THC vs CBD: Chemical structure | Medical effects | Best strains | Side effects

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, but they are different in many ways. It is important to understand their differences so that you know what to look for next time you want to buy weed online or at your local dispensary.

 

THC vs CBD: Chemical structure

One of the easiest ways to differentiate the two is that CBD effects can’t be felt, while THC is defined by what it makes you feel. 

Both cannabinoids have the exact same molecular structure, but the atoms are slightly arranged differently, allowing different effects on your body, whether you take CBD or THC.

Differences between THC and CBD

THC vs. CBD: Medical effects

Although more and more researches are proving the effects of CBD on various conditions, CBD became most famous for treating a rare and debilitating form of pediatric epilepsy. 

The list below are the medical conditions where CBD is popularly used:

  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders
  • Pain and inflammation
  • PTSD
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Opioid withdrawal
  • Nausea
  • Migraine
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

CBD has no lethal dose or known serious side effects, besides it has no psychoactive effects that’s why you can find CBD oil under various forms. CBD oil is more and more used to ease pain for dogs, but you can also find skincare using CBD. The idea of using cannabis-derived compounds for pediatric conditions remains a touchy subject in a culture where cannabis has been stigmatized, but we can surely imagine that, as research on CBD grows, a consensus in the pediatric world will be found in the coming years.   

Although THC is best known for its mind-altering euphoria, it too has important medical benefits. It can be used to treat the following health conditions:

  • Pain
  • Muscle spasticity
  • Glaucoma
  • Insomnia
  • Low appetite
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety

It is easy to compare the two, but as you can see there is some overlap in what both cannabinoids can treat. Many patients find that a balance of CBD and THC offers the best symptom relief as the two work together synergistically – CBD can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC such as euphoria or sedation – that is why you will find lots of cannabis products combining both, whether they are cannabis edibles or cannabis topicals for example. Products combining both CBD and THC are particularly recommended for first-time users. 

 

THC vs. CBD: Best strains

In the table below, we listed for you the best CBD strains you can find right now, with high and stable CBD dosage.

Name Average CBD content (%) CBD:THC Ratio
Cannatonic12%2:1
Ringo’s Gift20.23%24:1
Cali Cure19.92%2:1
Desert Ruby17.48%2:1
OG Kush CBD10%2:1

High-THC strains are widely known among cannabis connoisseurs. All five of the high-THC strains listed in the table below contain more than 31 percent THC, making them the cream of the crop.

Name Average THC content (%)
Godfather OG34.04%
Super Glue32.14%
Chemdog32.12%
Strawberry Banana31.62%
Emperor Cookie Dough31.1%

THC vs. CBD: Side effects

CBD is well tolerated, even in large doses. Current research suggests that any side effects that might occur with CBD are likely the result of drug-to-drug interactions between CBD and other medications you may be taking. Like any other treatment or molecule, it is always recommended to start with a low dosage to see how your body reacts. CBD’s side effects may include:

  • Appetite changes
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhoea

THC, on the other hand, can cause temporary side effects, such as:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Coordination problems
  • Dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Slow reaction times
  • Memory loss
  • Anxiety