Wikiweed

The differences between CBD and THC

The Cannabis plant is an angiosperm plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family and consists of several active ingredients, among which are the so-called cannabinoid substances namely THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is the psychoactive molecule, which causes feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and spatio-temporal perception in the user; and within the body, it binds to CB1 receptors, the stimulation of which is reflected in the euphoric effects of cannabinoids but also of their antiemetic, antioxidant, hypotensive, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and appetite-stimulating action.

In comparison, CBD, is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid and acts in the opposite way: it binds to CB2 receptors, which are found on T cells of the immune system and at the level of the central nervous system. Stimulation of CB2 receptors appears to be mainly responsible for the anti-inflammatory action.

In a nutshell, THC alters the mind, while CBD stimulates healing, enabling treatment of psychosis, anxiety, memory lapses, and disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. It does not produce psychotropic effects..