Cannabidiol Versus Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Comparison

You may come across the acronyms THC and CBD in cannabis-related discussions. What do those words refer to? Those represent two components of cannabis. All cannabis varieties contain both, but the percentages of each compound may vary by the specific strain you have. Take the two plants that are part of the Cannabaceae family, namely hemp and marijuana, for instance. While industrial hemp is high in cannabidiol, marijuana has more THC than CBD. Here, we will talk about the distinctions and similarities between these two chemical compounds.

Source

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol can be derived from cannabis plants. These are the two most active phytocannabinoids present in these plants. Besides THC and CBD, the herbs have many other phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and more components.

Chemical Structure

These two substances are not different when it comes to their structure. Both have the same number of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms. In the event of the molecules being made with the same kind of atoms and that too in identical numbers, then how would these have differing features? The atom arrangements in those molecules are somewhat different, which explains why these components behave differently.

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are chemically comparable to endogenous cannabinoids. That similarity enables the process of cannabinoids interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Mind-Altering Properties

There are big differences in the mind-related effects of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. Cannabidiol can affect the mind, but not in a way THC can. Different from THC, cannabidiol cannot make the user in a mentally high state. Some pieces of research suggest that CBD’s effects on the human mind could help to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and seizures.

Legality of Cannabidiol

Cannabis-related legislation is always evolving in the United States of America. As per the recent Farm Bill, cannabidiol goods made from industrial hemp would be considered legal if those products have 0.3% or less THC content. Marijuana-based CBD goods have more THC content as compared to what the Farm Bill permits.

The manufacturing, trade, and possession of the high THC products would be handled as per the marijuana legislation of your specific state. The approach that different US states have towards tetrahydrocannabinol and marijuana tends to be different from each other.

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are thought to have many different medicinal properties that are potentially useful in various situations.