Differences between CBD and THC?

Differences CBD and THC

CBD and THC are prominent members of a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, found both in the cannabis plant and in the human body. Humans have an endocannabinoid system that responds specifically to cannabinoids. This system includes nerve pathways with receptors sensitive to cannabinoids. When a cannabinoid from hemp, cannabis, or the body itself comes in contact with a receptor, it causes a particular reaction. The nature of this reaction depends on the type of receptor and its location.

There are currently 18 known endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors can have different targets, a phenomenon called divergence. Conversely, multiple cannabinoid receptors can target the same target, which is called convergence. Important targets of the endocannabinoid system are the mitochondria, the cell’s power plants, and the endoplasmic reticulum, the cell’s protein factory.

Endocannabinoid signaling

Endocannabinoid signaling provides information about a cell’s energy and redox status, indicating how much stress the cell is under. Energy status is determined by the ratio of ATP to ADP, the charged and uncharged forms of the universal energy carrier. Redox status is determined by the balance between oxidized and reduced elements in the cell. Oxidized elements can cause cell damage and even mutate DNA, hence the importance of antioxidants in our diet. Cannabinoids happen to be excellent antioxidants.

A cell’s response to different levels of ATP, ADP, and the balance between oxidized and reduced elements varies. At high ATP levels and low ADP levels, with a balanced redox status, the cell functions normally. Moderate stress leads to adaptations in the cell, while significant stress can lead to apoptosis, a suicide program of the cell. Under extreme stress, with no ATP and predominant oxidized elements, the cell cannot proceed to apoptosis and the immune system is called upon to remove the overloaded cell. The functioning of cannabinoid receptors and subsequent signaling pathways varies by situation or disease, but this broadly describes the functioning of the endocannabinoid system.

What does THC do in or to the brain?

THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, stimulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly localized in the brain, which explains why THC has psychoactive effects. These effects are the result of THC’s influence on various brain processes. CB1 is known for its role in attenuating neural activity, known as “Depolarization Induced Suppression of Excitation/Inhibition. This mechanism reduces the probability of a neuron being reactivated by the same neuron, allowing stronger nerve connections to become weaker and weaker connections to become stronger. This process can lead to effects such as forgetfulness, as well as increased creativity and associative abilities in cannabis users.

CB2 receptors are mainly located on immune cells and can have different functions, but are best known for their role in balancing the immune system and suppressing inflammatory responses. Both CB1 and CB2 belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, which regulate essential cellular processes such as cell division and metabolism. This ability of cannabinoids to influence these processes makes them therapeutically valuable.

THC subtly affects brain function, so it can have effects on anxiety, stress, pain, emotions, appetite, body temperature, exercise and more. These processes become more stable when THC is present in the body.

What does CBD do in or to the body?

CBD, on the other hand, activates the CB2 receptor found mainly outside the brain, such as in white blood cells, tonsils and the spleen. CBD affects the release of cytokines, proteins that regulate the immune system and inflammatory responses. Because CBD does not bind to CB2 receptors in the brain, it does not cause psychoactive effects such as getting “high. It also appears that CBD can counteract some of the unwanted effects of THC, although the exact mechanisms of this are not yet fully understood.

It has also been observed that CBD and THC can reinforce each other. For example, a 1:1 mixture of THC and CBD is particularly effective against chronic pain. Some people may benefit from a specific blend of these two cannabinoids. This synergistic interaction, where different cannabis components work together, is known as the entourage effect.