Today, when you try to search about cannabidiol or CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC use, you can find numerous articles online. All this data can be overwhelming, especially since it’s hard to determine what’s right and what’s not. Hence, a thorough understanding about these two chemicals is essential.
Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol Found in Cannabis Plants
Both cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are two kinds of cannabinoids which are found in the cannabis plant. Several studies are focused on these two components because they actively interacts with different cannabis receptors all throughout the body. Although CBD and THC come from the same plant, these two elements have different effects on the body.
In order to get the desired effects, the strain of cannabis plant has to be carefully selected to either have more CBD more THC. THC is the chemical in cannabis plant that makes a person feel high. This is because THC encourages the release of the neurotransmitter that induces sleep and enhances appetite. On the other hand, CBD is entirely non-psychoactive, but it still causes relaxation without the dangers of intoxication.
How Tetrahydrocannabinol Differs From Cannabidiol:
1. Medical application
Medical application for THC:
- Pain reliever – it activates the pathway found in the central nervous system and blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain
- Promotes relaxation – it produces a state of relaxation
- Induces sleep – according to studies, THC is beneficial for insomniacs and even healthy individuals in inducing sleep
- Appetite stimulant – aside from preventing nausea and vomiting, THC also increases a person’s appetite
Medical application for CBD:
- Antidepressant – it inhibits anxiety and depression
- Antioxidant – it reduces the possibility of neurodegenerative diseases
- Anticonvulsant – it stops seizures
- Antipsychotic – it fights psychosis
- Anti-tumor – it slows the growth of cancer cells and tumors
- Anti-inflammatory – it treats inflammation as well as pain
2. Side effects
The most alarming side effects of THC are paranoia and anxiety. In addition, several types of research have also revealed that this chemical might have long-term side effects affecting the specific areas of the brain. As a result, the user may experience a problem with their memory and ability to learn. On the other hand, there is still no discovery with regards to the long-term side effects of CBD.
3. Legal status
THC use is considered legal in some areas in the US, but stringent compliance of the guidelines is expected. With CBD, it is still regarded as illegal but clinical trials are currently conducted to help treat a rare kind of seizure in children.
The benefits of using the cannabis plant are adding to the interest of scientists. It is expected that in the next few years its full potential will be discovered and more people will gain access to the benefits that it offers.