CBD VS THC: Benefits, Effects & Key Differences Explained

Cannabis is getting into conversations often nowadays. As it’s getting legalized in many countries for medicinal and recreational purposes. People wonder, every extract from the cannabis plant is the same. Well, it’s not like that; cannabis contains different compounds that work differently. From those compounds, two compounds are mostly heard and used: CBD and THC. Ever wondered what makes these compounds different, after coming from the same family? Well, apart from differences, there can be some similarities too. So, keep reading this blog to see a detailed comparison of CBD vs THC and know the similarities and uses.

CBD vs THC Overview

What Is CBD?

CBD is the short form of Cannabidiol, a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound, which means it can’t make you go high. But it doesn’t mean that it can’t harm you. Using CBD products can also make you experience serious side effects. Also, in case of overdose, there is a chance of getting cannabis use disorder ( CUD ). There are still many studies going on to find out in what ways CBD can harm our bodies.

What Is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a toxic compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for making people go high. Being a toxic compound, it is still legal in many countries for medicinal and recreational purposes. Medically, it’s used to deal with anxiety, pain, and other health problems. But using it just for fun can have serious side effects. Also, in some cases, side effects can be life-threatening.

What Is The Difference Between CBD And THC?

After coming from the same family, both compounds differ in many factors. To understand the differences better, you can have a look at the CBD vs THC chart given below.

Factors	CBD	THC
High feeling	Not possible	Possible
legality	Mostly legal	Illegal
Appetite	No effect noticed	Increases appetite
Effect on the body	Indirect	Direct
Mainly used for	Anxiety and pain	Nausea and sleep

CBD vs THC Effects On The Brain

CBD and THC both act differently in the brain. Both interact with the endocannabinoid system, but differ in mechanism. Let’s have a look at both effects on the brain in detail.

CBD Effects On Brain

• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Helps in pain management
• Gives better sleep
• Improves memory
• Works for psychosis treatment
• Reduce epilepsy

THC Effects On Brain

• Cause anxiety
• Euphoria
• Slower reactions
• Cognitive impairment
• Mood swings

CBD vs THC Side Effects

Using CBD and THC more than your body’s capacity can lead to several side effects. Side effects can be similar for users, but can differ in frequency. Although it depends on body type, amount taken, and frequency of use. Let’s have a look at both side effects.

CBD Side Effects

• Increase in liver enzymes
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

THC Side Effects

• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Changes in perceptions
• Reduce IQ levels
• Sleep issues

CBD vs THC Addiction & Withdrawal

CBD and THC are both compounds of the same plant. However CBD has low or almost no risk of addiction. But THC has a high risk of addiction, as being the psychoactive compound responsible for the high feeling. Using THC medically can reduce the risk of addiction, but using it just for fun can make you addicted to it. If you are facing addiction or at the initial stage of addiction. Then consult a doctor and go for a weed or marijuana addiction treatment. To recover faster, you can add some rehab programs to your recovery process.

If there is addiction, there is withdrawal. Quitting THC consumption suddenly can make you feel serious withdrawal symptoms. Some of the common THC withdrawal symptoms are listed below.

• Decreased appetite
• Irritability 
• Headache
• THC craving
• Insomnia
• Stomach problems

Coming this far would make you wonder, how long does CBD and THC stay in your system? Well, THC duration in the body depends on several factors. As THC is a fat-soluble compound, it stays longer with people with a higher fat percentage. Like THC, the duration of CBD also depends on some factors, such as usage, amount, etc.

CBD And THC Similarities

Coming from the same family would obviously have some similarities. Below, there is detailed information on what factors both compounds are considered to be similar to each other.

• Medical benefit: Both are medically used for pain management and anxiety. 
• Way of consumption: Both are available in almost the same form, like edibles, liquid, and capsules.
• Origin: Both belong to the same cannabis family. 
• Chemical structure: Both have the same chemical structure. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Coming to the end, we know that while being from the same cannabis family, these two compounds are quite different from each other. THC is mostly used for fun and enjoyment, whereas CBD is mostly considered for medicinal and recreational use. But overdose with compounds can be harmful to your body. So, better to use these substances carefully.