CBD or THC might seem like two sides of the same coin, but in reality, there are actually some pretty big differences. Medically, these two compounds can be thought of as more siblings than twins that complement each other. In this blog, eastside cannabis dispensary provides more on this topic.

CBD and THC: What’s the difference?

CBD and THC are two of the most commonly known cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that can have therapeutic effects on patients. These cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body to create these effects.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for keeping you balanced and healthy.

What are the different types of CBD?

There are three main sources from which CBD can be derived:

• hemp (which comes from cannabis plants), 
• marijuana (which comes from cannabis plants), and 
• isolates (which come from processing/purifying just one type of plant). 

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states and has been shown to produce similar results as those derived from marijuana or isolates; however, some people may prefer products made with hemp because they believe it’s more natural or healthier than other types of CBDs. 

Marijuana-derived CBDs are legal in some states but illegal in others; however, they can provide relief for many conditions that traditional pharmaceuticals do not address effectively enough on their own. 

Isolates are 100% pure cannabis. They are created by processing and purifying just one type of plant—so if you want to avoid the psychoactive effects that come with other forms of cannabis use (like smoking), isolates are a good option.

What is THC?

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component of cannabis. When a person uses THC, it binds to receptors in their brain called CB1 receptors. This causes them to feel high because it causes neurons to release dopamine; dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates reward systems in the brain and makes us feel good.

CBD vs. THC: The chemical structure

THC is the compound in cannabis that gets you high. CBD is another compound in marijuana, but it doesn’t get you high—it’s used to treat pain, anxiety, and other medical problems. While THC can be helpful for pain relief, CBD has been shown to be more effective for some kinds of pain.

How THC and CBD can offer pain relief

Both THC and CBD are used for treating pain and other conditions. It works by binding to receptors in your brain called CB1 receptors, which affect the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine that affect your mood and make you feel good. The “high” feeling from cannabis results from the release of dopamine in the brain after using it. While CBD does not bind directly to these receptors, it works by influencing them indirectly by inhibiting other chemicals from binding to them. 

How can CBD help with anxiety

CBD has been shown to have powerful anti-anxiety effects in humans, with results as good as those from medications like Xanax and Prozac. It works by interacting with serotonin receptors in your brain, which helps reduce stress hormones and lower blood pressure. 

Another way CBD can help with anxiety is by reducing your overall stress levels. Studies have shown that CBD helps block stress-induced inflammation, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia over time. It can also increase levels of anandamide in your body—a chemical that’s known for reducing stress and anxiety—by increasing serotonin levels in your brain.

Finally, CBD may be able to help people with PTSD manage their symptoms by reducing their fear response during traumatic situations. One study looked at how people who were given cannabidiol before being introduced to an object they associate with trauma reacted when they saw it again later on; those who took cannabidiol were less likely to show fear than those who didn’t take CBD beforehand!

Which is better for pain relief: CBD or THC?

If you’re looking for a way to manage your pain without getting high, then CBD is probably what you need. It’s non-psychoactive so it won’t give you a high feeling—but it can still reduce inflammation and pain in your body by interacting with receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates things like mood and appetite and manages inflammation in the body.

The Bottom Line

While CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, they have different effects on the body and mind. For example, CBD is known for its relaxing properties, while THC is known for its psychoactive properties (the high feeling). So if you’re looking for something that will help manage your chronic pain without getting high or feeling “high,” then CBD might be right for you!