CBD vs THC: Understanding the Key Differences

When it comes to CBD, there are a lot of terms that can be a little confusing. While some people know what they’re looking for in a CBD supplement, others aren’t quite sure of the difference between the different ingredients such as CBD, THC and others.

The Cannabaceae (Hemp and Cannabis) plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, including the two most well-known and studied compounds: Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
While these two compounds have similar chemical structures, they have distinct differences in terms of their effects on the human body and their legal status. This article will explore the key differences between CBD and THC.

What is CBD?

CBD has gained popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits and is commonly used in a variety of products such as oils, topicals, gummies and capsules. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes such as appetite, mood, and sleep.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” that comes from THC. CBD products such as Charlotte’s Web are produced from Hemp plants, which is a type of Cannabaceae plant that is defined as having very low levels of THC and high levels of CBD. CBD doesn’t have a psychoactive effect and because of this, many people consider CBD oils to be perfectly safe and beneficial for everyone.

What is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. It’s what gets you high–and it’s also what makes you feel “stoned” or “high.” When you consume THC-rich products like edibles or oils, the active ingredient binds to CB1 receptors in your brain and central nervous system to produce a variety of effects including euphoria; heightened sensory perception; relaxation or sedation; increased appetite; and decreased nausea.

The amount of time it takes for these effects to set in depends on how much THC you consume as well as how often you’ve used it before. THC is most commonly consumed by smoking or vaporizing cannabis, although a variety of product types are available. CBD also shares a similar variety of product formats including oils, tinctures, edibles, and topicals. As far as health benefits, There is evidence to suggest cannabis (high-THC) has medical applications and it is currently available through medical prescriptions in the UK, with around 20,000 medical cannabis prescriptions last year.

The Differences between CBD and THC

The first major difference between CBD and THC is their effects on the human body. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” that is associated with marijuana use. THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and produces the euphoric and sometimes psychotropic effects that are commonly associated with marijuana use.

On the other hand, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and does not produce the “high” that is associated with THC. Instead, CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates various physiological processes, including relaxation.

Another key difference between CBD and THC is their legal status. THC is still considered a controlled substance in the United Kingdom and is illegal for recreational use. However, THC is a medicinal substance and can be prescribed by a doctor. CBD is legal to purchase online, or in-store within the UK and is categorised as a food supplement, CBD is also legal in many other countries, including the European Union and Canada. You can find out more about the legalities of CBD in countries in one of our other articles.

CBD and THC are two of the most well-known and studied cannabinoids in the plant. While they have similar chemical structures, they have distinct differences in terms of their effects on the human body, their legal status, and the potential health benefits that they offer. Understanding the key differences between CBD and THC is essential for anyone who is considering using these compounds.

What is the Difference Between Full Spectrum CBD and Broad Spectrum CBD?

When shopping for CBD products, you may come across the terms “full-spectrum” and “broad-spectrum.” Both of these terms refer to the types of extracts that can be derived from the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the natural compounds found in the plant, including THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, while broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the same compounds as the full spectrum, except for THC.

Broad-spectrum CBD is ideal for individuals who want to experience the potential benefits of the entourage effect, which is the synergistic interaction between multiple compounds found in cannabis, without consuming THC. However, it’s important to note that while broad-spectrum CBD is THC-free, it may still contain trace amounts of THC, which can be detected in drug tests.

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids in the plant, these compounds work together in a synergistic fashion called the “Entourage Effect”, working together to improve the effects of each other. This effect helps promote relaxation, diet, appetite and an overall sense of well-being. Full-spectrum CBD oils such as those produced by Charlotte’s Web are more natural and authentic when compared to other types of CBD oils. Full spectrum CBD products are widely seen as the most effective due to them replicating the hemp plant’s natural diversity of ingredients, all which work synergistically.

Full-spectrum products often include terpenes–the aromatic compounds responsible for giving each strain its unique flavour profile–as well as other compounds found naturally in hemp plants like vitamins A & E along with fatty acids like Omega 3s which may provide additional health benefits when taken regularly over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CBD and THC are two of the most well-known and studied cannabinoids in the hemp and cannabis plants. While they have similar chemical structures, they have distinct differences in terms of their effects on the human body, their legal status, and the potential health benefits that they offer. Understanding the key differences between CBD and THC is essential for anyone who is considering using these compounds for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.