Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat is CBD?What is THC?Key DifferencesPotential BenefitsEffectsLegalityForms of THC and CBDMislabelingBefore You Try ItAddiction
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
What is THC?
Key Differences
Potential Benefits
Effects
Legality
Forms of THC and CBD
Mislabeling
Before You Try It
Addiction
Close
What is the most important information I should know about THC and CBD?You should always talk to your doctor first before you try any products containing THC and CBD and check the legal status of such products in your state.Both CBD and THC hold promise for alleviating symptoms and even treating some medical and mental health conditions, but research in this area is still relatively new, and further investigation is needed.While CBD is not addictive, THC is; many CBD products contain higher THC levels than labels suggest.
What is the most important information I should know about THC and CBD?
You should always talk to your doctor first before you try any products containing THC and CBD and check the legal status of such products in your state.Both CBD and THC hold promise for alleviating symptoms and even treating some medical and mental health conditions, but research in this area is still relatively new, and further investigation is needed.While CBD is not addictive, THC is; many CBD products contain higher THC levels than labels suggest.
Cannabis contains over 400 chemical compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavinoids, and omega fatty acids. Of these, over 100 are cannabinoids.Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two types of cannabinoids derived from cannabis. In recent years, interest has grown in the potential health effects and benefits of cannabis. Much of this interest has centered on these two cannabinoids.
This interest will likely grow as cannabis and marijuana products become legal in more states. A number of different products have emerged that contain CBD, THC, or both. Such products are designed to alleviate ailments such asstress, anxiety, and insomnia.
While THC and CBD may have benefits, it is important to note that much of the research on these benefits is in the early stages. More research is needed to determine how and when CBD and THC can be used to alleviate different symptoms or treat different conditions.
To understand these products' effects and potential risks, it is important to first understand the differences between CBD and THC.
This article discusses the differences between CBD and THC, their medicinal uses, and their potential effects. It also covers the legality of these substances, how they are used, and how to get help if you are experiencing a THC addiction.
Cannabidiol, usually referred to as CBD, is the second most prevalent chemical compound found in cannabis (second to THC). First discovered during the 1940s, CBD has recently become more popular as a natural treatment for a range of conditions. It can be derived from hemp or marijuana plants. These are both cannabis plants with the main difference being the quantity of THC in each. Hemp-derived CBD contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), while marijuana-derived CBD will contain more.
Because THC impacts the brain’s reward system, THC can also be addictive. Around 30% of people who use marijuana develop an addiction. This risk is much greater for those who begin consuming marijuana during adolescence.
CBD vs. THC: Key Differences
THC and CBD have an effect on the endocannabinoid system, a system that plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Researchers are still working to understand the ins and outs of this complex system, but they do know that it is associated with processes including memory, appetite, sleep, mood, and fertility.
While THC and CBD share similarities, there are some key differences between the two compounds.
THCPsychoactive (produces a high)Sourced from marijuanaCBDNon-psychoactive (does not produce a high)Sourced from either marijuana or, more commonly, hemp
THCPsychoactive (produces a high)Sourced from marijuana
Psychoactive (produces a high)
Sourced from marijuana
CBDNon-psychoactive (does not produce a high)Sourced from either marijuana or, more commonly, hemp
Non-psychoactive (does not produce a high)
Sourced from either marijuana or, more commonly, hemp
THC and CBD: Psychoactive Properties
CBD and THC affect different receptors in the brain. Because of this, CBD does not have psychoactive effects—in other words, it won’t cause you to get high.
THC, on the other hand, does have psychoactive effects. It is the compound that produces the high that people associate with marijuana.
CBD vs. THC: Chemical Structure
Both CBD and THC have a chemical structure that is similar to the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that act in the brain.
Neurotransmittersare chemical messengers that relay signals between nerve cells in the body. They play an important role in a wide range of functions including sleep, pain, appetite, mood, and the immune system.
CBD and THC have the same molecular structure, but there are differences in how these molecules are arranged that are responsible for the differing effects they have. By mimicking endocannabinoids, they bind with receptors and cause different effects in the body.
CBD vs. THC: Sources
While CBD can come from either hemp or marijuana, CBD products are often derived from hemp in order to avoid the addition of larger amounts of THC. THC, on the other hand, is derived from marijuana.
CBD that comes from marijuana may contain more THC, which may not be ideal for people who are trying to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC. It is important to know which plant your CBD products are derived from before purchasing.
CBD vs. THC: Potential Benefits
While research on the potential health benefits of THC, CBD, andother cannabinoidsis still in the early stages, there is evidence that these substances may be helpful for conditions including:
While CBD and THC often have similar effects and are often used to treat many of the same ailments, there are some differences.
CBD is often used to alleviate symptoms associated with:
While some early research suggests that CBD may have the potential for alleviating the symptoms of some conditions, a 2019 review of the existing research concluded that more research is needed to demonstrate these benefits.
5 Mental Health Uses for CBD
THC, which may be administered as medical marijuana, may be used to alleviate symptoms of a number of medical conditions. It may be helpful for conditions such as:
THC and CBD for Pain ReliefBoth CBD and THC can both be beneficial for pain relief. Because THC has psychoactive effects, it may produce more immediate pain relief. However, CBD can help reduce inflammation, which is useful for long-term effectiveness. Some evidence suggests that taking both CBD and THC may provide the greatest pain relief. In one study, people who took a combination of CBD and THC experienced greater pain relief than those who took THC alone.
THC and CBD for Pain Relief
Both CBD and THC can both be beneficial for pain relief. Because THC has psychoactive effects, it may produce more immediate pain relief. However, CBD can help reduce inflammation, which is useful for long-term effectiveness. Some evidence suggests that taking both CBD and THC may provide the greatest pain relief. In one study, people who took a combination of CBD and THC experienced greater pain relief than those who took THC alone.
FDA-Approved Medications
CBD vs. THC: Effects
Some research suggests that CBD and THC are generally safe when used at recommended dosages. However, while these substances appear safe, that does not necessarily mean that you won’t experience potentially unwanted effects. Some effects that have been reported include:
Marijuana itself can have a number of short-term and long-term effects, including impairedshort-term memory, altered judgment, and impaired coordination. Research also suggests that marijuana can alter brain development and may lead to cognitive impairment.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse also notes that THC alters how the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex function. These areas of the brain are important in the formation of new memories and the ability to shiftattentionfrom one thing to the next. This not only affects a person’s ability to learn and form new memories, but it also makes it difficult for people to perform difficult tasks.
Legality of THC and CBD
When choosing CBD or THC products, it is also important to consider their legality. Both marijuana and THC are included in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, which means that they are not legal under federal law.
Although CBD in certain forms (cosmetics, oils, creams) is legal in most states, it must be a product of hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC.
Despite federal laws, the specifics of the legality of any THC or CBD product can vary from one state to the next.
Because the laws regarding the use of cannabis and cannabis products are rapidly changing, you should always check your state’s laws before using products containing CBD or THC.
Forms of CBD and THC
THC oil has been linked to more than 2,500 cases and almost 70 deaths due to e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI). The CDC and FDA both recommend avoiding all e-cigarette and vaping products, especially those containing THC oil.
It can also be added to lotions and salves to apply to skin. It is important to note that the effects of these topical products will be localized since they are not being ingested.
CBD can also be taken orally as a tincture, oil, capsule, or spray. Edible CBD products are also popular and include gummies, candies, and beverages.
When choosing CBD products, it is also important to consider its formulation.Isolateproducts contain only CBD.Broad-spectrumproducts contain other cannabinoids with the exception of THC, whilefull-spectrumCBD products contain CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.
Choosing THC or CBD Products
The product you choose may depend on the effects you are trying to achieve as well as the availability of these products in your state based on their legal status. If you are trying to reduce stress or sleep better, for example, CBD may provide benefits without the negative side effects associated with THC. THC might be a better choice for symptoms or conditions for which the substance has demonstrated benefits, such as tremors or poor appetite.
If you are trying to determine what type of product you should take, always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may suggest certain products or dosages depending on your needs.
Some research suggests that the potential therapeutic effects of THC and CBD tend to be greater when the two cannabinoids are taken together at the same time.This phenomenon is known as the “entourage effect.”
Taking CBD along with THC has also been shown to help reduce some of the unwanted effects that THC may have.For example, using products with high THC levels leads to a greater risk of experiencing psychiatric symptoms such as paranoia, anxiety, and psychosis. Studies have found, however, that CBD may help mitigate these effects.
It is also important to remember that CBD and THC work in a number of different areas of the brain, and researchers do not yet fully understand the effects that these cannabinoids have, either alone or in conjunction with one another.
Some evidence suggests that the combined effects of CBD and THC may be dependent on dose. A 2019 study, for example, found that low doses of CBD actually played a role in amplifying the psychoactive effects of THC, while high doses of CBD reduced THC’s effects.
Mislabeling of Products Containing CBD and THC
Many CBD products do contain trace amounts of THC. While these amounts are small, they may still have an effect if you are consuming large quantities of CBD or if the products you are using contain more THC than the packaging label claims.
There is no way to tell between THC and CBD based on appearance, smell, taste, or texture. Purchasing products from reputable manufacturers and retailers may help ensure that you are getting the type of product you want.
Research has found, for example, that as many as 70% of CBD products are mislabeled and contain significantly more THC than labels suggest.Because of the lack of regulation of these products, it isn’t easy to know exactly how much THC you are actually getting.
Precautions and Warnings
Check your state laws to ensure that these products are legal where you live. Federal law mandates that hemp-derived CBD products should contain less than 0.3% THC, but even those trace amounts are still illegal in some states.
THC and CBD: Dependence and Addiction
It is also important to consider the potential for dependence and addiction when taking products containing CBD and THC. Because CBD does not possess intoxicating properties,it does not have the potential to cause addiction. THC, on the other hand, attaches to the endocannabinoid receptors that are linked to the brain’s reward system. This can produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria, as well as create the potential for dependence and addiction.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a compulsive need to continue using a substance despite experiencing negative consequences.
Research suggests that using products with higher THC levels is linked to a higher risk for addiction.While CBD products often purport to have no THC or very low levels of THC, they often contain more than labels suggest. This means that taking CBD may lead to accidental exposure to THC, which could potentially lead to addiction if taken in sufficient amounts.
If you think you might have an addiction to THC, talk to your doctor about available treatments. Treatments typically involve psychotherapy, although medications may sometimes be prescribed to treat co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Types of therapy that might be helpful include:
What You Should Know About Marijuana
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