FREE SHIPPING FROM 30€

Difference Between CBD and THC

The difference between CBD and THC is essentially the effect each cannabinoid has on our body. But before we expand on this difference, let’s start by explaining what it means:

CANNABINOID

It is a term used to describe the substances, whether natural or artificial, that make up Cannabis and contribute to the release of neurotransmitters in our brain. The chemical composition of cannabinoids is similar to endocannabinoids (ECS), a substance that is produced by our own body, interacting in the same way as the substances found in the plant.
Of the most popular cannabinoids , there is CBD (short for Cannabidiol ) and THC (short for Tetrahydrocannabinol ), two of the 104 active substances found in the plant, being the most popular and talked about.
We have the good side, CBD , and the bad side, THC , which perform different functions and interactions in our body, influencing and interacting in different situations such as pain, appetite, mood, memory, sleep and even the immune response or the life cycles of cells. Let's compare the difference below:

PSYCHOACTIVE vs NON-PSYCHOACTIVE

One of the main differences between CBD and THC is their ability to cause euphoria, loss of reaction, loss of track of time, etc., after consumption. When we think of marijuana or cannabis , THC is the cannabinoid that comes to mind. It acts directly on the activation of cells of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (agonist), being responsible for the psychoactive effect on the brain and central nervous system.
Its short-term side effects are:

  • Memory problems;
  • Reduced/non-existent reaction time;
  • Vasodilation in the eyes;
  • Increased appetite;
  • Increased heart rate;
  • Coordination problems;
  • Dry mouth.

Despite its negative effects, it is impossible to fatally overdose on cannabinoids. However, frequent use can trigger long-term negative side effects such as schizophrenia.

CBD, on the other hand, acts on the CB2 cannabinoid receptor (antagonist), suppressing even the properties of THC on the CB1 receptors. This means that CBD does not leave the consumer without reaction and is not addictive, no matter how much is consumed. Its properties are beneficial with several therapeutic applications , which you can find in our article here .

Forms of Consumption

There are several forms of consumption, the supply of which on the market varies from country to country depending on the applicable legislation, mainly in the proportion of THC , which is more limited in some countries than others, and there are generally no limits on the proportion of CBD . In Switzerland, for example, the THC limit is 1%, while in the European Union, as a general rule, the limit is 0.2%.

The most common form of consumption is smoking, mainly to enhance the effects of CBD and THC . However, today they are available in several other formats, for therapeutic applications or simply for recreational use:

  • Oral ingestion
The most popular product, CBD oil , is the most commonly used for ingestion, as it allows for rapid absorption through the tongue and the dosage can be controlled through drops. It also comes in paste, crystals and capsules, and for recreational use, there are also other products, such as teas, beer or even cakes.
  • External use
The difference in external use is that the substances are activated locally, and are not fully absorbed into the bloodstream, unlike oral ingestion. In this format, there are ointments, creams, balms, shampoos, shower gels, soaps, body oils, lipsticks or bath salts, with their specific purposes, such as treating acne or moisturizing the lips, for example.
    • Vaporization
    Vaporization (or evaporation) is seen as the most relaxing way to ingest and the healthiest way to ingest, as it does not involve toxic substances that end up in our lungs, like smoking. Developments in this area have now led to a diverse range of CBD -based e-liquids suitable for any type of vaporizer, which, when ingested, are immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and remain in the body for between 2 and 4 hours.
    • Rectal ingestion
    Another more recent form of ingestion for very rapid action in the body is rectal ingestion through a CBD suppository, which can be inserted either rectally or vaginally. However, the applications through this method are more medicinal and therapeutic than recreational.

    The various products available in our store can be used on adults, children and even your pet . Check out our entire range and see in detail the applications each one can have.