CommentsWELLNESS-Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs in the world and it is easy to see why.
Marijuana is 100% natural and can be used recreationally as well as medically to treat a variety of health conditions. However, in some states, like Texas, it’s legal only for medical use. Those who want to use marijuana to relieve their symptoms would need a Texas medical marijuana card. Many people have ditched harmful pharmaceuticals and are using marijuana to heal instead. You will find this substance in many forms such as oils, tinctures, edibles, and even cannabis-infused drinks that allow you to enjoy this plant substance responsibly. CBD has also become very popular in recent years and can also be consumed in a variety of ways including topicals and capsule form. The question many people want to know the answer to is: Do CBD and THC do the same things? What makes them different? If you’re interested in the answer to these questions, keep reading for more information.
How does THC work in the brain?
THC is the compound that is mainly responsible for the psychoactive effects which means that when consumed, you will experience mind-altering effects or “high”. Our bodies consist of two types of cannabinoid receptors and THC binds these which are mostly found in the brain. These receptors control mood, pain, and other feelings which is why you will feel a sense of euphoria when you consume THC. THC is great because you can enjoy the high that comes from consuming while also enjoying many medical benefits.
How does CBD work in the brain?
CBD does not induce any psychoactive effects however, it is popular for the many medical benefits that come as a result of CBD working with the other elements in our body that are linked to a feeling of overall well-being. CBD also halts the mechanisms in the brain that induce seizures and it does this by stimulating the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA. CBD also increases anandamide in our brains which decreases symptoms of psychosis. These are just a few of the many ways that CBD benefits us medically.
How to consume them?
The most common cannabis consumption methods that work for both THC and CBD include:
- Inhalation: This involves smoking a joint or vaping. Smoking causes combustion while vaping using a device like those offered by MagicVaporizers heats the herb causing vapor. Smoking is popular in social settings while many medical marijuana patients vape because it is healthier.
- Edibles: This is food and drinks containing cannabis and is consumed orally. When consumed, they get processed through the digestive system or liver which takes roughly 60 min- 2 hours with a maximum 12-hour duration. THC edibles are great for an intense high while CBD edibles are great for discreet and safe consumption.
Benefits of THC
THC is one of the main active ingredients found in the cannabis plant and is known for its psychoactive effects that gets produced when consumed. Besides the high, THC also has its own set of health benefits that nobody focuses on. Some of these benefits include:
- Pain relief.
- Nausea and vomiting relief.
- Aids sleep.
- Increases appetite.
- Enhances senses.
- Improves mood.
- Protects brain cells.
- Treatment for PTSD.
- Reduces anxiety.
There have been many studies conducted on animals that examine the effects of THC and it has been shown that consuming cannabis, especially in the form of edibles, can help relieve pain. You will even find a prescription medication that contains THC such as Dronabinol which is FDA approved and is used to treat nausea and increase appetite in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is the other main active ingredient found in the cannabis plant but unlike THC, it does induce any psychoactive effects. CBD is famously used as medical marijuana to treat a variety of medical conditions that range from chronic pain and inflammation to anxiety and depression as well as everything in between. There is huge public interest in medical marijuana and studies have revealed that this substance is effective in providing relief for bodily and neuropathic pain ranging from mild to severe. Research also reveals that CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a great treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. CBD is also used to treat more severe health conditions such as epilepsy. In fact, the FDA has approved a drug called Epidiolex which is a CBD oral solution that reduces seizures in people with epilepsy.
