THC Makes You High While CBD Doesn’t: Know Why

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, noted for their powerful medicinal properties. 

It should be noted that cannabis contains at least 120 other pharmacologically useful chemicals. These compounds are technically known as phytocannabinoids or cannabinoids. 

However, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the two most widely studied cannabinoids. THC and CBD also happen to be the most abundant cannabis chemicals, accounting for around 40% of the total extracts obtained from the plant. 

Like all cannabinoids, THC and CBD contain marijuana’s healing properties. The substances have been widely studied for their potential to treat or mitigate diseases whose primary symptoms include pain, irritability, inflammation, sleeplessness, nausea, and seizures. 

But as you shall find, there are core differences between cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol.

This post focuses on why THC is likely to make you high while CBD won’t.

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How to Consume THC and CBD

There are several ways to administer tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. 

Typical delivery methods include;

• Smoking dried cannabis extracts
• Sublingual administration of cannabis tinctures
• Topical application of cannabis-enriched beauty and cosmetic products
• Oral administration of cannabis-infused edibles
• Inhaling cannabis-based e-juices

Each of the above delivery methods will get CBD or THC into your bloodstream. However, there are significant differences in terms of onset time and the duration of effects. 

For instance, you’re likely to experience the effects of THC or CBD sooner if you smoke, vape, or administer cannabis products sublingually. 

Vaping has garnered considerable attention for being potentially safer and more beneficial than smoking in the recent past. That’s because vaping doesn’t involve combustion or smoke production. Therefore, a marijuana vaper is exposed to fewer toxins than a smoker. 

Note that most of the adverse effects of smoking are related to the smoke produced in the process and not necessarily the substances you smoke. Cigarette smoke has been established to contain hazardous chemicals, including carcinogenic substances like benzene and heavy metals. So, if you’re ever torn between smoking and vaping weed, it would be best to opt for the latter. The good news is that there are plenty of retail outlets where you can find out more about disposable delta-8 carts to get you started in your vaping journey. 

Another thing worth noting is that while smoking, vaping, or sublingual administration of THC and CBD have a relatively shorter onset time, these delivery methods produce short-lasting benefits. 

On the flip side, CBD and THC edibles may take longer to enter your bloodstream (sometimes up to three hours). But these products can stay in your system for up to three days.

Last but not least, topical products are meant to be applied to a localized area on the skin. For instance, you could apply THC or CBD creams on an inflamed ankle to help relieve the swelling.

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Why Does THC Make You High, Whereas CBD Doesn’t?

To understand why tetrahydrocannabinol produces psychedelic effects while cannabidiol does not, it would be best to start by familiarizing yourself with the mechanism by which phytocannabinoids generally interact with your system. 

Now, the human body (and the body of all mammals, for that matter) is made up of a complicated cell-regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The primary role of the endocannabinoid system is to help the body maintain functional balance. Its core functions include maintaining endocrine balance, transmitting pain signals from the affected areas to the brain, regulating our sleep-wake cycles, and enhancing the overall immunity. 

To perform effectively, the endocannabinoid system relies primarily on neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids and receptors known as endocannabinoid receptors. Examples of neurotransmitters include anandamide, serotonin, and dopamine. Typical endocannabinoid receptors have CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

Both tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol impact the endocannabinoid system in a near-similar manner. However, THC mainly binds to CB1 receptors, whereas CBD affects CB2 receptors. 

Now, CB1 receptors are more widespread around the brain and central nervous system (CNS). On the other hand, CB2 receptors generally occur in the body’s peripheral organs and tissues, such as the gut, hands, and feet. 

As tetrahydrocannabinol affects more widespread receptors around the brain, it’s understandable why consuming THC may produce mind-altering effects. And the fact that CBD impacts receptors located further from the brain explain why the compound is unlikely to get you high.

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Differentiating Between THC and CBD Products

Store-bought cannabis products are usually labeled. The labeling typically contains the specific cannabinoids in the development and the estimated potency of each compound. 

Marijuana goods labeled ‘isolates’ generally contain a specific cannabinoid. For instance, ‘THC isolates’ implies that the product is formulated with tetrahydrocannabinol as the only active cannabinoid. 

Besides isolates, we also have ‘broad-spectrum’ cannabis goods containing various cannabinoids except for THC and other psychoactive marijuana compounds. 

Lastly, there are ‘full-spectrum products. These are cannabis goods formulated with significant concentrations of CBD and THC and various cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are compounds that give cannabinoids their distinctive aromas. Common terpenes include linalool and limonene. 

In addition to reading the labels, you can also differentiate between tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol by examining the effects of a cannabis product. As already mentioned, THC produces strong mind-altering effects. Signs of THC intoxication include euphoria, hallucinations, bloodshot eyes, and reduced functional abilities. 

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Summary

Both cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol boast powerful therapeutic benefits. However, THC contains additional psychedelic properties, whereas CBD does not. 

But whichever product you prefer, remember to moderate your intake. Note that cannabis, in general, tends to be counterproductive if overdosed.