Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two primary cannabinoids that are derived naturally from the Cannabis sativa plant. Most people commonly know it simply as Cannabis.
Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, but scientists are constantly discovering new information and it is now confirmed that every human possesses an endocannabinoid system whose receptors interact with the cannabinoids as they enter our bodies.
Whilst THC and CBD do share some similarities, there are some major distinctions between them and there are different effects and reactions they produce when they enter our system.
The most dramatic difference is that the effects of CBD cannot be felt and will not intoxicate you as it is considered non psychoactive. Because of this trait, CBD is more frequently used in dietary and natural supplements
THC is the main psychoactive component and is the primary agent for creating the “high” feeling associated with recreational cannabis use. The effects are relaxation, reduced aggression, fatigue, hunger and altered sense of smell, sight and hearing.
There are so many different Cannibas products on the market now and it can become confusing when deciding on which product to buy. It is important to educate yourself on the key differences so that you can make an informed decision based on your needs.
Both CBD AND THC can be used medicinally and are beneficial in helping with:
- Acne ADHD
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Anxiety
- Bacterial Infections
- Broken Bones
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Dyskinesia
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Acne, eczema, and other skin rashes
- Lower blood pressure
- Mad Cow Disease
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Nausea
- Pain (neuropathic, chronic, cancer-related, etc.)
- Pain management
- Parkinson’s
- Psoriasis
- PTSD
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Schizophrenia
- Substance Abuse/Withdrawal
THC medicinal uses:
- Chronic pain
- Digestive health
- Anorexia (increases appetite)
- HIV/AIDS
- Inflammation
- Sleeping disorders for example Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Spinal injury: Lessen tremors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting (especially from chemotherapy)
- Neuropathic Pain
- Parkinson’s Disease (tremors)
- Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- Spinal injury: Lessen tremors
But as with all medicines it also comes with side effects to be aware of:
CBD SIDE EFFECTS:
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Extreme nausea
- Fatigue/ Lethargy
- Mood changes
- No dreams
- Red Eyes
- Vivid dreams
THC SIDE EFFECTS:
- Altered state of mind
- Anxiety
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Red eyes
The list of conditions CBD and THC may help with is ever-expanding as more and more research is done
Cannabis Oil is manufactured by extracting the CBD or THC from the Cannabis Sativa plant, together with the CBD or THC certain terpenes and flavonoids are extracted too- these terpenes and flavonoids provide health benefits in addiction to those listed above.
Although both products are derived from the same plant, CBD oil is extracted from a different species of the Cannabis Sativa plant and is referred to as ‘hemp’. Hemp differs from the marijuana plant because it typically contains less than 0.2-0.3% THC.
THC oil however is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa planet but the chemical components of the plant, as well as the terpenes and flavonoids differ from the hemp plant which is what gives these plants a much higher concentrate of THC.
Looking at the purpose of using both CBD and THC, this will distinguish what options are best for you and your needs.
THC oil is typically used for the treatment and side effects of series medical conditions, and in some countries it is used for recreational purposes. It is important to ascertain the legalities of THC in your country prior and should you be taking THC oil for medical purposes consult with a medical professional.
CBD oil is also used for medical and health reasons, however because it does not contain any psychoactive components it has become legal in many countries.
In conclusion, when deciding which is best for you, consider what the purpose of using either CBD or THC, as well as all the legislation regarding both in your residing country.