THC and CBD Difference: Guide

Many people tout the potential wellness applications of CBD for pain management, although more in-depth studies and research are still necessary. Evidence notes that while CBD binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), its influence on each varies.

Where CBD stands out is in its affinity for CB2 receptors which are mainly present outside the central nervous system. This preference means that, unlike THC which has a higher preference for the CB1 receptors within the brain, CBD does not cause the high sensation. It might even mitigate THC’s intoxicating effects when you consume products containing both, often known as the “entourage effect”. It may have antipsychotic effects that could even prevent or mitigate psychiatric issues that THC sometimes produces.

You’ll often see the term “hemp” on labels for CBD products because you need to understand how CBD is regulated. Although the source plant is ultimately Cannabis sativa, there are various strains or sub-species which fall under that categorization, with different potencies and legal classifications.

Legally speaking, you will generally only see cannabis plants referred to as "hemp" when their THC concentration is less than or equal to 0.3%, the legal maximum defined by European law. Because the law permits commercialization of cannabis products, hemp plants have become the main source of CBD products on the marketplace to adhere to those guidelines. But just to add another level of complexity, individual countries still have their own legislation so there are variances. If you travel, you'll want to be extra careful as it can be tricky - so just check those guidelines and be mindful. 

THC is the component of marijuana responsible for that characteristic high. Although there is increasing interest in the potential for this cannabis plant compound, THC is still heavily regulated in the EU. That’s due to its impact on cognitive functions, as well as the abuse potential for some people.

There seems to be more THC present in cannabis products sold in modern times. An analysis of market trends found that average concentrations of THC present in cannabis plants in the US rose from around 4% in 1995 to over 12% in 2014, a triple increase. Conversely, those same cannabis plants also displayed significantly less CBD, averaging only 0.15%, dropping down from over 0.28%.

With marijuana increasingly grown for high-potency THC, you may not get much benefit from CBD if you consume this plant form, depending on the concentration and how its prepared. It's crucial to know what you're looking for. In short, a product with higher concentrations will pack more punch. If your main goal is experiencing those euphoric highs, the choice may seem clear, but you have to be aware. 

Both CBD and THC interact with receptors that impact critical systems throughout the body, although research into those responses remains in the early stages. But this early data can shed some light on potential negative impacts associated with the use of either compound. This might influence how often you use products containing either THC or CBD.

One point to remember about products containing CBD is that the EU does not regulate them the way it does traditional over-the-counter and prescription medication. Research has revealed potential issues, including contaminants, misleading information on labels about contents, and a range of side effects that consumers should be mindful of, particularly those with pre-existing conditions who are taking prescription or other medications.

A study published in JAMA took a look at those CBD-related concerns. They found that over 70% of CBD products sold online had labeling inaccuracies that misrepresented actual THC concentrations. They discovered higher THC levels, although it didn't reach high amounts that would cause noticeable psychoactive effects in the products, the presence was greater than what was claimed.

On the other hand, several products were also shown to have far less CBD than what labels purported, ranging from only half the purported concentration to almost no CBD whatsoever. Some products were contaminated with solvents, pesticides, or even fungus.

If you are thinking about using CBD products you may want to focus on buying from established retailers or manufacturers who utilize independent, third-party lab testing so that you can make informed decisions.

Understanding the potential impacts that CBD and THC have on your physical and mental functions will guide how you choose your cannabis products. While there is quite a bit of information around these responses, researchers are still digging deeper. They’re conducting ongoing studies to unveil the mysteries of THC and CBD difference as more information comes out.

While CBD may be growing increasingly popular for its supposed benefits in anxiety and pain management, experts do not yet fully understand how it exerts those effects in the human body.

Studies using neuroimaging have established that CBD interacts with various areas of the brain, influencing communication, reducing seizures, possibly modulating anxiety and mood, and impacting perception and even learning, as well as memory function.

It is not exactly known, although evidence notes that CBD might also boost levels of anandamide. It's one of the endocannabinoids, produced naturally by the body, that activates the endocannabinoid system in several beneficial ways.

A review of the available studies evaluating how effective CBD might be for mental health determined that it did offer some benefits in alleviating those conditions although, those potential benefits still needed further in-depth study before conclusive results could be produced. 

Research into the mental and physical impact of THC remains relatively recent. As cannabis use for medical applications becomes more widely studied and accepted, understanding its complex response to systems throughout the body may prove useful in treatment and development.

One of the main benefits of cannabis plant extracts and medications, as determined by some researchers, is their rapid absorption, causing more pronounced results. This is particularly appealing for people with chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, those experiencing nausea and vomiting due to treatments for various illnesses, those with severe nerve pain, or people with low appetite and severe pain that are seeking immediate, short-term symptom management, although there can be long-term impacts as well.

You need to factor in long-term responses in those treatments. One major concern raised by several experts is that consuming products with high concentrations of THC on a regular basis for several weeks or more may produce an addiction in people, as much as 30%. It can even have more serious consequences when there is regular use prior to adulthood.

If you want to experience the more pleasant THC-induced feelings without experiencing addiction, check for CB2 receptors, terpenes and low-dose options or consider using a product containing both CBD and THC, particularly one with low potency to ensure a lower THC content. That “entourage effect”, combining cannabinoids from multiple species, could mitigate those issues by balancing those CB1 receptor interactions in a person's brain.

So there you have it, although this data sheds some light on the THC and CBD difference in potential benefit and response, further studies may completely change how you understand the nuanced differences.