In recent years, the legal consumption of hemp and cannabis products has been growing worldwide. Consumers of these products are becoming increasingly curious about their choices. They are particularly concerned about cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These two natural compounds are generally found in plants of the cannabis genus. What are the differences between the two molecules?
The chemical structure of CBD and THC
First of all, it is important to note that CBD and THC have exactly the same molecular structure. This structure is as follows:
- 21 carbon atoms;
- 30 hydrogen atoms;
- 2 oxygen atoms.
However, it is important to note that there is a slight difference in the arrangement of atoms. This is precisely what explains the different effects of the two substances on the body.
Chemically, CBD and THC have the same endocannabinoids as the human body. This is precisely what allows them to interact with endocannabinoid receptors. This interaction contributes to the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals whose function is to relay information between cells. Similarly, neurotransmitters play a role in the onset of:
- Pain;
- The humanitarian function;
- Stress;
- Sleep;
The psychoactive components of CBD and THC
Although the chemical structures of CBD and THC are similar, these two molecules do not have the same psychoactive effects. In fact, CBD has fairly mild psychotropic effects, unlike THC. This substance does not have the ability to produce the high associated with THC. However, CBD provides the relaxation needed to allow people suffering from anxiety, depression, and seizures to relax as much as possible.
Unlike cannabidiol, THC binds directly to the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. This produces a high and makes users feel intoxicated. This substance induces a feeling of euphoria, which is why it is considered a drug.
Furthermore, cannabidiol binds very weakly to CB1 receptors in the brain. It is important to note that this substance needs the structure of THC to be able to enter the human body. CBD users will not experience the undesirable psychoactive effects of THC.
The legality of CBD and THC
In the United States, laws governing cannabis are constantly evolving. To date, CBD is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. Although hemp has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act, some institutions have not followed suit and still consider this plant to be a Schedule I drug. These include the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration.
However, nearly 35 states in the United States have adopted specific laws on cannabis use. Thanks to these regulations, medical cannabis with high THC levels has been legalized. In these states that have adopted the law, legal cannabis must be prescribed by a licensed physician.
In Europe, each country has its own specific legislation on the consumption of CBD and THC. However, you should be aware that the cultivation and consumption of cannabis remains strictly prohibited in UK in almost all European countries. More specifically, the therapeutic use of cannabis is prohibited by law. This practice is also illegal in modern medicine. This is the main reason why it is difficult to obtain a prescription to purchase cannabis-based products.
In Spain, the legislation regarding cannabis use is completely different. In fact, there is a Spanish medicine made from this plant. It is called Sativex. This medicine is specifically designed from cannabis extracts containing THC. However, it is quite difficult to obtain a prescription to buy it. The use of Sativex is not considered illegal in Spain because:
- It is not a substance that creates dependence in consumers;
- It does not produce psychoactive effects;
- The WHO has classified it as a drug for human consumption.
However, CBD has been banned from the list of dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals. As a result, consumers cannot legally purchase and consume CBD in certain regions of Spain. However, when this product is marketed as a dietary supplement, it becomes legal.
In UK, you should be aware that the sale and consumption of THC are specifically prohibited by law. However, CBD is perfectly legal. Cannabidiol has benefited from lenient legislation that has been applied to hemp. However, the THC content in CBD-based products must not exceed 0.3%. On the other hand, THC is classified as a narcotic.
The health benefits of CBD
Whether it's CBD or THC, these substances offer numerous medical benefits. They can relieve a variety of ailments. The main difference is that CBD does not cause the psychotropic effects commonly seen in THC users. This is precisely why many people consider using cannabidiol, as it does not cause any intense side effects.
In 2018, several drugs were developed based on CBD. One example is Epidiolex, which is generally used to treat all forms of rare and difficult-to-control epilepsy.
