What's the Difference Between THC and CBD?

THC and CBD are the most known cannabinoids when it comes to marijuana. Both are able to provide ample medical benefits through the proper use. They have gotten a lot of attention as being natural alternatives to reduce many ailments since its easier for the body to metabolize natural chemicals rather than synthetic ones. Many people are also more comfortable using cannabis products instead of opioids and other strong medications.

Main difference between THC and CBD

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also know as THC, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is also the most known, often associated with the recreational use of cannabis. THC has shown a lot of promise in treating various diseases and can provide relief including pain management, appetite stimulant, and control of seizures. Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD is a biological compound called a cannabinoid. CBD can be used for its health benefits to provide relief from many symptoms, without the psychoactive properties of THC that are normally associated with cannabis. It evens counteracts the psychoactive results of THC use, meaning those who use will not get the feeling of being high.  The psychoactive component of the plant, THC, works to simulate an endocannabinoid called anandamide which is naturally produced by our bodies. Anandamide helps regulate our eating and sleeping habits, and also deals with the perception of pain. When inside the body, it floods the endocannabinoid system receptors giving the feeling of being high.

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Using THC and CBD for medical use

 The main effects of THC use are:
  • Induce relaxation
  • Reduce aggression
  • Increase appetite
  • Diminish strong pain
We see the benefits of THC in various medical applications, for example: treating the side effects of chemotherapy, helps with pain spasms, bladder function, improves spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis, reduces eye pressure (for glaucoma patients), and even with AIDS, THC helps to stimulate appetite and alleviate some of the symptoms. The main effects of CBD use are:
  • Reduces psychotic symptoms
  • Relief from pain, nausea, convulsions
  • Decrease anxiety,
  • inflammation
Using CBD has been found to greatly help patients suffering from conditions such as schizophrenia, where it reduces the psychotic symptoms. It also lowers the anxiety in patients with various anxiety disorders, as well as depression and cancer treatment. Similarly, to THC, CBD also relives pain and stimulates appetite. Visit Forbs to learn more about the health benefits associated with CBD.

Which is better?

With everything said, you may be wondering if CBD a stronger candidate for medical use, since both compounds obviously provide helpful results in various treatments. Coming from the same plant, the benefits between the two overlap plenty so it can be hard to tell which one is right for you. Basically, CBD is better in the terms of side effects when it comes to using on a regular basis. As stated, THC induces the high or stoned feeling, and while many pursue this for recreational purposes, it also means you experience a reduction in abilities such as an impaired body movement, reduced reaction time, and altered senses. CBD lacks these effects, while still being very effective medically, which makes it a better candidate in treating a disorder, or relieving symptoms without an interruption in everyday life. It also is legal on the federal level, making it convenient for patients who don't have access to medical marijuana. Those who have strong, chronic pain may want to consider using THC depending on the legality in your state. The entourage effect from using full spectrum products can have an increased effect in symptom relief. If you are unable to acquire medical marijuana due to either legal reason or not qualifying, there are a range of full spectrum CBD products available (with a low percentage of THC). CBD is also a safer option for children who require treatment, since the long-term effects of THC on adolescences those and younger are unknown and can potentially be dangerous. The psychoactive tendencies of THC may affect children different than it does adults. Want to learn more about how health benefits are derived from cannabis oil use? Consider reading our article on the human endocannabinoid system and how it interacts with cannabis.

Make use of this information

Some people have difficulties controlling the side effects of THC medicine and decide to choose CBD based options that will not inebriate them. However, THC is a safer alternative than opiates for those in chronic pain. Different conditions will require different treatments, and it can be difficult to navigate all of the options on your own. Knowing the difference between these two, examine your situation and come in to talk to one of our specialists to find the best option for you or your loved one. Feel free to look at the various products on our site to see what options might work best. Or go through our different pages to learn more about the medical benefits of cannabis.

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