THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are both derivatives of the cannabis plant. While you often hear these two important substances mentioned together, they are actually quite different. For example, the CBD and THC effects are not the same.
Because some people confuse the two and don’t understand the differences between CBD and THC, this article will differentiate between both substances to provide a clearer and deeper understanding of THC and CBD.
What Is the Difference Between Marijuana and Hemp?
There is often confusion regarding marijuana and hemp, and it can be helpful to understand how these plants differ when gaining a greater understanding of the differences between THC and CBD.
Both hemp and marijuana both belong to the Cannabis Sativa L plant group. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD, while marijuana has a higher concentration of THC. However, both marijuana and hemp contain THC and CBD, just in varying quantities. Marijuana and hemp also have different commercial uses due to their diverse properties. To derive a significant amount of THC from a cannabis plant, marijuana is generally used, and likewise, to derive a significant amount of CBD from a cannabis plant, the preferred species is usually hemp. Having said that, both THC and CBD can be extracted from both plant species.
When you hear the term “cannabis”, it refers to the entire species of the Cannabis Sativa L plant genus. While people may commonly refer to marijuana as cannabis (and it is), the term is far too general to differentiate what type of cannabis plant is being referred to.
Let’s now take a closer look at both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
What Is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)?
THC is the psychoactive ingredient of the marijuana plant. It’s what gives recreational users that “high” they are seeking. The human body naturally produces cannabinoid chemicals to produce a feel-good effect in the brain, and the smoking of cannabis containing significant quantities of THC produces a similar, yet more concentrated, effect.
When THC connects with cannabinoid receptors in the human brain, it stimulates the brain to release potent doses of dopamine. This leads to the sensation of feeling good and putting the user in a state of euphoria. When THC connects with cannabinoid receptors in the human brain, it stimulates the brain to release potent doses of dopamine. This leads to the sensation of feeling good and putting the user in a state of euphoria. Many consistent users report experiencing sensations of paranoia, although this side effect varies from person to person. Like any other substance, THC can have side effects. Studies into the exact side effects THC has on the human body are ongoing. Studies are also continuing into the combined effects of both THC and CBD. This combination is more potent than products containing CBD only. Some consistent users report experiencing sensations of paranoia, although this side effect varies from person to person.
The resin that’s secreted by the marijuana plant is where THC is mostly found. Marijuana plants have glands that secrete this resin, and more of these glands and the highest concentrations of THC are found around the marijuana plant’s reproductive organs so-called flowers or buds.
While marijuana containing THC has long been considered an illicit drug in many countries, THC certainly has vital medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits. It’s often administered to patients suffering from chronic pain, for example, or individuals enduring a terminal illness. While THC is not known to cure an ailment, it can serve an important role in relieving the symptoms. Cancer patients, people suffering from PTSD, epilepsy, and numerous other conditions have benefited from the medicinal use of marijuana.
What Is CBD (cannabidiol)?
CBD is a phytocannabinoid that was discovered and isolated in 1940. It is found in both marijuana and hemp plants but has a much higher concentration in hemp. While it’s often found together with THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, and the consumption of CBD in any form does not produce that sought-after high that recreational users are seeking. While CBD doesn’t produce a high in an individual, it does have an impact on the brain and brain chemicals.
For example, CBD in prescription form is often used to treat epilepsy (seizure disorder) and has proven to be very beneficial in this capacity. It’s also been suggested that the administration of medicinal CBD can help patients suffering from anxiety and pain and even assist in treating the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
The over-ingestion of CBD can produce side effects, such as a dry mouth, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.
With its popularity rising, CBD is now found in numerous topical oils, creams and cosmetics to treat a number of external conditions such as acne, dry and flaking skin, a dry scalp, as a pain reliever for tired muscles and joints, relieving the pain associated with insect bites and burns and much more.
Are There Any Benefits of CBD and THC Together?
From a medicinal point of view, there are some advantages to taking both CBD and THC together, as the combined CBD and THC effect can produce results that cannot be obtained by using these two substances separately. One example is that CBD can reduce any unwanted effects of taking THC. If a patient takes medicinal THC to relieve pain, side effects can include feelings of anxiety and sedation. If pain relief is the end goal, then feeling sedated or anxious is not something a patient will want to endure.
Brain health can be improved with a combination of both CBD and THC. The therapeutic effects on the brain of CBD can be enhanced by the inclusion of small amounts of THC. Their interaction can produce a positive outcome known as the “entourage effect”. Studies are continuing into the interactions between both CBD and THC together and what the possible positive outcomes may be.
Discover the Benefits of Products Containing CBD
CBD has numerous health benefits, especially when used externally, and it’s an all-natural ingredient. Fiorhe's catalogue features many different products to assist in the effective treatment of acne and other skin conditions, as well as a range of cosmetics, creams and even make-up remover that harness the benefits of CBD. Discover the diverse product range on the Fiorhe website or get in touch if you have any questions or concerns regarding products containing CBD and hemp and how they can help you.