CBD is in high demand at the moment. CBD alone is getting positive recognition for its abilities. THC doesn’t get the same amount of positive recognition but in the next couple of years I think that will soon change. But what actually is CBD and THC?

It can be easy to believe that CBD and THC are basically the same thing as they come from the same plant but they are actually very very different. They are built up the exact same. Both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. Practically the same but the difference lies under the microscope. There is one tiny difference between the structure of the two, which leads to CBD and THC having different effects on our body.

This is where it gets quite sciencey. We all have a endocannabinoid system in our body. Our endocannabinoid (ECS) help maintain homeostasis throughout our whole body. It works with all our major body systems and organs to make sure everything is working as it should be. Even animals have a ECS. The ECS has been found to play a role in many diseases. Scientists have observed the ECS during a number of diseases from neurodegenerative disorders to cancer and their results how changes in the endocannabinoid levels which lead for them to believe that the ECS might be an effective target for promoting good health or restoring balance. Scientists have also found that conditions which relate to hypersensitivity or pain such as IBS, fibromyalgia or migraines the ECS was dysfunctional.
Before cannabis was made illegal it had been used for thousands of years to treat arthritis, epilepsy, headaches, depression, pain and so on. Back then no one was sure about how the plant worked but it was obvious that it was working when people stopped suffering from depression, headaches, nausea etc. The discovery of the ECS allowed us to look further into how cannabinoids effect our body. Research has shown that small doses of natural cannabinoids help support the ECS and enhance its communication.

There are roughly around 85 known cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. The most well-known of those are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids (CBD/THC) act directly with our ECS and the ECS work with our body. The first two receptors discovered (first was discovered in 1988 and the second was discovered in 1993) were named CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found in parts of our brain related to mental and physiological process, such as memory or emotion. CB2 receptors are found throughout our central and immune system. So when cannabinoids react with our receptors it creates all these health benefits.

CBD and THC have different structures which plays a huge roll in how they react with CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD and THC are both able to bind to our CB2 receptors however only THC is able to bind to our CB1 receptors due to its molecular structure. When the THC forms a bond with CB1 receptors it sends signals to the brain which then can result in us ‘feeling high’. CBD on the other hand doesn’t bond directly with CB1 receptors and studies show that even the mere presence on CBD can tone down the effects of THC.

Both THC and CBD have amazing health benefits, but understandably THC isn’t for everyone. CBD on the other hand has many of the same benefits as THC and more without getting you high. CBD can come in forms of oil, cream, capsules, drops, powders and even gummy bears. Who doesn’t love gummy bears?

Sending my love to you all,

Emma xo