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.
miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images
The Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC are known ascannabinoids.
miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images
They have very similar chemical structures and activate the same receptors within the bodysendocannabinoid system.
Psychoactive vs. Nonpsychoactive
The most significant difference between these two compounds is that THC ispsychoactive.
This means it can affect how the brain works.
In contrast, CBD is not considered psychoactive.
It does not cause euphoria or a high, even at large doses.
Large-scale human trials are necessary to determine if CBD or THC can help treat most of these conditions.
What Is CBD?
It may help counteract some of the negative effects of THC, including serious side effects likepsychosis.
CBD has many purported therapeutic properties.
More research is undoubtedly necessary.
In 2018, the U.S. legalized CBD that contains less than 0.3% THC.
Accordingly, CBD and THC that come from a marijuana plant are also Schedule 1 controlled substances.
These are illegal in the U.S.
There are many gray areas, though.
If you travel between states, check the latest guidelines for the state youll visit.
To further complicate the picture, research shows that labels of cannabis products arent always accurate.
The side effects ofTHCcan be very serious.
THC has very negative impacts on the brains of children and adolescents.
It is possible that using THC could make it easier for someone to get hooked on a harder drug.
Summary
CBD and THC are the two main components of the cannabis plant.
They are similar in structure but have very different effects.
THC is responsible for the high associated with marijuana use, while CBD is not mind-altering.
Keep in mind, though, that this does not mean that CBD and THC are safe.
CBD may cause gastrointestinal side effects.
Theres very little data on its long-term use.
THC can cause serious effects on the central nervous system.
These include anxiety, cognitive impairment, and psychosis.
Lafaye G, Karila L, Blecha L, et al.Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.
2017;19(3):309-316. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.3/glafaye
Stella N.THC and CBD: similarities and differences between siblings.Neuron.
Insights into adolescent exposure.Int J Mol Sci.
2021;34(10):2169-2179. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00290
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Marinoldronabinol capsule[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Syndrosdronabinol solution[drug label].
2015;51:585-588. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.11.002
National Conference of State Legislatures.State medical cannabis laws.
2020;133(1523):96-103.
Published 2020 Oct 9.
2021;7(1):16.
Published 2021 Feb 25. doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00247-4
Wong KU, Baum CR.Acute cannabis toxicity.Pediatr Emerg Care.
2019;35(11):799-804. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001970
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cannabis frequently asked questions.
2015;2(3):233-238. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00117-5
