The difference between THC and CBD, or the two most well-known components of cannabis
Cannabis contains countless substances. Some of them are already well known to experts and laymen alike, others are still waiting for their moment of glory. THC and CBD are the most abundant in each plant and logically receive a lot of attention. Especially cannabidiol.
Cannabis and THC
The cannabis compound C₂₁H₃₀O₂ is strikingly similar to CBD and anandamide (a cannabinoid that our bodies make themselves) and affects thinking, memory, movement and coordination, concentration, and time and sensory perception. THC is not commonly attributed with health benefits. However, studies have shown that it can reduce pain, protect brain cells, and alleviate nausea and post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly 80 years of research (much of which has since been followed up) has even revealed that it could work to treat epilepsy when conventional methods don't work. But THC use is outlawed, and the negative effects on the human body far outweigh the possible positives.
The vaunted CBD
The most popular substance from the cannabis plant for a long time. Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects, can relieve pain and inflammation, the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, diabetes, celiac disease or rheumatoid arthritis and many others, relieve anxiety and depression or joint and muscle pain. It is often mentioned with sleep support as well. Side effects are minimal, the only risk lies in contraindication with commonly used medications. CBD is sufficient for many users even in isolate form, but the so-called side effect, where individual cannabinoids reinforce each other to enhance their effects, is a better alternative than cannabidiol alone.
Relationship with the endocannabinoid system
Both THC and CBD act on the endocannabinoid system and the CB1 receptors. While THC activates them and thus promotes psychoactive effects, CBD creates a barrier and prevents the nervous system and the tetrahydrocannabinoid from "cooperating".
This is one of the reasons why full spectrum CBD oil with THC (up to 1% below the detection limit) is completely safe. Cannabidiol channels the action of THC and regulates it so that the "high" sensations do not manifest themselves to the full extent.
Together or just CBD?
Users of cannabis products are divided into two groups. The first indulges in the full package of cannabinoids, the second prefers only CBD and other substances such as CBG or CBN.
The CBD content is usually quite high, so it is certain to dampen the side effects of THC, such as sudden blackouts or anxiety - but at the 1% limit, the risk of such effects is almost zero. On the other hand, both CBD and THC act as analgesics and reduce inflammation. Their combined use (within legal limits) can be beneficial to health.
A dose of cannabinoids "just right"
In pharmacy, it is a common phenomenon that the amount of substance administered has different effects. It is the same with cannabinoids. However, it is not only the therapeutic and side effects that are involved, but also the changes in behaviour and cell composition. With THC and CBD, one generally starts with lower doses and concentrations and increases the amount as needed. Both substances work by hitting the receptors of the endocannabinoid system with the highest affinity and those occurring in the greatest number and density. However, if high doses of cannabinoids are taken, the receptors will not want to take up the other substances and negative and conflicting effects may occur as a result of the body becoming overloaded.
Moreover, with CBD, it makes a huge difference what form you take it in. Capsules and pills have relatively low bioavailability, so only a small portion of the active ingredients make it into the body. When administered sublingually under the tongue, the route into the bloodstream is direct and fast. Vaping or transdermal patches do the same.
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