CBD
- CBD is a non-intoxicant; it won’t make you feel high in a way THC does.
- CBD works on more than 60 molecular pathways, but it doesn’t directly bind to any of the cannabinoid receptors.
- CBD signals the body to produce and maintain higher levels of its endocannabinoids.
- CBD can block the psychoactive effects of THC.
- When people talk about CBD, they put more emphasis on medical, health, and wellness benefits
- CBD doesn’t cause toxicity regardless of the dose
- CBD is safe for animals
- CBD can be extracted from hemp and marijuana
- Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal
THC
- THC will produce the psychoactive buzz.
- THC is often linked to recreational cannabis use, although it has many health benefits too
- Lower doses of THC can reduce anxiety, but higher doses can elevate this feeling due to its biphasic nature
- THC binds to cannabinoid receptors and uses neurotransmitters to send signals to the brain.
- THC can be extracted only from marijuana.
- THC is only legal in Canada and Uruguay. In the USA, 11 states have legalized recreational use of cannabis, with 30 states having medical marijuana programs for patients.
CBD vs. THC: What You Need To Know About Their Effects on the Mind and Body
The differences between CBD vs THC that we’ve just highlighted should only be used as a quick point of reference. You can actually use CBD and THC for both medical and recreational purposes depending on your goals.
Let’s start by discussing the psychoactive nature of both cannabinoids.
How Do CBD and THC Affect the Mind?
The majority of cannabis users describe the high from using THC as a pleasant sensation. They often report sensory stimulation, elevated mood, euphoria, a clear state of mind, and even signs of improved cognition. In low and moderate doses, these feelings are well balanced. However, when you take THC in very high doses, you can experience the so-called THC backfire that may lead to anxiety and paranoia.
CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t cause intoxication, and its range of emotional effects is triggered less directly. CBD can ease your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve your response to daily stressors. To make things even better, CBD can counter a strong reaction to THC. Recreational cannabis users often take CBD as a counterweight to THC’s high.
But, both compounds affect your mind in some way, don’t they?
Doesn’t that mean they’re both psychoactive?
In a way, yes.
Every substance, event, or even person that can impact your emotions falls into the definition of “psychoactive.”
Does your laundry machine make you angry when it glitches?
Guess what: it’s psychoactive.
A better way to describe the differences between CBD vs THC is “intoxication.” The marijuana high involves an array of intoxicating effects, such as the aforementioned euphoria and a giggly mood. Therefore, THC is both psychoactive and intoxicating.
CBD doesn’t induce the euphoric high, so it’s not intoxicating. However, it is psychoactive because it changes your anxiety levels and helps you maintain emotional stability.
How do CBD and THC Affect the body?
CBD products are better if you’re looking for more of a body-centered experience. It reduces inflammation, relieves tension, helps people overcome anxiety, and reduces the amount of stress experienced throughout the day.
The effects of THC-rich products depend on their cannabinoid profile as well as the ratio between different terpenes. Some cannabis strains are more body-focused whereas others produce more of a cerebral high. Usually, Sativa strains are more energetic and focused in the brain; Indica strains produce a body high. Both types of effects from THC can be highlighted by adding more CBD to your routine.
CBD vs THC: Potential Therapeutic Applications
THC and CBD affect different parts of the endocannabinoid system. THC stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors by binding to them and producing an array of its effects. CBD has little effect on both. Instead, it works on multiple receptor-independent pathways to regulate the endocannabinoid system.
