Cannabis products are becoming legal as they are adequate to treat varied symptoms. Cannabis plants produce compounds and substances named cannabinoids. These contain more than 100 types of chemicals.
It creates a drug-like reaction within the human body. The approved cannabis plants are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). There are multiple CBD and THC products available like THC gummies , CBD cream, oil and many more. Hemp has a higher content of CBD, while marijuana contains appropriate quantities of THC.
As per approval by medical boards, hemp containing 0.3 % of THC can be used for treatment purposes. In this view, CBD is mainly sold in gel form, gummies, CBD oils and others. Both the compounds have different effects on the human body when they interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Chemical structure differences of CBD and THC:
The molecular structure of both CBD and THC are the same 21 atoms of carbon, 30 atoms of hydrogen, 2 oxygen atoms. The only different thing is the arrangement of these molecules, due to which it acts differently to the body.
The Cannabis Sativa. Cannabidiol is found in Sativa plants, also named cannabis or hemp. The plant contains more than 80 chemicals. The molecular structure of both interacts with cannabinoid receptors. This interactive effect releases neurotransmitters within the brain. The neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay messages amongst the cells and play a vital role in stress, sleep, immunity function, etc.
THC and CBD are commonly used products excerpted from cannabinoids. Cannabis and hemp produce CBD and THC chemicals. Average cannabis contains more than 12 % of THC compounds. CBD oils contain lower levels of THC owing to their presence in small quantities in Hemp plants. Federal law only allows 0.3% THC for medical use.
Differences in Psychoactive Effects:
More than 33 states in the US have made it legal to use cannabis with high THC levels. Hemp is not legal under federal law, while CBD can be used as a Schedule 1 drug. The use of cannabis as a drug can only be purchased through prescriptions and other medical documents.
Even if their chemical composition is the same, there is a difference in their psychoactive effects. CBD is very effective to treat mental health issues like anxiety, depression and others. Although, it is not addictive if taken in small quantities.
CBD atoms are very weak to connect with CB1 connectors in the brain. Thus, it is mixed with THC to bind with the CB1 receptor, which helps reduce unwanted psychoactive effects. Due to its psychoactive effects, the laws have been already evolving.
Medical Benefits and Side Effects:
Despite their differences and similarities, they provide varied benefits to the human body. CBD benefits the human body by treating several diseases or disorder symptoms. THC might cause euphoric effects, although CBD does not.
CBD is very effective for treating rare and challenging symptoms of epilepsy. CBD is most effectively used due to the lack of side effects. Sublingually administered CBD can be directly and efficiently consumed as it has the highest and most rapid absorption rate of cannabidiol. Epidiolex is FDA approved as the first prescription containing CBD.
CBD benefits conditions like
- Seizures.
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Mental disorders
- Nausea
- Migraine
- Depression
THC gummies benefits reducing following symptoms
- Pain – Multiple sclerosis, nerve pain
- Muscle spasticity
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Low appetitive
- Insomnia
- Parkinson disease tremors
Side Effects of THC:
- It causes concentration issues
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Balance – slower reaction time
- Loss of Memory
- High heart rate
- Coordination issues
- Dry mouth and red colour eyes
- Anxiety
CBD side effects are mentioned below
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach issues
- Fatigue
- Crankiness and light head feelings
- Low blood pressure
- Feeling drowsy
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
THC containing marijuana is illegal under federal law. Although, its efficacy has provided the impetus to accept it legally. Legal aids are conflicting and evolving owing to their effects and side effects.
CBD and THC Drug Testing:
Cannabinoids are stored body fat. Hence, any lab test or drug-related test could show positive results. CBD cannot be detected in all types of drug tests. For athletes, CBD sensitive tests are performed to understand its use by the individuals.
The standard drugs usually detect THC related chemicals; hence the test results can be easily obtained. If any individuals have used hemp, the test results might indicate positive THC chemicals as hemp contains few THC chemicals.
Products claiming THC free might be so, hence might show positive drug results. THC or CBD products should only be consumed in quantities and dosage prescribed by a licensed health professional. It completely depends on how long cbd vape stays in your body.
The Difference in CBD and THC- Summary:
| Description | CBD | THC |
| Legal approval | No | Yes only 0.3% |
| Interactions with endocannabinoids within the human brain | Yes | Yes |
| Side effects | Yes, only few | Side effects on psychoactive elements |
| Drug Testing indicator | Only in CBD sensitive tests | Any standard drug test |
| Pain reliever | Yes | Yes |
| Used to treat various symptoms | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion:
Both CBD and THC are medically beneficial, although their chemical composition and reaction with other medicine restrict its use. Federal Law has approved only permissible amounts of THC to be consumed only through prescription.
It provides medical benefits like easing pain, reducing nausea, anxiety and other conditions, although both the components have side effects on human consumption. CBD drug testing will require special tests, while THC consumption could be found from any drug test. The most likely side effect of CBD is that it can modify other drugs prescribed for treating the symptoms. Hence, the use is done in a monitored and restricted manner.
