Two of the numerous cannabinoids found in hemp plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As a result of their interactions with cannabinoid receptors, CBD and THC can be used to treat or mitigate the symptoms of a number of medical disorders.
These extracts found in the cannabis (Cannabis sativa plant) are called cannabinoids. Beyond cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), researchers have found over a hundred additional cannabinoids that potentially affect the human body. Possible medical applications for cannabinoids include using them to treat:
- Pain \nausea \cancer
- Ailment caused by multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Glaucoma
- Conditions affected by Tourette’s
- Depression and eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Damage to the spinal cord
- PTSD, or Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Difficulty falling asleep
Both cannabidiol (CBD) contained in cbd oil or hemp oil and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact with the endocannabinoid system, although, unlike THC, CBD does not cause the “high” sensation that many people associate with cannabis. And CBD oil has been used consistently in the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety disorders, cancer treatment, post traumatic stress disorder, and other health benefits.
Here, we’ll go deeper into the distinctions between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol
Intoxication; A Major Difference
Even while CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, they work with slightly different cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
THC has a molecular structure comparable to anandamide, suggesting it can bind to the primary cannabinoid receptors. Endogenous cannabinoids, sometimes called endocannabinoids, are a class of cannabinoids that the human body makes spontaneously.
Because of their structural closeness, THC can bind to these receptors and produce the intoxicating effects associated with recreational cannabis use.
CBD, in contrast to THC, does not produce the intoxicating high. CBD’s interaction with receptors is not fully understood, but it is thought by experts to be distinct from THC’s. There is a possibility that CBD enhances the effects of other cannabinoids or binds to receptors that have not yet been identified.
Where they Originate
Cannabis plants contain both CBD and THC in their natural forms. However, the concentration of cannabinoids in various species of these plants may vary greatly. If you’re familiar with CBD through its use in the medical cannabis industry, you may know that it comes from hemp, a subset of the Cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp has a significantly lower THC content than other cannabis varieties. Plants of the Cannabis sativa species with less than 0.3% THC are defined as hemp. The ratio of THC to CBD in most other strains is the other way around.
Based on data collected between 1995 and 2016, we know that cannabis plant potency has increased from around 4% to 12%. The average CBD content dropped from 0.28% to less than 0.15% between 2001 and 2014.
Formulation
CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, but their pharmacological actions are very different. Both of these molecules have the same molecular makeup: 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen. However, CBD and THC can be distinguished from one another due to subtle differences in their atomic arrangement.
Benefits
Similar therapeutic effects can be achieved when using CBD or THC for the treatment of medical disorders. Some substances, however, have a wider range of applications than others.
The following are some of the most common conditions for which people take CBD:
- Conditions characterized by inflammation of the intestines
- Mental illness, psychosis
- Seizures \depression
- Migraine
- Inflammation
The medical benefits of THC may be utilized in the treatment of:
- spasticity of muscles due to glaucoma
- fatigue and lack of appetite
Both can be used to treat the following conditions:
- pain
- anxiety
- nausea
Legality
Some form of medical cannabis use has been legalized in several Australian states. Different states have slightly different policies on the definition and regulation of medical or recreational cannabis.
Unfortunately, the federal government has not yet passed a law sanctioning the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Therefore, it is against the law to consume or prescribe medicinal cannabis in a state where it is not permitted by law.
The recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in a number of states. The federal government has not yet sanctioned cannabis use for recreational purposes, as it has for medical purposes.
Before attempting to obtain medical CBD, a person should check the relevant state laws. A person may run afoul of the law if they attempt to purchase or use cannabis for medical or any other purposes in a state that does not officially permit it.
The laws around the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes are evolving quickly. People who are thinking about taking CBD or THC should keep tabs on their local laws because they are subject to change.
Side Effects
Both CBD and THC have little negative effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that cannabidiol (CBD) is nonaddictive and nontoxic. According to the FDA, drug interactions are likely to blame for any unwanted effects a patient experiences. Both the liver and male fertility could be affected.
Some people who use THC report feeling temporary discomfort afterward. Symptoms include
- lack of saliva
- redness in the eyes
- slower than usual reaction time.
- a pervasive sense of forgetfulness
- coordination problems
- Increased heart rate
It’s possible that getting high could have negative psychological impacts, especially for teenagers. Perhaps this is because the brain of a teenager is still maturing. Some studies have found that using THC on a regular basis, especially at high dosages, can raise the risk of developing schizophrenia in those who are genetically predisposed to the disorder.
There are no known severe adverse effects of CBD or THC use. When used properly, neither one poses a lethal risk. The risk of addiction appears low for occasional THC users, too.
Administration Form
Cannabis plants contain both CBD and THC in their natural forms. While smoking or vaping cannabis is a preferred method of consumption for many, it may not be safe for everyone. Alternatively, several different products are available for purchase that have these cannabinoids.
Several delivery methods exist for CBD. Among these are:
CBD oils \gummies \capsules
Tinctures
THC is also available in a variety of other forms, such as:
Products for Human Inhalation
chocolate oil brownies and other edible oils tinctures
Cannabidiol/ CBD Oil: Is it a legal substance?
Hemp is no longer considered illegal. Therefore, there are federally authorized CBD products derived from hemp that have less than 0.3% THC. Products having more than 0.3% THC in CBD nevertheless meet the federal legal definition of marijuana and are therefore unlawful. When traveling, it is especially important to examine local legislation. Keep in mind that the FDA has not yet approved CBD products available without a prescription, and that the labels on certain products may be misleading.
Summary
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC can both be found in cannabis. Despite their structural similarities and their potential medical applications, THC and CBD couldn’t be more different.
Before acquiring or using CBD or THC, individuals should research applicable regulations in their area. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are still prohibited under federal law but are authorized in some states for medical or recreational usage.
CBD oil has been used consistently in the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety disorders, cancer treatment, multiple sclerosis, post traumatic stress disorder, and for other health benefits. To know more about buying CBD oil in Australia and other hemp seed oil benefits, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.