CBD vs. THC: Differences and Similarities
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. While they have some similarities, they have distinct structures, effects, side effects, and legality differences. This is primarily due to differences in how the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. The following sections discuss the differences between THC and CBD based on current clinical research.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
There are differences and a few similarities when comparing CBD and THC. Both are major cannabinoids in the hemp plant, but they work differently in the endocannabinoid system. THC affects the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, so it produces a high. CBD interacts more with CB2 receptors, reducing enzyme actions that degrade endocannabinoids, meaning they can build up for more effectiveness. CBD is not psychoactive. THC and CBD can deliver potential but different wellness benefits.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the major phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. For purposes of control, the federal government has defined the cannabis plant as hemp or non-hemp. The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) is a specially cultivated cannabis plant that does not contain more than .3% THC per dry weight.
Cannabis indica is the plant used for sourcing marijuana. CBD may be obtained from this non-hemp plant, but the amount of THC in the extract could exceed the 0.3% limit. That is why CBD is sourced from Cannabis sativa, also called industrial hemp.
What is CBD?
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the most common phytocannabinoids in cannabis plants. CBD is extracted from the resin on the flowers and leaves of the female cannabis sativa plant and is cultivated to contain high CBD and low THC.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates the central and peripheral nervous systems, helping the body regulate various processes in the body. They include the sleep-wake cycle, mood, hunger, and functional activities in the body. The ECS also contributes to regulating the cardiovascular system, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal system, and more.
The ECS, or endocannabinoid system, is a complex cell-signaling system discovered in the early 1990s. It comprises cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, endogenous (naturally produced) cannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG, and enzymes that manage the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids so they can work in the ECS. CB1 receptors are most abundant in the central nervous system (especially the brain), which is involved in movement, perception of emotion, cognition, memory, and more. CB2 receptors are found mainly in the peripheral nervous system, influencing immunity, discomfort, and gut health.
Originally, CBD was believed to bind directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Current studies find CBD influences but does not bind to these two receptors. Instead, CBD inhibits the work of the enzymes that degrade anandamide and 2-AG, leading to an increase in endocannabinoids. An increase in the endocannabinoids due to delaying their uptake and metabolic breakdown means more are available to activate the cannabinoid receptors for a more extended period to produce a greater effect.
What is THC?
THC is also a cannabinoid. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is the chemical responsible for the “high” or euphoric effects associated with cannabis use.
What is THC?
The “high” appears because THC stimulates several different brain parts:
• The Amygdala
This brain part is responsible for emotions. By stimulating it, THC produces a feeling of tranquility and relaxation.
• Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus
These areas power cognitive functions (acquisition and understanding of knowledge) and memory. Researchers have shown that THC can cause short-term memory loss.
• Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum
Both parts control coordination and movement. Smoking THC products may produce a feeling of clumsiness and slow motion.
Other effects of THC include:
- Acute senses (colors look brighter, music seems louder, food tastes better);
- Distorted time perception;
- Hallucinations.
Like CBD, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
THC is a partial agonist of the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, but the strongest affinity is with CB1 receptors. The CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central nervous system, specifically the brain. The action of THC on the CB1 receptors is believed to be the leading cause of the psychoactive effects of THC. A partial agonist binds to receptors but does not produce the same response as an agonist.
THC activates the receptors that lead to signaling involved in physiological responses like lower blood pressure, euphoria, and so on.
CBD vs. THC: What are the Differences?
There are differences when comparing THC vs. CBD.
Psychoactivity
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not alter your mental state, while THC is psychoactive and produces a “high” associated with marijuana.
Interaction with the ECS
CBD interacts indirectly with CB1 and CB2 receptors, modulating the endocannabinoid system, while THC primarily binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and CNS.
Wellness Benefits
Research has found CBD may address wellness issues like promoting relaxation, while THC is used medically for relieving nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite, and improving sleep quality.
Side Effects
Researchers have found CBD is safe to use, and any side effects are mild, providing a reassuring option for those seeking relief. In contrast, THC has produced severe side effects like increased heart rate, hallucinations, or paranoia, which may deter some users.
Drug Tests
THC can lead to failing a drug test, while CBD is not tested and does not show up on traditional drug tests.
Lipid Solubility
THC is highly lipid soluble, so fat tissue rapidly takes it up, while CBD has high lipophilicity, so it quickly distributes in the brain, organs, and adipose tissue.
CBD Vs. THC: What is Common?
Source
Both CBD and THC are sourced from the cannabis plant.
