THC vs. CBD: What are the differences?
Cannabis has become increasingly popular in recent years, both for recreational and medicinal use. Two of the most prominent and researched components of cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While both cannabinoids come from the same plant, they have different effects on the body and are used for different purposes. In this blog, we will explore the key differences between THC and CBD, their unique properties, and how they can be used separately and together.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid in cannabis due to its psychoactive properties. It is the substance responsible for the "high" feeling that people experience after consuming cannabis. THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. These receptors are part of the body's endocannabinoid system (often abbreviated as ECS), which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, such as pain, mood, appetite, and memory. By binding to these receptors, THC influences the normal functioning of these processes, leading to the characteristic psychoactive effects. For example, you become happier or more creative, but it can also lead to paranoia or anxiety.
While THC is mainly known for its recreational use, it also has various medical benefits. It has proven effective in reducing chronic pain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Additionally, THC is often used to relieve nausea and vomiting, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy. People with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) can benefit from THC for reducing muscle spasms, and THC can help lower intraocular pressure (the fluid pressure in the eye), which is beneficial for people with glaucoma, an eye disease.
However, THC can also have some side effects, especially at high doses or with prolonged use. Some users may experience anxiety or paranoia after consuming THC. Additionally, THC can increase heart rate, which can be a problem for people with heart conditions, and then there are the well-known but harmless side effects like dry mouth ('cotton mouth') and dry eyes. Furthermore, THC can affect short-term memory, especially with frequent use. However, this is temporary; short-term memory returns to normal when one stops frequent cannabis use.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is another prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn't cause a "high." CBD works differently than THC. While it also interacts with the endocannabinoid system, CBD doesn't bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it influences the receptors indirectly and can even modulate the effects of THC by reducing THC's binding to CB1 receptors. Additionally, CBD works with other receptors in the body, such as serotonin and vanilloid receptors, contributing to its diverse therapeutic effects.
CBD has a wide range of medical applications and is often praised for its therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. It has proven effective in reducing anxiety and depression through its influence on serotonin receptors. Additionally, CBD has received significant attention for its ability to reduce epileptic seizures, especially in forms of epilepsy that are resistant to traditional treatments. CBD has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used in treating conditions like arthritis. While it is less potent than THC in pain relief, CBD can still be effective in reducing pain, especially in combination with other treatments. Moreover, CBD can help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and pain, two common causes of insomnia.
CBD can be consumed separately, except when combined with THC in smoking products or edibles. There are special CBD strains, but other products are also available such as CBD oil, cream, gummies, and much more. Always make sure you only buy CBD products of good quality. Due to their popularity, many brands have appeared, including at drugstores, that don't contain sufficient active ingredients to achieve the desired effects.
CBD is generally well tolerated but can have some side effects. Some users may feel sleepy or tired after using CBD. At high doses, CBD can cause diarrhea and it can affect appetite, which can lead to weight loss or gain.
Interaction between THC and CBD
One of the most interesting aspects of THC and CBD is how they can influence each other when used together. This is known as the "entourage effect," where the combination of different cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis enhances and modulates each other's effects. CBD can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC by partially blocking the effects on CB1 receptors. This means that products containing both THC and CBD can offer a more balanced experience with less chance of anxiety and paranoia. This is especially useful for medical patients who benefit from THC for pain relief but want to minimize the psychoactive side effects.
CBD also influences THC's function at a pharmacokinetic level, meaning it changes how the body absorbs, distributes, breaks down, and excretes the substances. CBD can slow down the breakdown of THC in the liver, causing THC to remain in the body longer. This means that THC's effects can last longer. Some animal studies have even shown that when mice receive CBD before getting THC, the THC concentration in their brains triples. So CBD works both stimulating and moderating for THC's effects. This means that a high ratio of CBD reduces THC's psychoactive effects, but a low ratio of CBD actually enhances the effects because it ensures the effect lasts longer. So it's good to know when you consume cannabis that there's a special chemical interaction happening that shapes your ultimate experience!
Legal Status of THC and CBD
In the Netherlands, CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. CBD products, such as oils and capsules, are freely available and can be purchased without prescription in stores and online. However, there are strict rules about how CBD products may be advertised, especially regarding health claims.
THC products are only tolerated. This means that coffeeshops may sell them, but it's not legal to purchase or grow products with THC. However, the Netherlands is currently also working on the cannabis trial, an experiment that makes legal cultivation possible for the first time in a number of selected municipalities.
Health Risks
While cannabis can have various benefits, there are also some health risks that you shouldn't overlook. Long-term use can, although rare, lead to addiction. High THC doses can cause anxiety or paranoia in some people, which can affect their mental well-being. Regular use, especially when you're young, can reduce your memory and concentration ability, which can have a negative impact on your cognitive functions. Additionally, smoking cannabis can irritate your airways, although using vaporizers and edible forms can be less harmful. By using cannabis responsibly and being aware of these potential risks, you can better enjoy the benefits.