THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

CBD’s popularity has grown significantly in the last 5 to 10 years. However, there is still a shocking amount of confusion surrounding CBD and its relation to THC. CBD stands for cannabidiol and THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. There are hundreds of chemicals present in marijuana, THC and CBD are only two of them. Plants of the Cannabis genus have piqued the curiosity of many for years and years. Today, we have more cannabis information at our fingertips than ever before.

With the ability to be extracted from either cannabis or hemp, CBD can be found in extracts, oils, supplements, gummies, gels, and more. THC, on the other hand, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and produces what we know as the “high” feeling. THC can be consumed by smoking or by consuming edibles, capsules, oils, tinctures, and more. While both THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they have each have very different effects.

THC and CBD happen to have the same chemical formula, which is two oxygen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms. The way they differ is in the arrangement of the atoms, giving the body different affects due to the varying chemical properties. Today, we’ll focus on the differing medical benefits of the two.

CBD is utilized to help with the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Inflammation
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Mental disorders
• Migraine
• Nausea
• Pain
• Psychosis
• Seizures

THC is utilized to help with the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Glaucoma
• Insomnia
• Low appetite
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Pain

While CBD has been known to be relaxing, calming, and in support of one’s well-being, THC has been known to offer feelings of euphoria and drowsiness. It is important to note that CBD does not have any THC in it since they are two totally different compounds. Nevertheless, CBD hemp products typically have a tiny percentage of THC (around 0.3%).

CBD and THC both interact with the body in different ways. THC latches on and binds to CB1 receptors, which are found in the central nervous system and the brain. The binding effect is what causes the psychoactive feeling and makes the user feel high. CBD stimulates the body’s CB2 receptors, found in the body’s immune system and gut. In doing so, CBD helps the body to produce more of its own endocannabinoid chemicals, which helps to promote balance in the body.

Understanding the difference between THC and CBD is important for the cannabis industry as a whole. With a lot misrepresentations and confusion can come unwarranted pushback. At Green RiNo we feel strongly about educated our customer base to make purchase choices that work best for their specific wants and needs. Come on down to the store today and speak with one of our cannabis experts!