• CBD and THC are essentially chemical siblings - but their effect on our endocannabinoid system is different.
  • CBD has the ability to balance the psychoactive effect of THC
  • Both substances work independently, but the best effect is achieved by simultaneous action

THC acts psychoactively and induces "marijuana conditions", while CBD does not affect human psyche. But how is it possible that one cannabinoid acts so prominently on the psyche, while its chemical sibling seemingly not?

CBD is it not psychoactive?

Of course, the whole issue revolves around the so-called endocannabinoid system. Speaking of the psychoactive effects of cannabis, we are talking about activating CB1 cannabinoid receptors that are concentrated in the central ner regionsystem and brain. The main difference between CBD and THC lies in the way each of them acts on this CB1eceptor -THCit binds very well to it, while binding CBDCB1 receptors are very low. Thus, the effect of these two substances breaks down.

The THC molecule directly mimics a human neurotransmitter called anandamide, also known as the "lucky molecule". Animal experiments have shown that this molecule, like THC, activates CB1 receptors - which are responsible for our well-being and appetite.You can also achieve a natural leaching of this endocannabinoid with a sufficiently demanding exercise or during - read more in our previous articl"Cannabis and Sport or Runners Breathing".

THC a CBD stavy

Effects CBD

CBD does not fit nicely into the same receptors as THC. It is even categorized as antagonistaCB1 receptors. This means that CBD does not act directly on the CB1 receptor - whether as an activator or as a suppressor - rather it reduces the ability of cannabinoids such as THC to activate this receptor.

Whole withI can imagine it as such a tetris - the CB1 receptor has a place to fit the triangular shape - that is, THC molecule. If, instead of THC, the shape of the round - CBD - the remaining THC molecules fits into this triangular sector, it reflects on it because they simply do not fit there.

Co-founder of the projectat CBD Martin Lee describes the process as follows: "CBD opposes the THC molecule directlyin the CB1 receptor - this results in the attenuation of THC. "

The different effects of THC&CBD

So what are the differences between THC and CBDin real life?

For example, say you are vaporizing prescription cannabis flowers that contain 24% THC. If these flowers contain 0.2% CBD, THC will be almost 100% effective and will be able to activate CB1 receptors without being restricted by CBD. You will most likely feel extremely "high", with certain individuals experiencing an increase in paranoid feelings and thoughts.

However, if you vaporize the flowersprescription cannabis that has a 24% TH content 6% CBD, you will still feel the very strong psychoactive effect of THC, its negative effects like however, paranoia or a sense of tension should be subdued with the help of CBD.

The difference between the psychoactivity of THC and CBD has resulted in profound political implications. For example, the founders of the CBD Project describe how some lawmakers have mistakenly thrown out for this reasonTHC into the "bad molecule" drawer and CBD into the "good molecule" compartment. In many states, including ours, CBD has been legalized, while its psychoactive sibling THC remains illegally.

However, Raphael Mechoulam, one of the leading pioneers of medical cannabis science, often mentions the so-called cannabinoid chain effect, or entourage effect. The chain effect of Mechoulam means the ability of cannabinoids to act better together, ie in a complete, natural form, rather than in isolation.

However, the advancement of the marijuana-related therapeutic effects goes on every day, and as scientists understand all the mechanisms of action of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids and their interactions, we can expect a precise treatment for disorders such as multiple sclerosis , Alzheimer's , sickle cell , epilepsy and many other diseases.