CBD vs. THC: Similarities and differences

We review the basics of Cannabis

As a starting point, we are going to define some basic words and terms that you should know before continuing:

Cannabis glossary:

• Cannabinoids (can·nab·i·noids): Term used to refer to organic (naturally occurring) chemical substances that interact with our endocannabinoid system.
• Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Intercellular communication system connected to both the organs and the different systems of the human body. Its role is to maintain a balance in metabolic processes and optimize the body's functions by regulating the state of homeostasis and helping cells heal. It is commonly known as ECS for its acronym in English (Endocannabinoid system).
• Endocannabinoid Tone : Our Endocannabinoid Tone refers to the state in which our Endocannabinoid System is expressed, it could be thought of as the state in which our ECS is found. The ECS can be under-expressed or over-expressed. This lack of balance can be the reason for or part of the symptoms of certain diseases.
• Homeostasis: The ability to maintain a certain constancy in the composition and properties of an organism. The stability and balance of our mind and body.
• Phytocannabinoid (phyto can nab i noids) or exogenous cannabinoids: Cannabinoids produced by plants, especially those produced by the plant of Cannabis Sativa L.
• Endocannabinoids ( endo·can·nab·i·noides) or endogenous cannabinoids :
  Cannabinoids produced naturally by the human body or other vertebrate living beings, were discovered in 1990. Some of the best known endocannabinoids are Anandamide and 2-AG.
• Terpenes: Highly aromatic components produced by plants, rich in therapeutic properties and benefits.
• Flavonoids: Compounds found naturally in plants and flowers, responsible for their pigmentation, rich in properties and therapeutic benefits.
• Cannabinoid receptor: Receptors belonging to the ECS to which endocannabinoids/phytocannabinoids bind, interact or modulate. They can be found throughout our bodies and in all vertebrates.
• Cannabinoid enzymes: Enzymes that synthesize and break down cannabinoids

The magical world of cannabinoids (CBD, THC and much more)

The Cannabis Sativa L plant is full of different fascinating chemical compounds, terpenes, flavonoids and phytocannabinoids are some of its most valuable components. But it is the phytocannabinoids that make the plant's magic so special.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring lipids (fats). These fatty compounds can be found in plants (phytocannabinoids) as well as in our bodies (endocannabinoids).

Indeed, the cannabis plant creates substances similar to those our own body creates . It was precisely thanks to research into how phytocannabinoids influence our body that we discovered endocannabinoids [ 1 ]. That is why all the vocabulary on the subject is a bit confusing.

The Cannabis Sativa L plant contains over 100 phytocannabinoids. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most abundant phytocannabinoids within the plant and also the most studied to date.

These molecules work with our endocannabinoid system to help achieve homeostasis, a state of equilibrium and balance of the physiological functions of our body.

As renowned cannabis researcher Dr. Cristina Sánchez says: Cannabis is like “ an entire pharmacy in one plant .”

(IMAGE): Raphael Mechoulam , a plant chemist, known as the grandfather of Cannabis science, was the pioneer in synthesizing these molecules, as well as being one of those who saw the potential of Cannabis. Thanks, Raphael!

Differences and similarities

Where do they come from?

Simply put, both CBD and THC come from the same plant, Cannabis Sativa L. It is socially common to associate CBD with hemp and THC with marijuana , but these terms were created to differentiate the purpose of their use: hemp associated with textile or industrial use and marijuana with recreational or medicinal use.

It is true that, depending on the variety , the Cannabis plant may contain higher or lower concentrations of these cannabinoids due to natural evolution or genetic manipulation . But in the botanical world, there is only one species of Cannabis: Cannabis Sativa L.

First, we need to understand how the cannabis plant works and where these cannabinoids come from . The Cannabis plant has 4 main parts ; the leaves, the stem, the seeds and the flowers.

*EXPLANATORY COMMA*

Furthermore, we should mention that CBD and THC are not found as such in the plant, but rather their precursors, CBDA and THCA . These are acidic forms of these same cannabinoids ( raw cannabinoids ), these are cannabinoids that have not yet been decarboxylated* [ 2 ].

* To convert CBDA and THCA into CBD and THC we have to heat the material so that a chemical process known as decarboxylation occurs.

