CBD and THC - What are the effects of the two main cannabinoids?
Medical cannabis (the use of cannabis for medical purposes) is an integral part of modern medicine in the most advanced countries of the world [1]. The therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant depend on its content of cannabinoids [2]. The most studied cannabinoids are THC (THC, tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (CBD, cannabidiol). These two cannabinoids have very different properties
1.Psychoactive effects of THC and cannabidiol
CBD and THC differ significantly in their effects on consciousness.
THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, the more THC in cannabis, the greater its psychoactive effect. Some cannabis strains contain > 35% THC. The main effects of THC are euphoria, changes in sensory perception, temporary impairment of short-term memory, anxiety (sometimes panic and psychosis) [3]. THC effects depend on the activation of CB1 receptors in the brain.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, the more CBD in cannabis, the less psychoactive it is. Not only does CBD have no psychoactive effects of its own, but it also reduces the psychoactive effects of THC [4]. CBD is legal and safe to use.
2.What are CBD and THC used for in medicine?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has proven efficacy in reducing epileptic seizures [5]. In addition, CBD is an antioxidant, neuroprotector, it reduces anxiety and has an anti-inflammatory effect [6]. CBD has a great potential in the treatment of a variety of conditions.
THC also has medicinal properties. Synthetic THC (dronabinol) is a drug for anorexia in HIV and nausea during chemotherapy [7]. THC also has a pronounced analgesic effect [8].
A mixture of equal parts of herbal THC and CBD is a registered drug against pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis [9].
3.Does CBD-oil contain THC?
CBD-oil, which is produced from cannabidiol isolate (pure CBD powder), does not contain other hemp compounds. In contrast, broad spectrum CBD-oil is a hemp extract that contains terpenes and other constituents of cannabis besides THC. Also, full spectrum CBD-oil may contain THC residues that are allowed in hemp (US, EU — 0.3% THC) [10].
4. Entourage effect
The entourage effect is the theory that the components of cannabis (cannabinoids, terpenes, etc.) work together and their use together leads to a better effect than each of them separately [11].
A recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology suggests that taking terpenes and phytocannabinoids together may be effective in reduction of pain, anxiety, inflammation, as well as convulsive attacks, while also having positive effects in the therapy of fungal infections and oncological diseases [12].
References:
1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medic...
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/resea...
4. https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog...
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/850...
6. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/s...
7. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drona...
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
9. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabiximols
10. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farmin...