As the medical marijuana field continues to grow due to marijuana use becoming legalized throughout the United States, customers are becoming more interested in their options.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two natural compounds that are found in the Cannabis plant.
Nowadays, medical marijuana is not solely used for those battling cancer or glaucoma-related issues. Many people use THC and CBD to alleviate pain, boost appetite, reduce stress and anxiety, and so much more.
There are a few common misconceptions about THC and CBD. In this article, we will debunk these myths and explain the main differences between the two compounds.
What is THC?
THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a compound derived from marijuana that gives users a psychoactive effect. This effect is most commonly referred to as a feeling of being “high” or “euphoric.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC can affect our thinking patterns, memory, movement, coordination, concentration, sensory, time perception, and pleasure sensors.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a chemical compound derived from marijuana. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s most commonly used for CBD oil or CBD edibles.
Most users describe feeling calmer and more relaxed after taking CBD. It does not have a psychoactive effect like THC. You can’t get high as a result of using CBD.
How Does CBD and THC Affect the Body?
THC is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana, making users feel a “high” sensation. Everyone has two different types of cannabinoid receptors in our brains.
THC binds with certain brain receptors that makes us feel euphoric or “high.” CBD, on the other hand, works more with other elements of your body to help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and for relaxation. In fact, CBD has also been known to help reduce or counteract the side effects associated with THC, including hunger, anxiety, paranoia, and sedation.
Health & Medical Benefits
There are many health and medical benefits associated with THC and CBD. CBD, for example is very useful for treating the following issues:
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Nausea
- Psychosis or mental disorders
- Headaches or migraines
- Depression
- Anxiety
People also use CBD products, such as CBD oil or edibles, to help alleviate arthritis pain, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
THC is most commonly used to treat conditions, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Low appetite
- Muscle spasticity
- Anxiety
People also use THC for multiple sclerosis pain, nerve pain, and tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Psychoactive Components
Just because both THC and CBD are derived from marijuana, it doesn’t mean that both compounds have the same psychoactive effects. Despite their similar chemical structure, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect while THC does.
THC binds with CB1 cannabinoid receptors in our brain, which produces a high or euphoric sensation. CBD binds with CB1 receptors as well, but does so on a very low or weak level.
Both THC and CBD work with these brain receptors that release neurotransmitters in our brain, affecting our mood, pain levels, sleep, concentration, and memory.
Legality
Cannabis-related laws are always evolving throughout the United States. THC and marijuana are technically considered as controlled substances, so they’re prohibited at a federal level.
However, many states have passed cannabis laws in regards to medical marijuana with high THC content. Medical marijuana must be prescribed by a licensed physician. Even recreational use of marijuana and THC have become legalized in some states.
In every state that legalized marijuana for both recreational use and medical purposes have also legalized CBD use. If you attempt to purchase or currently possess cannabis-related products, like hemp oil, CBD oil, THC oil, edibles, or marijuana in a state where its use is prohibited, you could face potential legal penalties.
In Conclusion
The intoxicating effects of THC has made believers out of millions of people throughout the world. Although some of the effects of CBD and THC are very different, they both produce many health and wellness benefits.
The most common misconception of THC is that it’s a “gateway” drug that can lead to other serious drug habits. This is simply untrue. If you use marijuana or other cannabis products sparingly and in moderation, then you aren’t doing anything wrong.
As long as you reside in a state where marijuana use is legal, for either a recreational or medical purpose, then you’re acting within federal law regulations. At The Medical Centre of Lehigh Acres, we offer medical marijuana treatments for those who qualify. Give us a call to find out if you qualify for medical marijuana or CBD use.
