THC and CBD: the differences

Effects on the brain and human body

We have mentioned our endocannabinoid system (ECS); let's briefly return to the subject to fully understand what we are talking about.

It is a network of receptors and chemical substances found throughout our body. This system plays a super important role in the regulation of many functions, such as mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. It has a fundamental role in our body.

As we have just seen, CBD and THC interact differently with this system.

THC, by binding to CB1 receptors, affects cognitive and motor functions. It can alter time perception, memory, and coordination. If you have already consumed marijuana, these effects may not be unfamiliar to you.

Everything passes very quickly (or very slowly); you may feel like you are in a cocoon or on a cloud. We talk about a "high" effect. It sounds cool said like that, but we will see that this is not always the case…

CBD, for its part, will influence the effects of THC. For example, it will encourage THC to "detach" more quickly from the receptors, thus reducing the effects of THC.

Cannabidiol has been observed to act on moods and pain. Thus, it will help reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain without causing a "high." You feel the benefits of the plant without being "stoned."

In summary, CBD will modulate and influence our body without taking total control. An indirect interaction, unlike THC, which has a direct interaction. You've got it, that's the second difference: the effects!

If you have started reading this, it is probably because you have already heard about the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol, and you want to understand why CBD would be different from THC even though they both come from the cannabis plant.

I hope you have a clearer understanding of how these two cannabinoids work. We have mentioned the "high" effect of tetrahydrocannabinol; let's look at the other impacts of this substance on our body.

Psychoactive effects and potential risks

THC most often causes euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception of time and space. I imagine all marijuana smokers experience this, and above all, these are the expected effects. Note that these effects can vary depending on the dose and individual sensitivity. The effects are by no means guaranteed! There are others much less "glamorous."

Indeed, excessive consumption of THC can increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, and in some cases, schizophrenia. You may have heard of a "Bad Trip." Anxiety and paranoia are completely exacerbated. A more or less long moment when the person feels really, really bad!!!

Unfortunately, if the person consuming marijuana suffers from a mental illness (like schizophrenia, to name just one example), the symptoms of this illness are likely to be amplified. This is why it is important to control your use (and the dosage!).

Addiction, schizophrenia, and other health risks

Here we are! You should know that frequent and long-term use of THC can lead to psychological dependence (unlike CBD!).

According to a study on consumers published in 2020, approximately 9% of cannabis users become dependent. This figure increases with the frequency of use. Also, know that high THC consumption could increase the risk of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. This risk is amplified for people who are genetically predisposed to this disease.

Furthermore, THC can also affect brain development. Studies show that the use of cannabis with high THC content during adolescence can have lasting effects on memory, attention, and learning ability. The earlier THC is absorbed, the greater the health risks, not to mention the damage to the brain.

Finally, other noted effects are lack of motivation and psychological dependence. Not great for a substance that seems "cool" at first glance. I remind you here that these effects concern daily consumption over several months or even years.

Despite these dangers, more than 900,000 people* between 11 and 75 years old were still consuming marijuana in France 2 years ago. We agree that among all these people, the needs and expectations are not necessarily the same. Not everyone necessarily wants to "have fun" or get high. Why consume? What effects are expected?

Without getting into social or political debates (addiction to tobacco, accessibility, influence…), one can easily imagine what many people are looking for by smoking marijuana. Relaxation, and for some, even pain relief. Because, yes, cannabis offers interesting benefits from a well-being and therapeutic perspective.

Anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD

Hemp is widely studied for its anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Translation: its strong potential for pain relief and stress reduction is being studied.

Indeed, the few studies conducted on the subject show that CBD has a (positive, of course!) influence on the body and can reduce anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and social anxiety. How? Largely thanks to its interactions with serotonin (the famous happiness hormone).

CBD has also been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. It acts by modulating the activity of immune cells and reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines*. Not bad, right?

As proof, it is sometimes used as a treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson's, or MS (multiple sclerosis). As you can see, the effects of CBD are numerous, and its therapeutic potential is already being exploited.

Furthermore, CBD is also often praised for its benefits on sleep and pain; you now know why and how it works!

It is not a placebo, nor a passing fad, and if its use is becoming more widespread, it is because several researchers and doctors are closely interested in its beneficial properties. Let's look at this more closely.

Medical uses and CBD-based food supplements

Yes, the cannabis plant has, for several years, been gaining ground in the medical world. A well-known example is Epidiolex, a medication approved to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy in children (Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes or tuberous sclerosis). It has already proven its effectiveness and is prescribed by many doctors worldwide.

In a medical context, we speak of therapeutic cannabis. It should be known that experiments in the medical field are carried out with 3 types of cannabis flowers:

• flowers with dominant THC
• flowers with dominant CBD
• flowers with a balanced ratio

Thus, THC is not entirely uninteresting and has its uses in the plant. To explain the use of THC in therapeutic treatments, we will discuss the "entourage effect". Let me explain.

This effect suggests that the different compounds of the hemp plant interact with each other, stimulating each other to amplify the therapeutic benefits of each component of the plant.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Aristotle

Thus, THC would have a role to play and is not necessarily to be excluded. It is enough to find a relevant therapeutic balance.

In this spirit, the ANSM issues authorization for cannabis experiments in certain situations (neuropathic pain, cancer-related symptoms, MS...). Products used for important therapeutic treatments contain THC. THC and CBD combine and stimulate each other to offer the best of cannabis.

Beyond the therapeutic use mentioned, legal CBD (THC level <0.3%) is often recommended by healthcare professionals. Let's not forget that this substance is natural and can avoid many undesirable side effects of traditional treatments (especially for insomnia). Discuss it with your pharmacist, you'll see!

Different forms available

That being said, let's now see how to consume CBD. The simplest might be CBD capsules. These are encapsulated CBD oils available by order (and prescription) in pharmacies. The dosage is precise, and consumption is ultra simple: you swallow a capsule (for insomnia in the evening, for example).

Many other forms are used to ingest cannabidiol. You can find, in specialized shops in France or on dedicated websites, distillate for vaping, flowers of course, resin, and also food supplements such as gummies, infusions, drinks, oil... I even saw lollipops recently!

Among all available forms, CBD oil is the most popular. Simply because it is versatile. It can be used in topical care or sublingually. The uses are multiple: cosmetics, pain management, sleep improvement, sports recovery... With a single bottle, you can solve several problems!

It's my preferred form because I can optimize my purchase. With the same bottle, I have a sleep cure, a relaxing companion during stressful periods (like busy work periods, or back to school...). I also have a product to strengthen my hair (a month-long cure this winter, it was great!) and an oil for my evening facial care.

To conclude, I would say that CBD, a substance as natural as THC, does not cause addiction or health risks. It can be taken in various forms (vaporized flowers, oil, vaping, gummies...) and its consumption is also legal! It is therefore a product to favor for relaxation, pain management, and insomnia.

After reading this article, I hope you realize that with THC, one must be careful. THC is not just about smoking and getting high. Combined with CBD, it has real potential for health and well-being. The two are different but can also complement each other wonderfully, as long as one knows how to dose!

Thus, full-spectrum products (legal THC level, i.e., less than 0.3%) can appeal to insomniacs or people looking for natural solutions to relieve chronic pain.

The advantage of CBD is that even alone, it has real benefits for the body. If you are intolerant to THC or are subject to drug tests, you can still benefit from the plant's advantages with broad-spectrum products (THC-free).

Everyone can find a natural solution with hemp to improve their daily life and treat various ailments such as insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety without the risk of addiction or health hazards.