<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://weedzly.com/library/differences-between-indica-sativa-and-hybrid">Differences Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid</a></p>
<p>The talk about CBD and THC is becoming more and more popular. The cannabis plant is being used widely in numerous industries, from textiles and food to even <a href="https://weedzly.com/library/pharmacy-medicines-made-with-cannabis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medicine</a>. Now more than ever, people are curious about the main differences between CBD vs. THC.</p>
<p>Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, referred to as THC, are the two most popular cannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis plant. Both of these compounds have significant therapeutic benefits and can be consumed independently.</p>
<p><img title="https://res.cloudinary.com/timj111/image/upload/v1673917367/articles/bsnvpgb8v8vqaawkbrhp.jpg" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/timj111/image/upload/v1673917367/articles/bsnvpgb8v8vqaawkbrhp.jpg" alt="THC vs CBD" width="560" height="265" /></p>
<h2 id="0">The Structural Differences between CBD vs. THC</h2>
<p>CBD and THC both have an identical molecular structure. However, there is a slight difference in the way the atoms are arranged. This subtle difference is what accounts for the varying effects of CBD and THC on the body.</p>
<p>When consumed, <a href="https://weedzly.com/brands/cbd?fromSearch=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBD</a> and THC interact with the endocannabinoid receptors (part of the ECS) that release neurotransmitters in the brain. Thereby affecting how our body responds to pain, mood, sleep, appetite, and so much more!</p>
<h3 id="1">The Effects Provided by THC vs. CBD</h3>
<p>Our endocannabinoid system has two types of receptors, called the CB1 and the CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain, controlling our pleasure, stress, pain, and other feelings. CB2 receptors on the other hand, are denser in the immune and digestive systems.</p>
<p>THC is the psychoactive and intoxicating cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. The molecular structure of THC allows it to fit perfectly into the CB1 receptors, thus providing you with the notorious high, relaxation, and pleasant euphoria associated with marijuana.</p>
<p>Conversely, CBD is non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive. It doesn't bind to the endocannabinoid receptors the same way THC does. However, researchers believe that it binds to these receptors slightly less than THC, and it can work to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. Additionally, researchers suggest that CBD interacts with other elements in the body to provide therapeutic benefits.</p>
<p><img title="https://res.cloudinary.com/timj111/image/upload/v1673917401/articles/ov4v6uvus1fmfsyewuyl.jpg" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/timj111/image/upload/v1673917401/articles/ov4v6uvus1fmfsyewuyl.jpg" alt="CBD THC" width="750" height="375" /></p>
<h3 id="2">Therapeutic Benefits of CBD vs. THC</h3>
<p>The medicinal benefits of CBD and THC have been touted for ages now. CBD has been heralded as an all diseases cure, and anecdotal reports have presented THC with significant medicinal benefits as well. Rigorous clinical trials have backed this claims and proven that CBD can help with everything from mental disorders, anxiety, depression, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, seizures to migraines and nausea.</p>
<p>In fact, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication for severe forms of <a title="epilepsy" href="https://weedzly.com/library/medicinal-marijuana-used-for-epilepsy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">epilepsy</a>.</p>
<p>Research suggests that THC can help with:</p>
<ul>
<li>Loss of appetite</li>
<li>Nausea</li>
<li>Muscle spasticity</li>
<li>Nerve pain</li>
<li>Parkinson's disease</li>
<li>Glaucoma</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">The Side Effects of CBD vs. THC</h3>
<p>CBD is well tolerated by the body and has little to no side effects. Research shows that the potential side effects of CBD mainly occur when there is an interaction between CBD and other medications. These effects may include mouth dryness, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea and dizziness.</p>
<p>THC can provide undesirable side effects due to its intoxicating properties. However, none of these effects are fatal. THC side effects vary from mouth dryness, lack of coordination, red eyes, loss of memory and more.</p>
<h3 id="4">The Legality of CBD vs. THC</h3>
<p>The 2018 farm bill federally legalized hemp, allowing people to grow the plant and consume its derivatives. This means that any CBD derived from hemp is considered legal. However, the Drug Enforcement Act (DEA) still classifies CBD as a schedule 1 drug with an ability to be misused.</p>
<p>Comparably, marijuana and its derivatives remain federally illegal. This means that any THC or CBD extracted from Marijuana is considered illegal. However, many states have legalized the plant for recreational and medicinal use, and others are quickly following suit.</p>
<p>In states where marijuana is not recreationally legalized, you may not need a medical prescription to buy, own, and use THC. But in states where marijuana is illegal, possession and use of THC without a card is punishable by law. That said, it's vital to familiarize yourself with your state's laws!</p>
<p><img title="https://res.cloudinary.com/timj111/image/upload/v1673917436/articles/mk7nxxaw0gejzg8xoime.jpg" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/timj111/image/upload/v1673917436/articles/mk7nxxaw0gejzg8xoime.jpg" alt="THC vs CBD" width="548" height="309" /></p>
<h3 id="5">Drug Testing CBD vs. THC</h3>
<p>Since CBD is not an illegal controlled substance, drug tests rarely screen for it. However, just like THC, it is highly fat-soluble, and as a result remains in the body for many days. Additionally, some CBD-free products may be incorrectly labeled, while others may contain THC levels that can make you test positive for THC.</p>
<p>The standard drug tests screen for THC, and some highly sensitive tests can even detect traces of THC from weeks back. Therefore, if you're expecting a drug test, the best thing to do is abstain from CBD and THC products until after passing your test. We also have another article that covers <a title="how to get weed out of your system fast" href="https://weedzly.com/library/how-to-get-weed-out-of-your-system-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to get weed out of your system fast</a>.</p>
<h3 id="6">The Bottom Line</h3>
<p>CBD and THC are both naturally occurring cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. They both have significant therapeutic benefits and are generally safe for consumption. However, they interact with our bodies differently and may yield unwanted side effects when overused or abused. Patients under medication should talk to their physicians before consuming either CBD or THC.</p>