Before diving into the chemistry of CBD, we must first learn what CBD really is. For many years, THC has been in the spotlight for causing medicinal as well as psychoactive “high” states of being. So, what does CBD do? Contrary to what you might think, CBD oil seemingly provides an array of medicinal benefits without the cost of having a psychoactive “high” as a result. Long story short, THC gets you high and CBD does not.
Although there a few minor differences between THC and CBD, CBD’s bond with the CB receptors in your body are significantly less compounded than THC. Although CBD’s bond and interaction with the CB receptors are weaker, it still causes an indirect effect scientist are still studying. New research is being conducted every day to better understand CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Today we are able to understand CBD in fact, seems to have a complete opposite effect on the CB-1 receptor than THC does!
The Difference Between CBD and THC
In terms of CBD, the structure is completely different from THC in its shape and distribution of charge. These differences, although seemingly small, can have a drastically different effect on the CB-1 receptor.
Let’s look at the perspective of the receptor itself. CB-1, a structure that has only recently been determined, belongs to a class of receptors/signaling proteins that are known as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The helices that permeate through the cellular membrane are very dynamic, and their movements are determined by the molecule that binds to it (THC or CBD), and they are extremely sensitive.
Despite the noticeable similarities between THC and CBD, the differences are distinct enough to have differential effects on these sensitive helices; moving in such a way to elicit opposing effects. Though these effects may seem minor, this type of receptor ends in large multiplicative signaling cascades inside the cells.
Furthermore, differences in how they affect our consciousness occur on a larger scale. This is why there are many different ways to consume CBD. Companies like Medix CBD offer CBD oils, edibles, and CBD pain creams. The medicinal uses of CBD are powerful because of the fact that they seemingly treat conditions such as psychosis, depression, appetite, sleep cycles, anxiety, and are beneficial in fighting off cancer cells.
