Most people have heard of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical component of cannabis that gives users their high. They may also have heard of CBD, or cannabidiol, another chemical component of cannabis that doesn’t give users the same psychoactive effects when used in combination with THC. If not, they could be forgiven for thinking that the two chemicals are the same—they aren’t. While both THC and CBD are incredibly valuable, and offer many medical benefits, they operate in very different ways physically and psychologically when it comes to the human body.
Anatomical Differences
The first and most apparent difference between THC and CBD is in how they interact with the human body. While both THC and CBD are lipophilic, or fat-loving, chemicals, it is the case that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) without becoming activated. The ECS is a neuromuscular system in the human body that interacts with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. When activated, the ECS creates sensations that are quite similar to what one would experience from drinking alcohol or taking certain prescription drugs. When the ECS is not activated, however, the physical effects of THC and CBD are quite different. They both have medicinal benefits, but the risks associated with using either substance are also quite different. Let’s take a closer look at how these two chemicals differ.
Pharmacological Differences
The second difference between THC and CBD is in their pharmacological effects. To understand this difference, one must know a little bit about how the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) works. The ECS is a chemical system located in our bodies that naturally interacts with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The system is responsible for maintaining balance and coordination in the human body. In most cases, the ECS works in conjunction with other systems in the body such as the adrenal gland and the central nervous system (CNS). If the ECS is activated, it can have serious ramifications for your health; therefore, it is imperative that you know how to correctly activate and deactivate this system.
Psychological Differences
Another important difference between THC and CBD is in how they are processed in the brain. The cannabinoid receptors that THC and CBD interact with are located in regions of the brain that are highly associated with emotions and memory. When these receptors are activated, they change the way we perceive and process both positive and negative stimuli. The THC receptors are mostly found in areas of the brain such as the frontal cortex and the limbic system. These are the same areas of the brain that are affected in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related disorders. The cannabinoid receptors in these areas of the brain permit the affected individual to experience both short and long-term memory loss, impairment of executive functions (self-control, decision making, multitasking), as well as emotional changes such as nausea, anxiety, agitation, and depression. In most cases, this is considered a very dangerous situation and can lead to suicidal ideation or severe psychosis.
As you can see, there are many differences between the two chemicals. While both are important in maintaining health, it is crucial that you know how to use them properly. This is why, even though both THC and CBD are available in a wide variety of forms and discreet packages, it is still recommended that you get them from a laboratory that provides good quality control. Once you know how to use these compounds effectively and safely, the world is at your fingertips.