Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 THC (THC) are the best-known cannabinoids among the over 100 cannabinoids identified to date in cannabis plants.
CBD and THC differ slightly in chemical structure, resulting in different effects on receptors in the body. The psychoactive “high” of cannabis is generally attributed to THC. Taken together, CBD and THC can produce a synergistic effect known as the entourage effect.
Curious to know about the differences between CBD and THC? Keep reading to learn more.
CBD vs THC: Receptors
THC and CBD both work on CB1 and CB2 receptors, but they work in different ways that cause different effects on the body.
What Are CB1 and CB2 Receptors?
CB1 and CB2 receptors are closely related receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain. They play a role in maintaining homeostasis in the body by regulating functions including sleep, appetite, memory, mood, and sensory experience. CB1 receptors are responsible for the high felt from consuming THC.
CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells. They play a role in regulating immune signaling and inflammation responses.
CBD Action at CB1 and CB2 Receptors
CBD binds CB1 and CB2 receptors, but not directly. That is why CBD is not intoxicating like THC.
Instead, CBD binds very weakly to CB1 and CB2 receptors and changes their shape, making it difficult for THC to stimulate the receptors. As a result, CBD can help offset unwanted side effects of THC, such as euphoria, anxiety, hunger, and sedation.
THC Action at CB1 and CB2 Receptors
THC binds and stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors. The psychoactive effects of THC are caused when it binds CB1 receptors in the brain, which is responsible for the high or sense of euphoria from consuming THC-containing products.
CBD vs THC: Benefits
The benefits of CBD and THC are numerous, and the evidence from research is growing. The entourage effect of CBD and THC taken together has a synergistic effect on the endocannabinoid system, promoting the body’s homeostasis regulation.
CBD Benefits
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of CBD under the brand name Epidiolex to treat seizures resulting from two rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, in patients at least 2 years old.
Other benefits of CBD shown in scientific studies include:
- Anxiety reduction
- Insomnia relief
- Lowering cravings in addiction
- Neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
- Pain and inflammation reduction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom management
THC Benefits
Research about the health benefits of THC is growing. Benefits of THC include:
- Appetite stimulant
- Insomnia reduction
- Muscle spasm relief
- Nausea reduction
- Pain reduction
The Entourage Effect of Combining CBD and THC
When CBD and THC are combined, they form a synergistic effect in the body known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect is like a symphony of compounds from cannabis plants — cannabinoids, terpenes, and bioflavonoids — that work together in the body.
CBD inhibits the ability of THC to bind and stimulate CB1 receptors, which is why people don’t feel as “high” with products that include CBD. By reducing the action of THC, CBD can help offset some of the unwanted side effects of THC by decreasing anxiety and paranoia.
CBD vs THC: Psychoactivity
Even though they are similar in chemical structure, CBD and THC do not have the same psychoactive effects.
CBD is psychoactive but not intoxicating. It has been shown to help anxiety and depression but doesn’t produce the high or euphoric effects associated with THC.
THC is both psychoactive and intoxicating. It’s responsible for the high or euphoric effects associated with cannabis.
CBD vs THC: Side Effects
CBD is generally well-tolerated. Temporary side effects of CBD may include:
- Appetite reduction
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
THC can cause temporary side effects, such as:
- Appetite increase
- Anxiety
- Coordination problems
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Dry or red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Heart rate increase
- Memory loss
- Slower reaction times
CBD vs THC: Legality in Massachusetts
Both CBD and THC are legal for adult use in Massachusetts.
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids containing less than 0.3% THC in most of the United States. Since Massachusetts legalized adult-use cannabis in 2016, the options for buying cannabis have exploded. With KindRun, you can even have cannabis delivered to your home for about the same price as a trip to the dispensary.
Learn more about How to Find Weed Near Me in Massachusetts.
CBD vs THC: Drug Tests
Failing a drug test can be a serious concern for CBD and THC consumers. Cannabis drug test results depend on how long ago you consumed cannabis, how much cannabis you consumed, and individual differences in how fast cannabis is cleared from your system.
Cannabis drug tests generally check for THC or THC metabolites. However, CBD products with less than 0.3% THC can still have enough trace THC to cause a failed drug test.
CBD vs THC: Ways to Consume
THC and CBD can be consumed as flower, vapes and carts, concentrates, edibles, beverages, topicals and tinctures. With KindRun, you can have them delivered straight to your home with no delivery fee.
Here are just a few of our products highlighted from the KindRun Shop.
Citral Glue Flower by Resinate crosses the modern classic Gorilla Glue #4 strain, known for its sticky resin and gassy profile with the musky, funky-smelling Citral Skunk. Testing as high as 30% THC, it has a profile dominant in the terpenes beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene.
Lamb’s Bread Sugar by Nature’s Heritage is a sugar concentrate of the classic wild Jamaican strain popularized by Bob Marley. This concentrated cannabis product with over 77% THC delivers an intense euphoric high.
Chill Edible Drops by 1906 are the ultimate mellow-out cocktail. With the perfect mix of THC and a high dose of CBD, chill drops are formulated with a thoughtful ratio of 5mg THC to 25mg of CBD, plus two stress-reducing plant medicines known for their relaxing properties.
Find more top-notch products like these on the KindRun Shop.
Delivery is a safer, easier, and affordable way to get cannabis straight to your home. KindRun is a social equity licensed, veteran-owned, women-led local Massachusetts company with local roots. Unlike the eCommerce giants and delivery services in other industries, we treat our employees like family — our drivers are full-time W-2 employees with good wages, dental and health benefits, and company cars. You can find out more about us by visiting our KindRun Education Page and Kindrun FAQs. Place your first order today and see why weed delivery can improve life.
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Before using any product, please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications.
