CBD vs. THC: differences, effects, health benefits and common myths
- What is THC and CBD?
- The difference between THC and CBD
- THC, CBD and the endocannabinoid system
- Effects of CBD
- Effects of THC
- THC and CBD for medicinal purposes
- Methods of use of cannabinoids
- Benefits of THC and CBD
- The most common myths about THC and CBD
What is THC and CBD?
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). Its precursor is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). THC is formed from THCA when a carboxyl group is cleaved off by heat (decarboxylation). The amount of THC determines whether the plant is regarded as an addictive substance, i.e. marijuana, or as cannabis. In the Czech Republic, this limit is set at 1%, while in the EU the maximum THC limit is 0.3%. A separate category is medical cannabis (cannabis for medicinal purposes), prescribed by a doctor, which can have different ratios of THC and CBD.
CBD is the second most abundant substance in the cannabis plant. In recent years, CBD has become very popular for its therapeutic potential. The range of CBD products is extensive and today you can find CBD in the form of oils and drops, capsules, patches, as well as various sweets, teas and coffee with CBD. The main difference with THC is that CBD has no psychoactive effects and does not cause changes in perception.
Both compounds, referred to as phytocannabinoids, interact with our endocannabinoid system and, as a result, can relieve various health problems such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, cramps or symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.
The difference between THC and CBD
What are the main differences between THC and CBD and what do they have in common? Although the two compounds have the same overall formula of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms, the atoms are arranged differently, resulting in different properties and effects. THC is psychoactive, whereas CBD is not. Both cannabinoids interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
They are also linked by their mode of use and therapeutic potential, but their legal status is different. While CBD is generally considered a tolerated and safe substance, cannabis (i.e. higher THC cannabis) is stigmatised in society and still faces many prejudices.
|
Characteristics |
CBD |
THC |
|
Summary chemical formula |
C21H30O2 |
C21H30O2 |
|
Psychoactivity |
Does not cause psychoactivity, does not alter consciousness. |
It is psychoactive, it produces a "high" sensation, a change in perception. |
|
Therapeutic potential |
Helpful in pain relief, reducing anxiety, reducing inflammation, antioxidant effects; effective for some forms of epilepsy (Epidiolex drug). |
Use in chronic intractable pain, spasticity, nausea, vomiting, Tourette's syndrome. |
|
Side effects |
Rare (fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, change in appetite) |
|
|
Methods of use |
Vaporisation, sublingual administration, oral administration, rectal administration (suppositories), topical preparations (ointments) |
Smoking, vaporisation, rectal administration (suppositories), oral administration (capsules), cannabis ointment |
|
Legal status in the Czech Republic |
CBD products made from approved industrial hemp containing up to 1% THC are legal in the Czech Republic. |
Products with up to 1 % THC are legal in the Czech Republic; higher amounts are only allowed in the case of medical cannabis with a prescription. |
THC, CBD and the endocannabinoid system
At the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, scientists discovered that all vertebrates have a complex cell signalling system - the endocannabinoid system (ECS) - which provides balance in the body and influences a number of physiological processes such as appetite, sleep, mood, pain perception and hormone regulation.
Cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system by binding to or otherwise interacting with specific receptors in the brain or elsewhere in the body. The best known endocannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly present in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.
THC has a strong affinity for the CB1 receptors in the brain, which is why it produces psychoactive effects and a feeling of euphoria or increased appetite. THC also binds strongly to CB2 receptors.
CBD , on the other hand, has only a weak affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, but acts as a modulator. Further research is needed to confirm exactly how CBD acts on the ECS, but it is thought that CBD inhibits enzymes that break down endocannabinoids. This allows the body to maintain the necessary levels of endocannabinoids.
Some studies have suggested that CBD prevents THC from binding to the CB1 receptor and thus may reduce the psychoactivity of THC.
Effects of CBD
CBD is particularly popular for its therapeutic effects, which have been confirmed by many users and also some research. It has been shown to have the potential to reduce seizures in some types of epilepsy and a range of other benefits, although some of these have yet to be confirmed by clinical studies.
CBD could be particularly helpful for these difficulties:
- Insomnia
- stress, anxiety, depression
- skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, psoriasis)
- pain relief
- reduction of inflammation
CBD tends to be very well tolerated and is considered a safe substance. Side effects tend to be rare and, when they do occur, are usually short-lived. These include fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea or change in appetite.
Effects of THC
The cannabinoid THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is known mainly for its psychoactive properties associated with binding to the CB1 receptor. THC can induce euphoria and a feeling of relaxation, but it also causes changes in perception and increased appetite.
THC can also cause unpleasant side effects:
- dry mouth
- red eyes
- memory loss
- increase in heart rate
- problems with coordination
- anxiety
- paranoia
These side effects are also attributed to other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties, such as HHC, HHC-O, HHC-P or THC-P.
THC and CBD for medicinal purposes
The medicinal benefits of cannabis have been known worldwide for thousands of years. The combination of both cannabinoids, THC and CBD, seems to be the most effective in relieving certain ailments (such as pain). Both full spectrum CBD oils and drops and CBD flowers contain a mixture of all cannabinoids and terpenes, but the amount of the cannabinoid THC is regulated by legislation (up to 0.3% in the EU, up to 1% in the Czech Republic).