In the seeds, stems, and leaves we can only find traces of the CBD and THC precursors (CBDA and THCA), as the plant keeps most of its treasure in its flowers, socially known as buds. The flowers can be used to create extracts and tinctures through extraction processes or they can be used directly through combustion (i.e. smoked or vaped). [ 3 ]

(IMAGE): Heat map of cannabinoids.

In short, CBD and THC come from the flower of the cannabis plant.

Properties

It is important to understand the nuances of cannabinoid properties. It is extremely easy to demonize THC for its psychotropic effects; however, THC has broad therapeutic potential and shares many of the promising benefits of CBD . Cannabis is an extremely complex plant and we are learning more every day about how it works and how its different compounds work together. [ 4 ]

*TABLE OF BENEFITS*

	CBD (Cannabidiol)	THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Pro-inflammatory [ 5 ]	NO	YEAH
Anti-inflammatory [ 6 ]	YEAH	YEAH
Analgesic (Reduces pain)[ 6 ]	YEAH	YEAH
Anxiolytic [ 7 ] [ 8 ]	YEAH	NO
Antipsychotic [ 7 ] [ 8 ]	YEAH	NO
Panicolytic [ 9 ]	YEAH	YEAH
Psychotomimetic [ 10 ]	NO	YEAH
Psychoactive [ 11 ]	YES*Due to its anxiolytic effects	YEAH
Neuroprotective [ 12 ] [ 13 ]	YEAH	YES*Depending on the dose
Neurotoxic [ 14 ]	NO	YES*Depending on the dose
Antioxidant [ 13 ]	YEAH	YEAH
Antitumor [ 15 ]	YEAH	YEAH
Muscle Relaxant [ 16 ]	YEAH	YEAH
Anticonvulsant [ 17 ]	YEAH	NO
Appetite stimulant [ 18 ]	NO	YEAH
Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting [ 19 ]	YES (Little)	YEAH
Anti-craving	YES[ 20 ]	YES*Depending on the dose [ 21 ]

One of the main differences between CBD and THC is how they affect cognition and memory . Short-term memory outcomes are impaired in acute THC administrations and this could be a side effect for some.

However, a side effect for one person could also be a useful, therapeutic tool for another . In cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or similar traumatic events, THC's memory-altering effects are critical to recovery.

As stated in the Canna Foundation article ; “ The therapeutic window of THC (i.e. the range between the effective dose and the onset of adverse side effects) is not as wide as in CBD .” This is why CBD has been studied by the WHO and other regulatory commissions, who have seen a broader safety profile and greater tolerance at high doses .

Both CBD and THC are currently being studied to treat the following pathologies :

* PROJECT CBD , WHO , Canna Foundation

Overall, CBD and THC have more similarities than differences when it comes to benefits and properties. The important thing is to understand the different ways CBD and THC work with our bodies to help us optimize the use of these compounds.

Effects

First of all, it is important to understand that every individual is unique and their endocannabinoid system is unique as well . That is why each individual’s experience and how their body interacts with different cannabinoids will be different . It can be explained by our “ endocannabinoid tone ”, a concept used to describe the way our Endocannabinoid System expresses itself.

Cannabis experts such as Ethan Russo have studied how deficiencies in our endocannabinoid tone may be related to some pathologies* such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other treatment-resistant syndromes [ 22 ]. Phytocannabinoids may provide the opportunity to regulate and stimulate our endocannabinoid tone . [ 1 ][ 23 ]

* (Cannabis experts in a 2014 publication claimed that modulating our ECS could have therapeutic potential across all human diseases.)

How does CBD affect our body?

We still have a long way to go to understand how Cannabidiol works with our body. We know that it acts through the endocannabinoid system , as well as through other independent receptors . [ 24 ]

Compared to other phytocannabinoids, CBD has a low affinity for our two well-known receptors, CB 1 (found mainly centrally, in our brain and central nervous system, as well as in a variety of other organs, cells, and tissues) and CB 2 (considered a peripheral receptor, dispersed in different cells, mainly in immune cells)[ 3 ][ 6 ]. That is, CBD does not necessarily activate these receptors, but it facilitates certain processes.

