What is the difference between THC and CBD?

What is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is one of the best-known cannabinoids in cannabis. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the high of some cannabis products. In fact, tetrahydrocannabinol acts on specific receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This interaction causes a change in the release of neurotransmitters, leading to the characteristic physiological and psychological effects of THC.

What is CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a common cannabinoid in cannabis plants. CBD has become incredibly popular in recent years because of the health effects, which the compound brings about. Cannabidiol is extracted from hemp plants with low THC content, making CBD non-toxic. CBD-products mainly act on the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for physiological processes such as mood and pain sensation, among others.

The chemical structure of THC vs CBD

The chemical structure of these cannabinoids are basically the same: there are 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. However, CBD and THC have these atoms in different places. Among other things, this leads to the slightly different effects the compounds have on your body.

THC vs CBD: the effects

For anxiety, CBD is known for its anxiety-inhibiting properties. CBD offers calmness and tranquillity without affecting your cognitive functions. THC, with its high, can reduce anxiety, like the benzodiazepine class of research chemicals, but in some people the opposite is true: they actually experience more anxiety and paranoia after taking THC. THC and CBD also have an effect on your sleep. CBD tackles underlying problems that prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. THC promotes the feeling of sleepiness and shortens the time it takes you to fall asleep. However, frequent intake of THC can negate those effects, as it disrupts your REM sleep.

Difference in side effects?

CBD has few side effects, unless you use the drug along with other medications. This can result in liver damage. THC causes short-term side effects and long-term side effects. In the long term, THC can cause negative psychiatric effects, especially when people have taken THC frequently. These include conditions such as depression and chronic lethargy.

High or not?

One of the biggest differences between CBD and THC is that THC is a psychoactive substance. This means that THC causes a high, while CBD does not. For example, when you smoke a joint, THC causes you to feel stoned. CBD does have a calming and pain-relieving effect, but it does not put you into a stupor.

Difference between THC and CBD in medical applications

The applications of CBD and THC differ significantly. CBD has gained recognition as a potential therapeutic agent. It especially has beneficial effects on inflammation and therefore CBD can help people with anxiety, depression and conditions such as arthritis. THC mainly focuses on fighting pain symptoms. This is why THC is sometimes prescribed by doctors for chronic pains, MS and nerve pain.

Extracted from different plants

Not only is there a difference between THC and CBD in terms of effects, but there is also a difference in where the compounds come from. CBD and THC both come from cannabis, but different cannabis plants can be distinguished. CBD comes mainly from the hemp plant, as THC is low in it. By contrast, cannabis plants have a higher dose of THC in them and little CBD. THC products therefore come mainly from the cannabis plant.

CBD vs THC: legal or not?

THC is a psychoactive substance and is therefore not legal in the Netherlands. It is on List 1 of the Opium List. CBD is not psychoactive, so products containing CBD are legal. CBD products are labelled as food supplements and can therefore be bought anywhere. This does not apply to THC due to the illegality of the substance. However, THC can sometimes be prescribed by doctors as medicine. THC may then be legally dispensed on doctor's prescription and within certain pharmacies.

Can THC or CBD be detected in tests?

There are tests that are sensitive to CBD and can therefore detect this substance in your body. This is because both CBD and THC are stored in your body's fat reserves. So tests can detect CBD or THC up to weeks after first ingestion. However, not every test can detect CBD, but THC or similar substances can.