Cannabis light contains over 80 different active ingredients. Among these, the largest and best known are THC and CBD. Distant relatives with very different characteristics and above all opposite effects. THC stands for a-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and is a cannabinoid belonging to the phytocannabinoid family. It is a psychotropic substance, which acts on the mind by altering its space-time perceptions. CBD, on the other hand, is a metabolite with multiple beneficial properties, which has no effect on the mind, is not addictive and has soothing and relaxing effects. In nature, cannabinoids are chemicals of natural origin, classified as terpenophenols. In other words, they are compounds with the ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors. The way these substances interact with it is different depending on their nature (see THC and CBD).

THC: what it is and how it works

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the two major active ingredients contained in cannabis. It belongs to the phytocannabinoid family and is a psychotropic substance. Despite having pain-relieving and anti-emetic properties, the main characteristic of THC always remains its ability to alter the psyche.

The substance was first isolated by Raphael Mechoulam, Yechiel Gaoni, and Habib Edery from the Weizmann Institute, Israel, in 1964. In pure form and at low temperatures it is a crystalline solid with a pinkish color. When heated it becomes glassy, ​​slightly viscous and sticky. It has a very low solubility in water, which improves in most organic solvents.

On the market, however, it is presented in an oily liquid solution of yellow / brown color. Several studies have shown that THC is able to interact with the endorphin system, through opioid receptors. From their interaction, “dopamine” is released, which causes the typical feeling of euphoria and relaxation. The effects of THC are:

1 euphoria

2 relaxation

3 altered space-time

3 perception auditory,

4 olfactory and visual alterations

5 anxiety

6 disorientation

7 fatigue

8 stimulation of appetite (the famous munchies)

THC is present in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Trichomes are a kind of tiny crystalline that completely cover the leaves of marijuana plants. In other words, it is an epidermal hair structure present in the cannabis plant. THC is particularly present in the live plant and even more so in resin extraction products (such as hashish). The THC content in hashish and marijuana decreases over time, especially if the buds containing it have not been properly stored. Heat and light accelerates its deterioration.

CBD: what it is and how it works

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is also a metabolite of the cannabis sativa plant, has no psychotropic effects and therefore does not act on the psyche. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not alter the mind and perception of the environment and the passage of time. Many beneficial properties have been recognized for CBD. Properties that, since ancient times, have been exploited for the well-being of the body. CBD works in the same way as THC, namely by binding to cannabinoid receptors which in turn interact with the endocannabinoid system. However, the way it works is different than with THC. In fact, cannabidiol guarantees homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain internal stability. And it is precisely on this characteristic that CBD intervenes. The effects of CBD are:

1 relaxing

2 anticonvulsants

3 antidistonics

4 antioxidants

5 anti-inflammatory

6 promotes sleep

7 it is soothing against anxiety and panic

8 is able to reduce intraocular pressure

9it is a promising atypical antipsychotic

It is also widely used in the cosmetics industry because it provides a powerful action as a regulator of sebum, it is used to fight acne and psoriasis, it is an excellent anti-aging product and improves the quality of skin, nails and hair.

THC and CBD: the main differences

Therefore, comparing THC and CBD, it is clear that they are not the same substance and above all they have decidedly different effects. While the former acts directly on the mind of those who take it, altering and obscuring it, the latter has only beneficial effects. Effects that, among other things, have been regularly proven by various studies and sector research. CBD, unlike THC, is not addictive, does not harm the body and is legal in Italy. When THC and CBD are found to act together, cannabidiol mitigates the psychotropic action of THC, while THC increases the beneficial action of CBD.