In addition, you should know that CBD can be used to provide effective relief for several conditions such as:
- Convulsions;
- Inflammation;
- The pains,
- Psychoses or mental disorders;
- Inflammatory bowel diseases;
- Nausea;
- Migraines;
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
In addition, THC is also effective in relieving:
- The pains,
- Glaucoma;
- Insomnia;
- Small appetites;
- Nausea;
- Anxieties;
- Muscle spasticity;
Side effects of CBD
Today, in French regions, there are no disadvantages to consuming CBD-based products. This is true even if the dose of this substance is increasing. In addition, side effects from using this molecule are considered to be the result of drug interactions. Similarly, they may result from other medications taken by the patient. The potential side effects caused by cannabidiol include:
- Changes in appetite,
- Fatigue;
- Weight loss;
- Dizziness;
- Diarrhea
Unlike CBD, THC can cause severe side effects. For example:
- Increased heart rate;
- Coordination issues;
- Dry mouth;
- Red eyes;
- Slower reaction times;
- Memory loss;
Although the side effects listed above are part of the psychoactive properties of the compound, it is important to note that none of them are fatal. However, high THC consumption can cause negative long-term psychiatric effects. This phenomenon is generally found in adolescents who consume large amounts of THC. According to analyses carried out by experts, increased THC consumption can cause significant psychiatric disorders.
Drug testing
In general, cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are stored in body fat. These substances can be detected by a drug test for several days or weeks after consumption. Drug tests are capable of detecting CBD. However, there are tests that are specifically sensitive to this molecule.
You should be aware that almost all standard drug tests tend to look for chemicals related to THC. Since CBD contains 0.3% THC, consumers of cannabidiol products may be stopped by police officers using standard drug tests.
Recreational and medical use of THC
For many years now, it has been clear that many people are turning to cannabis with a high THC content. These are mainly individuals who are looking for recreational effects. They choose these strains because they greatly appreciate the psychoactive effects provided by THC. This molecule has the ability to stimulate and impair certain motor and cognitive abilities. It can also distort consumers' sense of time. Although THC has interesting therapeutic properties, it still causes paranoia and depression in consumers. However, the negative effects vary depending on each person's dependence and certain individual factors. In light of all this information, it must therefore be concluded that CBD should be considered a safer alternative to THC. Today, many scientists believe that more research needs to be done on this molecule. Cannabidiol is the most popular cannabinoid in medical cannabis. It is required in the treatment of several diseases and symptoms.
How CBD and THC affect the body
As a reminder, CBD and THC are molecules capable of interacting with CB2 receptors. However, you should be aware that they interact differently with the CB1 receptor. The reaction resulting from this connection contributes to the creation of signals that can reach the brain directly. This is what causes the well-known psychoactive effects.
CBD works differently and its presence can override the connection between THC and the CB1 receptor. It can therefore be concluded that cannabidiol has the ability to influence and neutralize the psychoactive effects caused by THC to the maximum extent possible.
Although THC has positive effects on human health, not all consumers appreciate the psychotropic effects of this molecule. However, cannabidiol can offer many of the benefits of THC without causing significant side effects. More specifically, both molecules have the ability to alleviate the same problems, but CBD does not cause psychoactive effects. This is why many people choose to consume cannabidiol rather than THC.
Unlike THC, cannabidiol is becoming increasingly popular for its importance in treating rare and debilitating forms of epilepsy. One example is Dravet syndrome. This is a disease that is highly resistant to the treatment currently approved by modern medicine. According to analyses carried out by experts, CBD is considered to be the only known means of treating this disease. This is why this molecule is becoming increasingly popular in the medical community.
THC and CBD are substances derived from the same biosynthesis process. They come from the same precursor molecule, specifically cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). When CBGA is available, the enzyme CBDA synthase creates an additional ether bond. This converts CBGA into CBDA. After decarboxylation, CBDA is transformed into active CBD. When the enzyme THCA synthase converts CBGA into its precursor, the result is THC.
Furthermore, CBD and THC are considered molecules closely related to several other plant-based compounds such as:
- Terpenes: these are considered to be terpenoids denatured by oxygen;
- Limonene;
- Menthol,
- Curcuminoids: these are generally found in turmeric and mustard seeds.
You should also know that terpenes are part of the large class of natural molecules. They are commonly used in traditional cooking for their aromatic qualities. They can also play a key role in traditional natural remedies made from plants.
