CBD vs THC / The Yin & Yang

In field od medicine and cannabinoid research, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two primary compounds noted for their therapeutic properties and distinct effects on the human body. Similar to the concept of Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy, CBD and THC represent opposing yet complementary forces within cannabis, functioning in ways that can balance each other.

THC is known for its mind-altering psychoactive effects, inducing sensations of euphoria and relaxation. However, it can also cause side effects such as anxiety and paranoia in some individuals. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and is recognised for its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties, which can counteract some of the negative effects of THC.

The balance between CBD and THC in various cannabis strains can significantly influence the user experience and the therapeutic benefits that can be achieved. This balance is akin to the Yin and Yang principle, where the harmonious interaction of two opposing forces creates a state of equilibrium and well-being. While THC (Yang) provides stimulating and psychoactive effects, CBD (Yin) offers a calming and stabilising counterpart.

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MOLECULAR FORMULA AND STRUCTURE

Both CBD and THC have the same molecular formula, C21H30O2, meaning each molecule contains 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. Despite this, they are isomers, which means they have the same atoms arranged differently, resulting in different chemical properties and effects. CBD has a flexible structure with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a cyclohexene ring, contributing to its lack of psychoactive effects. Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote a sense of balance and well-being without causing intoxication. In contrast, THC has a rigid structure with an ether group (R-O-R') and a closed pyran ring, enabling it to bind directly with CB1 receptors in the brain.

INTERACTION WITH THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) includes endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG), cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2), and enzymes (FAAH, MAGL). THC, a partial agonist of CB1 receptors, binds directly to these receptors in the brain, mimicking anandamide and triggering pathways that affect neurotransmitter release, inflammation, and neuronal excitability. This interaction results in psychoactive effects such as euphoria and altered sensory perception.

In contrast, CBD has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors and acts indirectly. It modulates receptor activity by allosterically altering CB1, inhibiting FAAH to enhance anandamide levels, and interacting with non-cannabinoid receptors like 5-HT1A (serotonin), TRPV1 (pain and inflammation), and GPR55 (bone density, blood pressure). This indirect action of CBD avoids psychoactive effects while offering therapeutic benefits.

PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS

Despite their similar chemical structures, CBD and THC have distinct psychoactive effects. Being psychoactive means that a substance affects the mind, mood, or other mental processes. THC is psychoactive in a way that it produces a high or a sense of euphoria by binding directly with the CB1 receptors in the brain. This interaction leads to altered perception, mood changes, and cognitive effects.

In contrast, CBD is also psychoactive but in a different manner. It does not produce the high associated with THC. Instead, CBD modulates the effects of CB1 receptors indirectly and influences other receptors in the brain. This can lead to a calming effect, reduction in anxiety, and potential antipsychotic properties.

THE THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF CBD & THC

SIDE EFFECTS

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild to moderate side effects. The most reported side effects include a dry mouth, which can be managed by staying hydrated, and a temporary drop in blood pressure that can cause light-headedness or dizziness, typically transient and manageable by sitting or lying down until it passes. High doses of CBD can cause drowsiness or sedation, which is beneficial for those using CBD to manage insomnia or anxiety but potentially undesirable for others who need to stay alert. CBD can also affect appetite and weight, with some people reporting increased appetite and others experiencing reduced hunger. Diarrhoea is a less common side effect, usually associated with high doses of CBD. Additionally, CBD can interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolised by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, affecting the efficacy and metabolism of medications and necessitating dosage adjustments.

THC, known for its psychoactive properties, can lead to various side effects ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include anxiety and paranoia, especially in individuals new to THC or at high doses, which can result in panic attacks and heightened anxiety. THC also impairs short-term memory and cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate and remember information, an effect more pronounced in young people and worsening with chronic use. Additionally, THC can impair motor skills and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly when driving. THC can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate), which is concerning for those with heart conditions and often leads to dry mouth and red eyes due to vasodilation. High doses of THC can cause drowsiness and fatigue, which is beneficial for sleep disorders but undesirable for those needing to stay alert. It increases appetite, known as "the munchies," which can lead to overeating. Regular use of THC can result in tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

The entourage effect describes the synergistic interaction between various compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as terpenes and flavonoids also found in the cannabis plant. This synergy enhances the plant's therapeutic benefits, making combined compounds more effective than isolated ones. Combining THC and CBD has shown significant therapeutic benefits, often cited as evidence of the entourage effect. Sativex?, a medicinal product with roughly equal parts THC and CBD, exemplifies this effect. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Sativex? provides superior analgesic effects compared to THC-dominant extracts and placebos, likely due to the synergistic interaction between THC and CBD.

NEUROBIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON BRAIN FUNCTION

THC is known for inducing psychotic symptoms and altering brain function in regions linked to psychosis, while CBD may counteract these effects and show antipsychotic potential. Neuroimaging studies reveal that THC generally decreases activation in the striatum during tasks like attentional salience and verbal learning but increases it during response inhibition and fear processing, whereas CBD shows the opposite pattern. In the insula, THC typically reduces activation during various cognitive tasks, though it can increase it during fear processing, while CBD's effects vary by task. The anterior cingulate cortex shows mixed results, with THC both increasing and decreasing activation depending on the task, while CBD generally reduces activation. Functional connectivity studies indicate that THC reduces connectivity in the ventral striatum and increases it in the medial prefrontal cortex during attentional tasks, whereas CBD decreases connectivity in regions like the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala during emotional processing. These findings suggest that THC and CBD modulate brain function through different neurobiological mechanisms, highlighting the need for standardised methodologies in future research to fully understand their therapeutic potentials and implications for treating psychotic disorders.

LEGAL STATUS

The legal status of CBD and THC is complex and varies significantly across the globe. CBD is generally more accepted legally. In the U.S., the 2018 Farm Bill legalised hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC federally, although state regulations vary widely, with some states imposing additional restrictions. In Europe, CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are generally allowed, but regulations can differ between countries. Globally, many nations permit CBD for medicinal use, and a growing number are allowing recreational use. Conversely, THC is subject to stricter controls. Federally in the U.S., THC remains a controlled substance, but many states have legalised it for medical and/or recreational use, each with its own regulatory framework. In Europe, THC legality also varies, with some countries allowing it for medical use and others for recreational use under regulated conditions. Canada has legalised both medical and recreational cannabis, whereas countries like Australia and certain Mexican states allow medical use of THC. Legal jurisdictions often set limits on THC and CBD concentrations to balance therapeutic benefits and psychoactive effects. The evolving legal landscape necessitates staying informed about regional laws to ensure the compliant and safe use of these compounds.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects, as well as discussions on the scientific/pharmaceutical landscape in selected areas of interest to us. The information and other content provided here or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read here or in any linked materials.

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