21 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 30 hydrogen atoms. Both chemical compounds CBD and THC have the same chemical structure, but their arrangement determines the type of effect on our body. CBD is not considered a psychoactive drug, THC is quite the opposite. What are the differences in the structure of both compounds and what are the effects of consuming them?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants of the Cannabis family. The difference in their action that has been studied and observed is due to their different effects on our endocannabinoid system. The arrangement of atoms in THC causes it to significantly affect our CB1 receptor, which is located in our brain. The receptor becomes active, so we can notice side effects characteristic of THC consumption, such as increased heart rate, problems with coordination, red eyes, a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety, or hunger. In the case of CBD, it is exactly the opposite, it does not match CB1 receptors, so it does not affect their activity, and even inhibits the CB1-activating properties of cannabinoids (i.e. THC). CBD can help reduce the negative effects of THC, such as anxiety or temporary memory problems.
Cannabinoid compounds
CBD (Cannabidiol) – a chemical compound It is found in industrial hemp (cannabis sativa) and cannabis (indica). Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not considered a psychoactive drug, but it does reduce the intoxication induced by ingestion of THC.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – a chemical compound of organic origin, isomer of cannabidiol and considered the basic psychoactive substance that occurs in cannabis. It is virtually insoluble in water, but the process works better in organic solvents, such as fat or alcohol.
How is it with this psychoactivity?
As we have already mentioned in the endocannabinoid system, while CBD attaches to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it does so in an inaccurate manner, completely unlike THC, so it does not activate the receptors. It induces our endocannabinoid system to prepare its own cannabinoids and delays their breakdown, which means that they stay in the body for longer. These receptors are present throughout the body – most of them are in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in the immune system. It seems obvious that in this system most of the physiological and psychological functions are controlled from memory, through the sensation of pleasure or pain, appetite, the perception of anxiety or maintaining concentration.
CBD is a psychoactive substance because it affects our body. It causes, among other things, that our stress is reduced, but it is not a source of intoxication, because its chemical composition and the arrangement of atoms do not affect the activity of CB1 receptors, and thus do not evoke the feeling known from consuming THC.
Does CBD have health-promoting properties?
The positive effect of CBD chemicals on the human body has been observed since the 1940s and is constantly undergoing new medical research. Many health-promoting properties of cannabidiol have been discovered that are useful in the treatment of many diseases. The most famous diseases for which CBD can be helpful include:
– Drug-resistant epilepsy in adults
– PTSD
– Panic disorder
– Hypertension
– Obesity
– Dravet’s syndrome
These are just some of the diseases that can be treated with CBD. This is due to the fact that cannabidiol has certain features that cause pro-health activities, such as:
– Anticonvulsants
– Anti-cancer
– Anxiolytics and anti-depressants
– Antioxidant
– Antiemetic
– Accelerate your metabolism
– Anti-inflammatory
What form can you take CBD in?
CBD Oil
There are various forms of consuming CBD, but in Poland it is common to use several varieties, including CBD oil. It is a product with a different concentration of CBD inside, in the range between 3-20%, in liquid form. Its use is very simple, just pour a few drops of oil under your tongue, hold them there for a moment (about a minute), and then swallow. CBD oil produces effects that should appear after about twenty minutes.
CBD Pills
Using CBD capsules in various concentrations is even simpler than using the oil, but it is worth remembering that the capsules’ start-up time is longer than in the case of oil, because they have to dissolve in our digestive system. On the other hand, their ease of use and the form of capsules may be worth spending several minutes waiting for the effect of the oil.
CBD Ointment
The specifics of the type of CBD ointments and creams are used to relieve pain in a specific place and keep our skin healthy. The effect of the action comes slower than in the case of, for example, oil, and the application, however, is not as wide as in the case of other specifics, because it mainly concerns problems related to pain.
