Home Medical THC vs. CBD – What’s the Difference?

THC vs. CBD – What’s the Difference?

6450
0
Getty Images

When it comes to the chemicals in marijuana, it can be a bit confusing to figure out to say the least. The two best known chemicals in cannabis are THC and CBD and each of these chemicals have properties that are extremely beneficial to us on a medical level.

If you are one of the people struggling to figure out what the difference between THC and CBD, we’re here to clear things up for you.

One gets you High, the Other Does NOT

The biggest difference between the two chemicals is the fact that one will get you high and the other will not. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, without it, cannabis would have no psychoactive effects whatsoever. CBD on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and can actually counteract some of the effects of THC creating more balance.

THC is a Sleep Aid, CBD will keep you up

Probably the most common use of THC is as a sleep aid. One of the side effects of smoking, vaping or otherwise ingesting marijuana is induced slumber. CBD on the other hand, has been found to work the exact opposite and may boost your energy. This explains why some strains will give you an energized high and others will make you want to take a nap – it all comes down to the THC/CBD ratio.

CBD Provides Relief on a more Medical Level

Since one of the arguments that many have around the idea of marijuana as a medicine is the fact that it does get you high. For those people, CBD is really changing the way they look at the plant as a medicinal herb. CBD alone can provide much of the same relief as you would get from the THC/CBD combination, without the recreational high.

CBD is Legal – Sort of…

The FDA cleared a pharmaceutical form of CBD called Epidolex –this particular form of CBD is specifically to be tested for the use of treating epileptic children. CBD has been proven to generate a significant improvement in children suffering from severe epilepsy.

Another condition that is currently being investigated is schizophrenia – and it seems that CBD can make a large difference there as well due to its antipsychotic nature.

So the simple truth is, THC has many great benefits, it can help with sleep, nausea, pain, appetite and much more. CBD can also treat many of these things – and may be more effective in certain conditions – but it is preferred by doctors for its ability to treat a condition without the psychoactive effects.