CBD and THC – How they interact with the endocannabinoid system
You already know that both CBD and THC engage with the human body. In particular, they interact with the endocannabinoid system or ECS to maintain homeostasis or balance. The ECS is a network of several receptors and is vital to maintaining various functions. It contains receptors like CB1 and CB2 that bind with CBD and THC.
While CB1 receptors found in regions of the brain are responsible for maintaining memory, mood, emotions and motor coordination, CB2 receptors are scattered in different parts of the body including the immune and nervous system. When you consume or smoke cannabis, cannabinoids like THC bind with the receptors and you’ll notice health benefits whether it’s a reduction in pain or an increase in focus.
Going back to the chemical structure, remember that although they appear very similar there’s a microscopic difference. And, this is where you’ll notice the bigger difference. Due to a difference in the chemical structure, THC and CBD don’t bind with the receptors in a similar manner. Thus, the effects are drastically different.
First off, THC binds itself to the receptor CB1 pretty easily. This is usually described as a relation between a lock and a key where the key is designed to fit the lock perfectly. Now, as soon as THC binds itself, it creates and sends signals to the brain. In common terms, this is described as a cannabis user getting “high”. This psychoactive effect is nothing but the effect of THC binding itself with the receptor. At this point, the brain also releases spurts of dopamine that makes you happy.
If the amount of THC is too much, the receptors are switched off and the body begins the process of removing the excess. This is also why you experience paranoia or hallucinations when you’ve ingested too much THC. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but some people will not be able to adjust to the effects.
On the other hand, CBD doesn’t bind with receptors. It works effectively as a negative esoteric modulator where it binds with receptors in other locations and changes the structure. Thus, when CBD changes the physical structure of the CB1 receptors, THC is unable to bind with them effectively. In other words, the key no longer fits perfectly.
Due to this, CBD counters the negative effects of THC including dry eyes and dry mouth. The psychoactive effects are also reduced to an extent. THC and CBD offer several medicinal benefits but not everyone is comfortable with the psychoactive effects. Due to CBD’s nature, it allows you to gain the benefits without you feeling “high”.
For this very reason, you can use either CBD alone or use products that include both CBD and THC since CBD reduces the negative effects anyway.
. I definitely prefer high Cbd strains I find them relaxing without a heady high.
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