CBD versus THC: what are the differences?
The cannabis plant contains around a hundred compounds, called cannabinoids, which influence the human body in different ways. Among the best known and studied? CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Products containing CBD and THC are used to relieve pain, anxiety, sleep problems and premenstrual syndrome. Although both have a similar structure, their effects on the body are quite different. Here's how!
What are the effects of THC and CBD on the body?
CBD and THC share the same formula 'C21H30O2' and both contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. What's different? Their chemical structure, i.e. the way their atoms are arranged. That's why their mechanism of action and impact on the body are different.
Reminder: what is the endocannabinoid system?
In our nervous system, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of receptors that respond to cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. This system is involved in the regulation of numerous biological processes such as sleep and appetite. Two types of receptor cells are particularly concerned by the effects of cannabinoids and have been the subject of several studies:
- The CB1 receptors receptors: mainly located in the brain and central nervous system, they are responsible for euphoric and anticonvulsant effects. They target appetite, cognitive activity, pain perception and short-term memory.
- Lhe CB2 receptors receptors: these are mainly found in the immune system, and act in particular on inflammation. They target the digestive, bone, reproductive, skin and nervous systems.
How do CBD and THC affect the body?
CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system in different ways. THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors: this is what gives it its "high" and disinhibiting effect.
Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to receptors but has strong indirect interactions with them, particularly with CB2[1]. It therefore has no euphoric effect. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as non-toxic, non-addictive and well-tolerated when consumed.
When consumed together, CBD can act as an antagonist to THC by preventing it from binding to the CB1 receptor and attenuating the latter's psychotropic effects[2].
Benefits of THC and CBD: comparing effects
|
|
CBD |
THC
|
|
Legality in France
|
Yes |
No, except products containing less than 0.3% THC
|
|
The feeling of floating
|
No |
Yes |
|
Appearance on drug tests |
Sometimes (under certain conditions, such as quantity consumed and duration of use)
|
Yes |
|
Physical pain relief
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Help with sleep disorders
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Increased appetite
|
No |
Yes |
|
Reduced stress and anxiety
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Calming the signs of psychosis
|
Yes |
No |
|
Relief from migraine and nausea
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Side effects |
Nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, fatigue
|
Dizziness, accelerated heart rate, nausea and vomiting, loss of balance, concentration problems
|
|
Dependency risk |
No
|
Yes
|
How to consume products containing THC?
To comply with European and French legislation (decree of August 22, 1990), CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC. Above this threshold, they are not authorized for sale. CBD products come in a variety of forms, including
- oils;
- dyes ;
- edible products.
> Read also: How to use CBD?
Sources :
[1] 9 R. G. Pertwee, "The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin," British Journal of Pharmacology, 153: 199- 215, 2008, https://www.theroc.us/researchlibrary/The%20diverse%20CB1%20and%20CB2%20receptor%20pharmacology%20of%20three%20 plant%20cannabinoids-%20%CE%949-tetrahydrocannabinol,%20canna- bidiol%20and%20%CE%949-tetrahydrocannabivarin.pdf
[2] Schubart CD1, Sommer IE2, Fusar-Poli P3, de Witte L2, Kahn RS1, Boks MP, "Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis," Eur Neuropsy- chopharmacol, 24(1):51-64, November 15, 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24309088