” effect is tetrahydrocannabinol, widely abbreviated as THC. It’s one of the 113 compounds found in cannabis, and it potentially has the most impact on users because of its very physical or mental effects.
The reason you become high when inhaling or ingesting THC is because of its psychoactive properties that affect the endocannabinoid system found within the brain and other parts of the body. Once tetrahydrocannabinol becomes activated via heat, it can readily interact with this system, thus increase various aspects such as mood, appetite, or decrease pain.
Although the endocannabinoid system isn’t well understood, scientists are beginning to link specific cannabinoid receptors with certain cannabinoids. THC is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids that interact with these receptors; therefore it plays a significant role in the effects that you feel.
As the legalization of cannabis continues throughout the world, we may get a better picture of how THC operates within our bodies, along with the many other cannabinoids found in marijuana.
Why Use THC-Based Products?
Individuals use THC-based products for a wide range of recreational cases. From tempting their taste buds with newfound flavors to enjoying music and film from a different perspective, cannabis products high in THC are the go-to choices. THC offers mental and physical stimulation that isn’t found in CBD-based products. This allures cannabis enthusiasts to seek ever-increasing THC levels to explore new boundaries with their mind and body.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Due to the spotlight of THC’s psychoactive effects, CBD has been relatively unknown, until recently. Similarly, like THC, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. CBD attaches to specific cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. This interaction is thought to be responsible for relieving pain and decreasing symptoms of various illnesses.
Although there are claims that CBD is effective when used in conjunction with THC, there has yet to be sufficient evidence to confirm or deny this. In most studies, CBD is the only active compound used while studying effects on various ailments, such as epilepsy or different types of cancer. In the case of cancer, researchers have inhibited the growth of cancer cells in vitro, showing the potential power of CBD as a jack-of-all-trades medicine.
Why Use CBD?
Individuals use CBD because they seek the medicinal benefits that it offers. The significant advantage of CBD is that it doesn’t give you an intoxicated feeling. Most people who are using cannabis for therapeutic reasons don’t wish to alter their state of mind. CBD is also a step away from the addictive nature of synthetic pain-killers, such as oxycontin.
CBD has been used in a long list of studies from insomnia to the inhibition of cancer cells, and scientists have barely scratched the surface as to what CBD is entirely capable of.
Two Life-Changing Compounds
Whichever you choose, THC and CBD are compounds that have the ability to positively affect your life. As they become better understood through science, we’ll have a far clearer picture of just how important THC and CBD are.
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