CBD vs. THC: Chemical structure

Both CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. A slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the differing impacts on your body.

Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s own endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors. The interaction impacts the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, sleep, to name a few.

CBD vs. THC: Psychoactive components

Despite their similar chemical structures, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive effects. In fact, CBD is a nonpsychoactive compound. That means it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with THC.

THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. It produces a high or sense of euphoria.

CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors. In fact, it can interfere with the binding of THC and dampen the psychoactive effects.

CBD vs. THC: Legality

According to Healthline.com, The issues of legality for both CBD and THC in the United States are evolving regularly. All forms of cannabis are illegal in states that haven’t legalized it. Marijuana and THC are on the list of controlled substances, so they’re prohibited under federal law.

However, many states including Washington, D.C., have passed cannabis-related laws making medical marijuana with high levels of THC legal. Marijuana may need to be prescribed by a licensed physician.

In addition, several states have made recreational use of marijuana and THC legal. It still remains illegal federally. The laws are changing; be familiar with the laws in your state.

In states where marijuana is legal for recreational or medical purposes, you should be able to buy CBD legally. In some states, legislatures have passed laws that make CBD for medical purposes legal. CBD does not need to be made from marijuana and is legal when made from hemp.

Before you try to buy either product, be aware of your state’s laws. If you possess cannabis-related products in a state where they’re illegal or don’t have a medical prescription in states where the products are legal for medical treatment, you could face legal penalties.

CBD vs. THC: Medical benefits

CBD and THC have many of the same medical benefits. They can provide relief from several of the same conditions. However, CBD doesn’t cause the euphoric effects that occur with THC. Some people may prefer to use CBD because of the lack of this side effect.

In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, the first prescription medication to contain CBD. It’s used to treat rare, difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy.

CBD is used to help with other various conditions, such as:

• seizures
• inflammation
• pain
• psychosis or mental disorders
• inflammatory bowel disease
• nausea
• migraines
• depression
• anxiety

THC is used to help with conditions such as:

• pain
• muscle spasticity
• glaucoma
• insomnia
• low appetite
• nausea
• anxiety

CBD vs. THC: Side effects

CBD is well tolerated, even in large doses. Research suggests any side effects that do occur with CBD use are likely the result of drug-to-drug interactions between CBD and other medications you may be taking.

THC causes temporary side effects, such as:

• increased heart rate
• coordination problems
• dry mouth
• red eyes
• slower reaction times
• memory loss

These side effects are part of the compound’s psychoactive properties.

Neither compound is fatal. However, high THC use may be connected to long-term negative psychiatric effects. This is especially true for adolescents who consume large amounts of THC; the effect on the brain is more profound for teens. Use of the compound increases the risk for some psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.