The Cannabis plant is being legalized in countries throughout the world. The reason for this is that medical experts and lawmakers are now realizing that Cannabis has myriad health benefits, and when compared to unprohibited substances like alcohol and nicotine, is harmless. Two popular Cannabinoids (compounds found in Cannabis plants), are CBD and THC. The former of the two has been legalized for quite a while because it is non-psychoactive. THC however is psychoactive and therefore produces a high, which means that in many places its use has been restricted.
This article will further explore these two interesting Cannabinoids, explaining what they are, and what they are used for:
Chemical Makeup
CBD and THC have exactly the same chemical makeup. What makes them differ from one another however is the way that their chemical formulas are arranged. The way that their chemical properties are arranged, means that they affect the human body in different ways. Despite their differences, they still work with the same receptors and impact more or less the same things. CBD and THC can affect one’s sleep, response to pain, memory, and confidence.
Bodily Effects
CBD and THC affect the body in different ways. THC for example produces a high, which leaves users feeling euphoric, content, and more confident. THC can also cause extreme anxiety and paranoia. CBD, on the other hand, can’t. The reason for this is that CBD is non-psychoactive. According to the people from Gold Bee, this means that CBD only produces a feeling of calmness and tranquility, in addition to all of its positive effects on your health. The lack of a high also means it is suitable for people that can’t bear intoxication or are in recovery and can’t take intoxicating substances.
Health Applications
Both THC and CBD have health benefits. As one might expect, their health benefits are largely the same. They do differ in some ways, however. For example, people that suffer from chronic anxiety can have very bad reactions to THC, whereas they can react very well to CBD. CBD in fact is a very effective treatment for mental health disorders. Some doctors even recommend that their patients take it, in addition to their pharmaceutical medicine and therapy sessions. It is also possible to buy CBD products that contain THC in trace amounts. These are called full-spectrum CBD products, and they are extremely effective in treating things like chronic pain and insomnia. The small amounts of THC add an extra kick, without overwhelming users.
Pain Relief
One of the main benefits of both THC and CBD products is that they are powerful pain relievers. Doctors sometimes recommend that patients suffering from chronic pain take full-spectrum CBD because it has been compared in strength by researchers to codeine. Codeine is a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drug, that converts to morphine in your liver. This makes it very powerful. It is entirely possible to experience codeine’s painkilling effects by just taking simple full-spectrum CBD. The amount of THC found in full-spectrum products is negligible, meaning that users don’t experience highs, making it perfect for people that don’t like intoxication (codeine also can produce a high in large amounts).
Mental Health
CBD and THC are also both used for mental health disorders. Most experts agree that CBD is more effective and is a better choice for people with anxiety, whereas THC is better for people that are suffering from depression. The reason for this is that THC’s psychoactive effects can help people to forget about their problems and go on with their daily life. CBD on the other hand is better for treating anxiety. THC can cause panic attacks, paranoia, and intense anxiety in people that already have issues regarding anxiety.
Improved Sleep
THC and CBD can improve users’ sleep. In terms of efficacy, most would agree that CBD is better. The reason for this is that THC can cause people to get extremely intoxicated and pass out. When they awake in the morning, it’s common for people that have taken THC to feel heavy and uncomfortable. CBD, on the other hand (because it helps to fight anxiety), helps users to relax and go to sleep naturally, without needing to make users virtually unconscious. Improved sleep is one of CBD’s main benefits, in fact. If you have been suffering from insomnia or any other sleep disorder, then CBD could prove to be very useful.
Increased Appetite
A non-existent appetite can be remedied with THC, but not the THC you are thinking about. The most commonly used type of THC is delta-9 THC. A lesser-known cannabinoid, delta-8, is a much more powerful appetite stimulant. Researchers have discovered that delta-8 is twice as effective at increasing users’ appetites than delta-9 THC is. CBD is also very good at increasing one’s appetite, but nowhere near as powerful as delta-8 THC is. The problem with delta-8 THC is that it can be hard to find and in many countries, it is criminalized. If you are going to buy it, then make sure that you buy it from a reliable manufacturer that hasn’t used any chemical solvents to extract it.
Boosted Confidence
Finally, THC can help to boost user confidence. CBD can do this too, but it is not as effective. The main reason that it can help to boost confidence is because of the high that it produces. THC can help people to lower their inhibitions and be more confident in public. CBD can do the same to an extent, but experts all agree that people are more confident after using THC, provided that they do not suffer from any anxiety-related disorders.
Side Effects
In terms of side effects, they are usually much worse with THC than CBD. CBD does still have side effects though. THC’s side effects can include:
- Concentration problems
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Drowsiness
CBD’s side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
With all of the above said, side effects from both are very uncommon as long as they are used properly and not taken in large amounts.
If you are deciding between CBD and THC, then this article is the only resource that you need. Make sure to consider each point carefully, so that you can decide which is right for you. In terms of physical and bodily health advantages, THC is better. In terms of mental health and neurological protection, CBD is better.
