Search results
Feb 13, 2023 · Contrary to some common claims, a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that relatively high doses of cannabidiol (CBD) may increase the adverse effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in cannabis that can cause a mood alteration or a “high” sensation. The finding show that in edible ...
- Marisol Martinez
Dec 6, 2022 · CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule.
Apr 16, 2024 · CBD (cannabidiol) and THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two major compounds found in the cannabis plant. Each has unique properties, potential health benefits, and side effects. The following article covers CBD and THC, their effects, their legal status, and their safety considerations.
- Overview
- Chemical structure
- Where do they come from?
- Benefits
- Side effects
- CBD vs. THC
- Forms and ways to take
- Legality
- Can both cause a high?
CBD and THC are two of many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Although they have similar structures, they interact with different receptors. As such, only THC causes the high people associate with cannabis.
Cannabinoids refer to substances in the cannabis, or Cannabis sativa, plant. Besides cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), researchers have identified more than 100 other cannabinoids that can influence the human body. Potential uses of these cannabinoids can include treating the following:
•pain
•nausea
•cancer
•appetite loss and eating disorders
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD. Was this helpful?
Both CBD and THC are naturally present in cannabis plants. However, different species of these plants may contain varying levels of cannabinoids. For example, when a person takes a CBD dominant version of medical cannabis, they are using CBD from hemp, which is a specific variety of the Cannabis sativa plant.
The main difference between hemp and other cannabis plants is their amount of THC. The 2018 Farm Bill considers C. sativa plants with less than 0.3% THC as hemp. Other strains will typically contain more THC and less CBD. A 2016 analysis notes that the average potency of cannabis plants rose from roughly 4% in 1995 to 12% in 2014. From 2001–2014, the average CBD levels decreased from 0.28% to less than 0.15%.
CBD and THC have similar effects on treating medical conditions. However, there is some variation in the uses of each substance.
People typically use CBD to help treat the following:
•inflammatory bowel disease
•seizures
•depression
•inflammation
There are very few side effects with either CBD or THC.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is generally safe and does not appear to have abuse potential or the ability to cause harm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds that potential side effects are likely the result of interactions with other medications a person may be taking. It may also have some impact on the liver and male fertility.
A person consuming THC may experience some temporary side effects. These can include:
•dry mouth
•red eyes
•slower than average response times
The following table summarizes some differences between these two cannabinoids.
Both CBD and THC are naturally present in cannabis plants. Many people choose to smoke or vape cannabis, but this may not be possible for people with certain conditions. Instead, people can also purchase many different products that contain these cannabinoids.
CBD is available in a variety of forms. These include:
•oils
•gummies
•capsules
•tinctures
Many states in North America have approved of people having at least limited use of medical cannabis. Each state varies slightly on how they define and regulate the legal use, prescription, or sale of cannabis. There is no federal law allowing the legal use of medical cannabis. As a result, it is illegal to use or prescribe medical cannabis in any state that does not have a law allowing people to do so.
Several states have approved the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. As with medical cannabis, recreational usage is not legal federally.
A person should research the laws in their state before acquiring medical cannabis. If the state does not explicitly allow its use, a person could face legal issues for obtaining or using cannabis for medical or any other purpose.
Laws surrounding the use of medical and recreational cannabis are changing rapidly. A person who is considering using CBD or THC should check their local laws regularly as they may change or be changing.
Despite both being cannabinoids, CBD and THC interact with slightly different cannabinoid receptors in a person’s brain.
Evidence notes that THC can bind to the main cannabinoid receptors as it has a similar chemical structure to anandamide. This chemical belongs to a group of cannabinoids that the body naturally produces, known as endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. Due to this structural similarity, THC is able to interact with these receptors and cause the high people associate with using cannabis recreationally.
Aug 21, 2019 · Cannabidiol (CBD) oils are low tetrahydrocannabinol products derived from Cannabis sativa that have become very popular over the past few years. Patients report relief for a variety of conditions, particularly pain, without the intoxicating adverse effects of medical marijuana.
- Harrison J. VanDolah, Brent A. Bauer, Karen F. Mauck
- 2019
Jul 18, 2024 · The effects of THC can vary, but they often include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. It may potentially help with symptoms like pain, nausea, and insomnia, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using THC for any health condition.
People also ask
Does CBD increase the effects of THC in edible cannabis products?
How does CBD affect THC & THC?
What are the side effects of THC?
Feb 29, 2024 · CBD oil should not contain more than 0.3% THC, so it does not typically cause a feeling of euphoria—so many people assume it's safe, although it may not be, especially for specific populations. CBD has been studied for its use in seizures, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and more.
