CBD vs. THC: How do they differ and what are their effects?

Cannabis pavilion guide: What is CBD and THC?

CBD (cannabidiol) is the quiet and unassuming hero of the cannabis world, causing no psychoactive effects - simply put, it won't affect your perception. As a result, it has gained popularity as a safe substance with therapeutic potential.

At Cannabizoo, you'll find a wide range of CBD products, from oils and capsules to teas and sweets to help you slow down and relax. 🦥   

On the other side of the fence is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a substance with psychoactive effects associated with recreational marijuana use. THC causes changes in perception and can induce euphoria, which is the main difference from CBD.

While CBD products are legal in the EU as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.3%, THC itself is subject to strict regulation and is only available in exceptional cases, for example as prescription medical cannabis.

Cannabinoid enclosure: CBD vs. THC

CBD and THC are like two chicks from the same nest - they look similar, but each has its own unique character. Chemically, they have exactly the same "family tree": 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. The difference lies in how these atoms are arranged, which leads to their different properties and effects.

🦉 CBD is like an owl, calm and carefully guarding its balance, while THC resembles a temperamental parrot.🦜  However, both work with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates key body processes such as sleep, stress and pain.

 

CBD is like an owl, calm and carefully guarding its balance, while THC resembles a temperamental parrot

Relaxation zone: The effects of CBD

CBD is particularly popular among visitors to the cannabinoid zoo for its therapeutic effects, as evidenced by a growing body of scientific research.  

Although scientists are still researching what CBD can do, it already looks like it could be a great help for many ailments.

These are for example:

  • Stress, anxiety and depression
  • Pain relief
  • Suppression of inflammation
  • Skin problems (psoriasis, eczema)

 

 The sloth is experiencing the relaxing effects of CBD, in front of it is CBD oil

CBD is generally considered safe and most people tolerate it without problems. If side effects do occur, they tend to be rare and go away quickly - they may include fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea or a change in appetite.

Fast safari train: The effects of THC

THC has a strong binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, which produces psychoactive effects - a feeling of euphoria, relaxation and also increased appetite. Like any zoo animal, THC can cause a bit of chaos at times.

 

Zoo train with animals

⚠️Its most common side effects include:

  • dry mouth
  • redness of the eyes
  • memory loss
  • rapid heart rhythm
  • coordination problems
  • anxiety and paranoia

Some studies suggest that CBD can prevent THC from binding too tightly to the CB1 receptor in the brain, thus taming its wild psychoactive effects🐅 

Zoo dispensary: CBD vs. THC for Pain and Inflammation  

Due to their different actions, CBD and THC can play an important role in managing different types of pain and inflammation in the body.

Slowly but surely! 🐢CBD can potentially reduce inflammation and relieve pain, which is especially useful for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases.

In addition, thanks to its protective properties, it promotes sleep and helps the body to cope with the effects of degenerative diseases. For some forms of epilepsy, CBD has even become part of the official treatment in the form of the drug Epidiolex.

THC, on the other hand, finds application where pain is intense and difficult to manage.

In the form of medical cannabis, doctors prescribe it especially for:

  • chronic intractable pain
  • spasticity
  • nausea associated with chemotherapy or HIV treatment
  • Tourette's syndrome

💡 For example, in the Czech Republic, medicinal cannabis with a THC content above 1% has been legal since 2013.

 

A cute tiger sitting on a skateboard with an injury - CBD and THC can play a significant role in managing different types of pain and inflammation in the body

What about the combination of the two cannabinoids and the effect on pain?  It is reported that CBD can enhance THC's ability to relieve pain without "adding" to its psychoactive properties.  

This synergy is the basis of some CBD products. Both full-spectrum CBD oils and CBD flowers are like a zoo in one package - they contain a mixture of cannabinoids and terpenes that work as a team, including trace amounts of THC, which are strictly controlled by🐕  country legislation (up to 0.3% in the EU).  

Information booth: CBD vs. THC for anxiety

 In the emotion pavilion, CBD and THC behave a little differently, and when it comes to anxiety, it's good to know what to expect from them.

CBD is like a calm swan 🦢, quietly and gracefully helping to manage nervousness and relieve tension without disturbing the level of your inner lake. THC, on the other hand, is like a whale that occasionally stirs the sea with its powerful movement. 🐋  

THC can reduce anxiety in some individuals, but in others it can intensify it - especially at higher doses, when its effects can be too intense.

CBD, due to its calming properties, is often sought after by those looking for a gentle and natural alternative to traditional anti-anxiety medications that can have unpleasant side effects. 

So if you're wondering how to deal with anxiety, CBD is definitely one of the calmer inhabitants of our Cannabizoo that's worth getting to know better. 😊

Conclusion

CBD and THC are two key substances in cannabis that have different properties and uses. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic effects such as relieving stress, anxiety, inflammation and chronic pain. It is legal and commonly available in various forms, such as oils or flowers. THC, which is psychoactive, has stricter regulations and is only allowed as prescription medical cannabis in most EU countries.

 

Author: Pavla Skřivánková

 

 

Photo: AI

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