Since 2013, medicinal cannabis is also allowed in the Czech Republic and may contain more than 1 % THC. Individually prepared medicinal products containing indica or sativa cannabis have different ratios of cannabinoids and different effects. The patient obtains these preparations (or a prescription) from a registered medical specialist.
Medical cannabis is used to relieve symptoms in the following cases:
- chronic intractable pain
- spasticity
- nausea (associated with cancer treatment or HIV treatment)
- Tourette's syndrome
Methods of use
There are different ways of taking CBD and THC (cannabis). They differ mainly in bioavailability, i.e. the amount of the administered substance that enters the bloodstream, the onset and duration of effects.
Rectal preparations (suppositories) and vaporisation have the highest bioavailability, followed by sublingual administration, in which the cannabinoids enter the body through the oral mucosa and then immediately into the blood. Many users take cannabidiol orally in the form of capsules or capsules. Their administration is convenient, quick and relatively discreet, but the bioavailability is relatively low - only between 6 and 19 % of the total amount of cannabinoid ingested. There are also various topical preparations, such as hemp ointments, CBD creams or hemp seed oils.
Benefits of THC and CBD
In some cases, both CBD and THC can be used for the same ailments (pain, nausea and insomnia), but there are some conditions where one cannabinoid is a better choice than the other.
Anxiety
While some rate THC as beneficial in combating anxiety, the fact is that for many people, THC can trigger or exacerbate feelings of anxiety. CBD has the potential to counteract the effects of THC and alleviate anxiety. This leads some people to use CBD instead of traditional medications, which can cause unpleasant side effects.
Glaucoma
According to some studies, marijuana could be used as an alternative to prescription drugs to combat glaucoma, and this is because THC (rather than CBD) helps in lowering intraocular pressure. However, marijuana can only reduce pressure for 3-4 hours, whereas conventional drugs (drops) can reduce pressure for up to 12 hours. Moreover, even in view of the side effects, some ophthalmologists believe that marijuana is not a suitable treatment for glaucoma and that in the long run it may rather endanger vision.
Epilepsy
Due to its anti-seizure effects, CBD has been shown to be effective for certain forms of epilepsy. A version of CBD sold as Epidiolex is prescribed to treat rare forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Psychoses
Another area where CBD and THC diverge in therapeutic use is in psychotic disorders. Numerous studies have found that THC can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia or trigger it in people who have been diagnosed with symptoms in the past. CBD has antipsychotic effects, making it a potentially effective means of alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Spasticity
Tremors and muscle spasms are common ailments that plague multiple sclerosis patients, and it appears that THC could improve these symptoms. This increases the possibilities of using THC as an alternative to traditional multiple sclerosis treatment. As for CBD, research shows that it helps reduce spasms, but not tremors.
The most common myths about THC and CBD
There are many myths surrounding THC and CBD. We've picked out a few to set the record straight. Which ones are completely "off the mark" and where is there a piece of truth?
THC is bad, CBD is good
Opponents of marijuana label THC as a "bad cannabinoid", while CBD is seen as a "good cannabinoid" because it has no psychoactive effects. However, the results of studies on the use of the whole cannabis plant clearly dispel this myth. THC actually has amazing therapeutic properties.
CBD works best without THC
THC and CBD are a pair of potent cannabis compounds - it turns out that they work best together for some ailments . It's a synergy called the entourage effect, where the compounds enhance or complement each other's therapeutic effects and thus work better than if they were acting alone.
CBD and THC cause addiction
Sceptics are concerned that CBD use will lead to addiction. However, no such thing has been proven. The World Health Organisation states that CBD shows no effects indicative of abuse or addiction potential. In the case of THC, it is more complicated. While marijuana does not produce as strong a physical dependence, psychological dependence or behavioural characteristics commonly associated with addiction can occur.
CBD and THC cause drowsiness
It is known that CBD can relieve sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea, trouble falling asleep or irregular sleep patterns. However, this does not mean that CBD has a sedative effect. Drowsiness is especially a risk if you take too high a dose of CBD, or if it interacts with certain medications.
By stimulating the endocannabinoid system , CBD can promote a healthier sleep cycle which will ultimately lead to you having more energy during the day and being able to concentrate better.
THC can have different effects depending on the dose, the method of administration, as well as the individual's metabolism and sensitivity. For some it can actually cause drowsiness and calmness, while for others it can make them feel energised.
Conclusion
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and, as some studies have shown, it may be beneficial in the management of certain conditions such as spasticity or chronic intractable pain. CBD is freely available, popular for its therapeutic effects such as helping with anxiety or insomnia, and has no psychoactive effects.
Both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body and can provide relief from the symptoms of certain diseases. In some cases, CBD appears to be more effective than THC or vice versa. Sometimes a combination of both cannabinoids may be optimal. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding cannabis, THC and CBD, and it is important to seek relevant information, debunk untruths and set the record straight.