Interaction with the ECS
They both interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Product Types
CBD and THC are available in different product forms, including gummies and oils.
Molecular Structure
CBD and THC have the same molecular structure but a different arrangement of atoms.
Therapeutic Properties
CBD and THC exhibit some similar therapeutic properties.
CBD Vs. THC: Cannabinoid Structure
Does CBD need THC to work? No, they are different cannabinoids. You can buy broad spectrum CBD that is THC-free or isolate CBD, which is pure CBD.
THC and CBD have the same molecular structure, which consists of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. However, the atoms are arranged differently. The different arrangement is believed to be the reason THC has psychoactive properties and CBD does not. Scientifically, THC has a double bond in the Delta-9 position on the central carbon ring. The double bond on the central ring in CBD is in a different position, so a cyclic structure is not created.
CBD vs. THC: Legality
CBD became legal at the federal level with the passage of the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill). It is also legal in the states, but a few states have restricted CBD product ingredients. For example, Idaho has one of the strictest laws that requires CBD products to be 100% THC-free.
THC remains illegal under federal law. However, each state has addressed the legality of THC with its laws. Some states have legalized marijuana, while others require a prescription for medical use before anyone is allowed to purchase products with THC. In states where the sale of THC is controlled, only certain licensed facilities, like medical dispensaries or specially licensed retailers, are allowed to sell the products with THC. The current issue that states are addressing concerns the legalities of THC isomers like delta-8, derivatives, and synthetic substances like delta-8 THC.
CBD vs. THC Side Effects
Previously, we mentioned the potential wellness effects, but what are the possible risks or side effects? CBD and THC may produce side effects. However, it is known that the potential risks of THC are serious when too much THC is taken. CBD may produce side effects, but potentially serious ones are rare.
Potential THC side effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness, and/or nausea
- Sleepiness
- Increased heart rate
- Issues with coordination
- Red eyes
- Cognitive impairment, leading to learning and memory problems
- Dependency
- Impairment of the ability to drive
- Psychosis, which includes hallucinations and paranoia
- Depressed respiration
THC gets you high. It is a psychoactive compound, so taking THC has the side effect of making you feel high. Most of these side effects are the result of taking too much THC or taking too much THC for an extended period. This is why the federal law limited the amount of THC in CBD products to .3% or less. At this amount, a high is not produced.
Potential CBD side effects
Most potential CBD side effects involve the gastrointestinal tract.
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Liver problems
- It may interact with certain drugs
- It may increase alcohol’s sedative effects
CBD is not a psychoactive compound, so it will not get you high. This is one of its appealing characteristics for consumers who want to get the benefits of cannabinoids without getting high.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Hemp, CBD and THC?
Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. It includes a host of cannabinoids, including the major cannabinoids CBD and THC. Hemp is used for more than producing CBD products. For example, there are hempseed products. Hempseeds do not contain THC or CBD. Hemp is also used for industrial purposes, like producing fibers.
How Do CBD and THC Interact With the Endocannabinoid System?
THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, activating them to send signals. The strongest binding is with CB1 receptors, which is believed to be the reason THC causes a high. However, the signals activated may cause other responses in the body, like potentially relieving discomfort or promoting calm.
CBD works differently. It works in the endocannabinoid system by preventing enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids, enabling them to produce more potent effects.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your Blood?
THC is typically detectable in your blood for 1-2 days. However, the longer you use products containing this cannabinoid, the longer its signs stay in the blood (up to 25 days). Other than blood tests, THC can also be detected through saliva testing and hair testing.
Is There a CBD High?
CBD does not cause a high like THC because of the way it works in the endocannabinoid system. However, full spectrum CBD products have some THC in their formulations, but the amount of THC is limited by law not to exceed more than .3%. Though very unlikely, it is technically possible some people could experience a reaction to the THC, like mild euphoria.
More Research is Needed
It must always be noted that global researchers continue to conduct clinical trials involving CBD and THC. There is still much to learn about cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system and how cannabinoids work together to produce effects. It is well-known that both CBD and THC activate several brain parts, but CBD doesn’t have any “high” effect.
The growing body of research continues to find that CBD may have a strong potential to act as a natural therapeutic to address various health and wellness issues.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/about-cbd.htm
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8221009/
- https://www.rn.com/blog/clinical-insights/clearing-cbd-confusion/
- https://projectcbd.org/science/cbd-the-endocannabinoid-system/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7404216/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6820200/
- https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/19.200
- https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Structures-of-THC-and-CBD_fig1_7555534
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31161980/
0