Of over 100 hemp compounds, CBD and Delta 9 THC are by far the most popular. Yet despite this shared popularity, the two compounds can produce different results, which makes it important to understand the differences and similarities between CBD and Delta 9 THC.
Here at Proleve, we’ve taken the guesswork out of understanding the difference between CBD and Delta 9. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about CBD vs THC, discussing their similarities, differences, and therapeutic properties.
What Are CBD and Delta 9 THC?
CBD and THC are both phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant, or hemp, and both produce their effects by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD is the dominant compound in hemp plants, which, by definition, contain less than 0.3% THC. However, these trace amounts can still be utilized in legal, hemp-derived products to produce psychoactive effects, while CBD is definitively non-psychoactive.
Delta 9 THC is the same, psychoactive compound found in marijuana--another subspecies of cannabis sativa--and when properly concentrated in hemp products, it can produce many of the same recreational effects.
How CBD and THC Interact with the ECS
Because of structural differences at the chemical level, CBD and Delta 9 interact with the ECS in different ways--which is key to the differences in the effects they produce.
THC produces psychoactive effects due to its high affinity with CB1 receptors, which are located throughout the central nervous system, and control various psychological processes such as cognition, emotion, perception, and various other physiological processes. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind directly with CB1 receptors, which is why it does not produce psychoactive effects. Compared to THC, CBD has a much weaker affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Nonetheless, CBD still interacts with these receptors to produce its benefits for body and mind--and so does THC. This is why the therapeutic properties associated with these two compounds often overlap, with the exception of psychoactive effects, which are produced solely by Delta 9 and other hemp compounds such as Delta 8.
Therapeutic Properties of CBD vs. THC
CBD and Delta 9 are both associated with significant therapeutic properties. While CBD is used mainly for therapeutic purposes, Delta 9 can be used for both recreational and therapeutic purposes--making both types of hemp products a great fit for a variety of wellness goals.
Researchers suggest that Delta 9 THC could support wellness in the following ways:
Pain Management. Both CBD and THC offer pain relief, though THC may be especially helpful for certain types of pain such as neuropathy. Moreover, because THC produces immediate, psychoactive effects, the pain relief it provides may seem more immediate.
Improved Mood. THC may improve mood by stimulating dopamine production, which is why it is often used recreationally to produce feelings of euphoria and pleasure.
Appetite Stimulant & Nausea Relief. THC is known to stimulate appetite to a greater degree than CBD, and is widely used for its anti-nausea properties.
Muscle Relaxation. THC may relax the muscles and mitigate spasms.
Pain Relief. THC is believed to be especially helpful for neuropathic pain, and may provide more immediate pain relief than CBD due to its psychoactive effects.
Glaucoma. THC can relieve intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma.
CBD, meanwhile, is thought to offer the following types of support:
Anxiety, Depression, and Stress. CBD may trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as anandamide, serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, all of which are involved in mitigating conditions such as depression and anxiety. THC, on the other hand, can potentially exacerbate anxiety due to its psychoactive effects.
Sleep. CBD interacts with the physiological systems responsible for maintaining consistentsleep cycles, making it helpful not just for achieving sleep onset, but also for improving the quality and quantity of sleep we receive on a nightly basis. THC, on the other hand, can be helpful in facilitating sleep onset, but may interrupt sleep cycles by disturbing underlying circadian rhythms.
Enhances Immunity. CBD interacts with areas of the ECS involved in the regulation of the immune system, and can bolster immunity.
Reduces Inflammation. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, making it helpful for those suffering from GI issues, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Neuroprotective. Research suggests that CBD supports neurological health as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective. As a result, CBD may support neurological health, protecting and preserving the health of brain cells that otherwise become vulnerable as we age.
Pain Relief & Opioid Receptor Modulation. Like THC, CBD relieves pain in a variety of ways. However, some studies suggest that CBD may also mitigate pain--and even cravings--by acting upon opiate receptors.
How Proleve Can Help
No matter which compound sounds better for you, Proleve is here to help with a wide variety of CBD and Delta 9 THC product options. Our CBD Collection includes gummies, tinctures, topicals, powders, and pet products for daily wellness support. Meanwhile, our Delta 9 THC collection includes gummies, baked goods, syrups, drinks, and shots, with a variety of great-tasting options for recreational and therapeutic purposes. No matter which cannabinoid you choose, you can count on pure, potent, effective products from our American-grown hemp, cultivated with zero pesticides, and ISO-tested for compliancy and purity.
