Would you like to know what the differences are between CBD and THC and the many other active ingredients from the cannabis plant? Then you've come to the right place! Finding your way through the jungle of cannabinoids is not that easy. There are many different active ingredients and abbreviations, so it's easy to lose track.
So that you know exactly what to do in the future, what is hidden behind which abbreviationI have put together an overview of the most important cannabinoids for you. You will also find out what the various abbreviations mean, how these substances work and what distinguishes them from each other.
Definition: What does CBD, THC, CBG & Co. mean?
CBD, THC, CBG, CBC - the list of cannabinoids is long. More than 80 different variants have been discovered in the cannabis plant to date. They all have a specific effect on our body. Some cannabinoids are calming and antispasmodic, others are intoxicating. Still others are characterized by their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
In the following section I will give you the 6 most important cannabinoids and summarize their individual effects for you.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It is extracted from the female plant and processed into oils, liquids, capsules, ointments or even fruit gums.
The Effects of CBD are very diverse. It has Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. CBD also has a relaxing, antispasmodic and anxiety-relieving effect. In contrast to some other cannabinoids, however, it has no intoxicating effect. Therefore CBD in Germany is also legal and freely available.
Applications of CBD include the following:
- Pain therapy
- Anxiety and Sleep disorders
- Regeneration and performance enhancement
- Epilepsy
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
Like CBD, THC is found in the cannabis plant and is also a cannabinoid. THC is primarily known for its psychoactive effect, which is the well-known Triggers cannabis intoxication. Due to its intoxicating effect, THC is classified as a narcotic drug in Germany. This makes the Possession illegal.
An exception is the THC-containing medical cannabis, the prescribed by doctors for therapeutic purposes may be used. It is mainly used for Chronic pain, inflammation and mental illnesses (depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, etc.).
CBG (cannabigerol)
CBG is the first cannabinoid formed in the cannabis plant and is therefore the precursor of all other cannabinoids. When the cannabis plant grows, the cannabinoids THCa, CBDa and CBCa are formed from the existing CBG (or CBGa), which further develop into THC, CBD and CBC.
The larger the cannabis plant grows, the less CBG is contained in the flowers. During the harvest it is mostly only around 1% CBG. Due to today's breeding methods, which aim for a higher THC or CBD content, there is often even less CBG present.
CBDa (cannabidiolic acid)
CBDa is a CBD acid. The cannabis plant forms the well-known CBD from this acid. CBDa can therefore be regarded as a precursor of CBD. Not much research has been done into the mode of action of CBDa. However, it is assumed that it Anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties owns.
In most CBD products, CBDa is found alongside CBD and other variants as a mixture. CBDa can support the positive properties of CBD.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is also a cannabinoid and is extracted from the cannabis plant. In contrast to other cannabinoids, CBC is not yet particularly well researched. According to current research, however, it is assumed that CBC...
- is not psychoactive.
- has anti-inflammatory properties.
- is well tolerated.
- can enhance the effects of other cannabinoids.
CBN (cannabinol)
CBN is a cannabinoid that is currently very much in vogue. The great attention it has received is mainly due to its calming and relaxing effect thanks to the new technology. It is therefore used, among other things, in the Treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety and pain.
The special thing about CBN is that it is only present in very small amounts in young cannabis plants. It is only formed after some time, when the THC oxidizes in the plant. Therefore it is mainly obtained from late harvested plants.
What are the differences between cbd and thc - and the many other cannabinoids?
Now you know the most important cannabinoids. The only question that remains is what exactly makes them different. We will get to the bottom of this in the following chapter.
The difference between CBD and THC
The differences between CBD and THC have already been made very clear in the embedded infographic. Probably the most important difference is the intoxicating effect. While THC has a psychoactive effect, CBD does not. This is why CBD is legal and THC is illegal. From the positive properties of CBD so everyone can benefit - without a prescription and without intoxication.
The difference between CBD and CBG
CBD is formed from CBGa. However, it differs in its Concentration in the cannabis plant and also in its Chemical structure. CBG is of secondary importance for ingestion due to its low occurrence in the plant.
The difference between CBD and CBDa
According to research, CBDa has a Strong calming effect on the bodybut the classic CBD used more diverselybecome. CBD is also present in larger quantities in the plant than CBDa.
The difference between CBD and CBC
CBC is not yet as intensively researched as CBD. However, it is believed that CBC is the Enhance the effect of other cannabinoids particularly well can. CBD, on the other hand, has a high effect itself.
The difference between THC and CBN
Although CBN is produced from THC, it is but lacks the intoxicating effect. But CBN has pleasant calming and relaxing propertieswhich can be used in the treatment of sleep disorders, among other things.
The right cannabinoid for your complaints
Cannabinoids are very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. However, each cannabinoid has a slightly different effect on your body. Before you decide on a product, you should take a closer look at the cannabinoids it contains and consider whether they are suitable for your symptoms. If you are unsure which cannabinoid is best for you, you can also fall back on a product that contains different variants. So you can benefit even more from your preparation.
Stay healthy,
PS.: Can CBD also help against depression? You can find the answer in the linked article.