However, the interaction of CBD with a variety of other cannabinoid receptors (TRPV and GPR55) and other receptors in our brain that deal with inflammation, pain or serotonin levels* , shows the variety of uses of this compound in preventive and symptomatic treatments, and especially so if we start to discuss the immunoregulatory effects of CBD . [ 25 ]

*neurotransmitter that controls our mood, appetite, sleep and gastrointestinal mobility.

CBD works by modulating our ECS, promoting the regulation of pain, inflammation, mood , helping our body reach a state of balance in physical and mental functions.

This is apparently due to CBD’s pivotal role in generating our endocannabinoid tone , due to its ability to increase the availability of anandamide *, the happiness molecule [ 25 ]. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid that deals with our brain’s motivation, reward, and pleasure functions, is crucial in the treatment of psychological disorders, including addiction. The latter has motivated studies on the potential effects of CBD in treating substance abuse and addictions such as nicotine or alcohol. [ 23 ]

Although the WHO has acknowledged that CBD is neither harmful nor addictive , there are still some potential adverse effects including; medical interactions, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches and migraines, dizziness, or loss of appetite. For more information on CBD side effects , check out our expert-reviewed article by Tommaso Bruscolini .

How THC affects our body

Like CBD, THC has also been studied for its ability to stimulate our endocannabinoid system . [ 26 ]

THC, unlike CBD, has a much higher affinity for our cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. THC's affinity for CB1 can be explained through its ability to alter memory, stimulate appetite , and affect motor coordination, while its affinity for CB2 receptors describes its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. [ 25 ]

Most commonly, THC's higher affinity for these receptors improves the effectiveness and enhances certain properties of this phytocannabinoid compared to CBD. However, patients may experience unwanted side effects . [ 26 ] Because of this, the combination of cannabinoids can be extremely promising in achieving a balance between their properties and side effects .

Side effects of THC vary depending on the dose and may include tachycardia, conjunctivitis, impaired memory and perception, drowsiness, sedation, dry mouth, headaches, fainting, and coordination disorders. [ 27 ]

Consumption

Both CBD and THC can be found in a variety of formats , with the most common forms being flower or oils . Vaping oils, edibles, capsules, and topicals are also available. These products have similar pros and cons for both cannabinoids.

To learn more about the different ways to use CBD , check out our article.

CBD and THC: They work better together.

CBD and THC can complement each other . However, this quality is not exclusive to CBD and THC, there are similar synergies between cannabinoids and other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. Cannabidiol can even help counteract the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC. [ 4 ]

Many studies are investigating the combination of THC and CBD , and their results are very promising. At the Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, scientists found that THC and CBD had stronger anti-tumor effects on brain and breast cancers together than they did separately. This same conclusion has also been reached in similar studies on neuropathic pain. [ 28 ]

At the moment, some pharmaceutical products have emerged with a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC such as Sativex, intended for patients with multiple sclerosis .

Legal Status

At the moment, no cannabinoid is regulated in ingestible, sublingual or inhaled form in Spain, neither therapeutically nor recreationally .

CBD is regulated for external use only (topical use). THC is not yet fully regulated and will have a longer road to regulatory progress within the European Union; however, aside from these regulations, there are programs in place to help patients access THC products, with medical support .

How to access cannabis products

Where to find CBD products?

You can find CBD products, for topical use, at health food stores, CBD shops and pharmacies, as well as in our online store . If you are looking for help with dosage and treatments, please consult with one of our experts .

Where to find THC products?

In Spain, patients can access medicinal cannabis products, including THC, by joining Smoking Maps' Medicinal Cannabis Program , which works with cannabis associations and physicians to assist patients in need of these products.

The future of cannabinoids

It is very tempting to prejudge and simplify the properties of Cannabis : this is good, that is bad, this works or this doesn't. Cannabis is a very complex plant with so much therapeutic value that it is necessary to understand the nuances .

It seems that a new era has begun, or rather, the end of the era of cannabis prohibition has begun . We will eagerly await the end of the days of demonization and myths about cannabis, while patients, experts and curious people can continue to investigate the beneficial properties of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids to better understand how this fascinating plant can help us.

Literature

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