THC vs. CBD: The Differences
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) is the most prominent compounds in the cannabis plant. These two compounds are nearly identical twins which can be differentiated by the arrangement of a single atom. How these compounds affect the body? A Cannabinoid is a compound that interacts with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) directly. In this system, two receptors were found as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in brain region and are responsible for memory, emotion, high cognition, and motor coordination. While CB2 receptors are found in Central Nervous and Immune systems. THC and CBD have different molecular structures so that they interact with CB1 and CB2 receptor in a different manner. This causes these two compounds to act in a different way. THC can directly bind to the CB1 receptor and creates a signal that has been sent to the brain, which gives you a high effect. While CBD cannot bind to CB1 receptor directly and it can also affect THC bond to the CB1 rece