THC vs. CBD - What Is The Difference | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

THC vs. CBD - What Is The Difference

If you feel lost between different scientific terminologies regarding cannabis, then fear not! It usually happens that we mess up between terminologies, especially if they sound similar or mean almost the same thing.

30
THC vs. CBD - What Is The Difference

We have tried our best to explain to you the major differences between THC and CBD in the following content of this article. Precise knowledge of these phrasings shall save you from selecting the wrong product for yourself.

You will find a brief comparison between the two components of the cannabis plant constantly throughout the article. Cannabis (marijuana) belongs to a kind of flowering plant family called Cannabaceae. The herb is a homegrown specie of the Indian subcontinent as well as Central Asia. Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, and Cannabis sativa are the three known sub-species that come under this umbrella.

Regarding Cannabis, THC and CBD are the most common terminologies you are likely to come across. These are actually the two most potent ingredients of the plant by the virtue of which, several ailments can be cured and managed.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD is another major component of cannabis and is very similar to THC in terms of medicinal efficacies, except that it is not psychoactive! Even after having no hallucinatory effects, CBD is yet capable of treating seizure disorders such as Dravet's syndrome.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the part of Cannabis that produces mind-altering effects. It is due to THC that marijuana was misused as an addictive substance on a large scale. However, its psychoactive properties can be brought into good uses as well, for it has shown to be effective in controlling seizure disorders very effectively.

How Do THC And CBD Work In The Body?

Both the cannabis components function in the body by acting on the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). You may think that CBD antagonizes the THC effects, but the opposite of this is true.

CBD vs. THC For Pain:

Pain is a major symptom that can be effectively controlled using cannabis. Both CBD and THC are capable of producing this action, however, the latter one does it at the cost of mind-altering effects.

In the past few years, people have drifted towards products containing CBD oil, for it combats pain without changing their mental status. However, it does cast an impact on the CNS system but without making you go as high as a kite, which is the case with the use of THC. CBD promotes the feelings of relaxation in the body while at the same time, combats with inflammation and pain. On the other hand, instead of employing just one of these phytoactive entities, the use of the whole plant is considered better, for all of the plant ingredients are known to work synergistically.

CBD vs. THC For Sleep:

The influence of THC on a person's sleep and that of CBD are two contrasting mechanisms. CBD puts you into sleep without making you get addicted to it. On the other hand, constant use of THC can promote anxiety too. Hence, you need to go easy when using THC. The addictive and anxious untoward effects of THC are the reason why in many parts of the world are low-or-no THC and high CBD strains are popular as well as legal.

CBD vs. THC Anxiety:

Both THC and CBD cast sedating effects on the mind in different ways. For combating anxiety, low doses of THC are suitable, however, THC in high doses can cause anxiogenic effects. On the other hand, CBD is not associated with any anxiety-promoting chattels. Instead, it can be employed for winding down anxiety caused by THC.

CBD vs. THC For Cancer:

When it comes to the treatment of cancer, both CBD and THC are very effective. Research in the context of THC for cancer revealed that the compound contains anti-tumor effects. Using a catheter, THC was introduced in the tumors of patients who were involved in the study and were non-responders to the conventional cancer therapy. The subjects exhibited reduced tumor-cell proliferation with the administration of THC. Regarding cannabidiol for cancer, it has been discovered in a study that the compound is pretty effective in suppressing the proliferation of breast cancer cells by acting on a cellular level.

THC and CBD are also powerful agents for culminating the undesirable effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and anxiety. However, due to the addictive properties of THC, its use is yet controversial.

CBD vs. THC Chart:

Comparison can be better understood with the help of charts. The chart may help you further in distinguishing between the two major entities of the cannabis plant.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
smiling girl in pink and white stripe shirt

I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.

Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas decorations
YouTube

Finals, exams and papers - oh my! The only thing keeping you sane at the moment is the thought that Christmas break is near. Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Here are some simple things you can do to stay motivated and get into the Christmas spirit.

1. Play Christmas Music

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

21 Things We All Love About Winter

Despite the cold, you might find that there is a lot to love about winter.

428
pine cone winter
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

We all have a love hate relationship with winter, lets be real here. The snow makes people forget how to drive, its cold, the roads are bad, and chances are, you will be spending a lot more money than you do during the other months of the year. If you’re from the Midwest, it seems to be that winter lasts for what feels like forever. But despite the struggles that winter brings, there are so many things to love about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
christmas shopping bags

Shopping for your family and friends can be expensive. So why not make something small and cute while not emptying your bank account?

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Post Thanksgiving Panic And Anxiety

It happens to all of us, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas the catch up with you.

1744
studying

Thanksgiving Break is most likely everyone’s favorite break during the fall semester. You get to go home and reminisce with all your high school friends. That diet you’ve been on for the past month goes out the window, and you get to eat until you put yourself into a food coma. There’s no rush on homework and you can just lie in bed and Netflix to your heart’s content. To me that sounds like an ideally wonderful break, and totally stress-free.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments