Few things have gained as much popularity as CBD in recent years. From infused CBD beverages at coffee shops to CBD-infused massages being offered at spas, there’s no doubt this compound has made it to the mainstream. And though you’ll see CBD-infused items in many contexts, an easy place to get CBD is from a dispensary. Since we offer Ventura county cannabis delivery, which includes CBD products, let’s answer the big question here: What is CBD? How is it different from THC?

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound in hemp and cannabis 

The cannabis plant, including low-THC hemp, is filled with cannabinoids which cause various effects. Cannabinoids are chemical substances that interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body. 

THC is a cannabinoid. This chemical structure binds with receptors throughout our body to create intoxicating effects. Similarly, CBD is also a cannabinoid, but it does not act the same way as THC. Instead of binding directly with receptors, CBD interacts indirectly with cannabinoid receptors to influence their activity. 

Beyond THC and CBD, there are many other cannabinoids present in the plant. Most of these are not well-understood, though we do know there are potential therapeutic effects from the majority of other cannabinoids outside of THC and CBD. 

So what’s the big deal with CBD? It all comes down to the endocannabinoid system. 

CBD and the endocannabinoid system

Our bodies are already equipped with cannabinoid receptors that know exactly what to do when they encounter cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD. But how can our bodies have receptors specifically for processing cannabis compounds?  

The answer is because our bodies make our own cannabinoids already. Whether you use cannabis regularly or have never touched it at all, your body creates endocannabinoids, which also interact with these receptors. 

This system is called the endocannabinoid system. It is responsible for regulating a variety of processes, from sleep and energy to appetite and inflammation. Put simply, the endocannabinoid system is a series of receptors and cannabinoids that keep the body in balance. When working properly, the endocannabinoid helps the body maintain homeostasis, which is optimal and balanced functioning. 

The body is not a perfect unit, though. Sometimes functions get thrown out of whack. The endocannabinoid system is always working to regulate processes and prevent getting thrown out of whack, but it still happens. Depending on the function that is off-balance, you may experience inflammation, pain, high anxiety, or many other symptoms. 

How CBD may help restore balance in the endocannabinoid system

The reason CBD has so many potential uses is that it can restore balance in an entire system, which can mean different things depending on what your condition is. If you are experiencing inflammation, for example, CBD may help by targeting receptors in the endocannabinoid system that regulate inflammation to relieve pain.

Humans and animals have cannabinoid receptors throughout their body. There are two primary types: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain and spine whereas CB2 receptors are more common throughout the central nervous system. 

THC binds extremely well with CB1 receptors, which are abundant in the brain. This is why you feel intoxicating effects from it. CBD cannot bind with CB2 receptors and therefore cannot get users high on its own. 

Instead, CBD indirectly influences receptors in the endocannabinoid system. By influencing receptors, CBD has the potential to regulate a large variety of bodily processes and provide relief when the endocannabinoid system is out of balance. 

Final thoughts 

We hope we’ve cleared up some of the basic questions surrounding the big question, “What is CBD? How is it different from THC?”

The two compounds are similar but with key defining features. CBD is excellent at providing relief for a variety of conditions without intoxicating users. Still, many users opt for a balanced ratio of CBD and THC in their products for specific effects. 

Looking for CBD products for you or a loved one? Or maybe you are ready to stock up on a well-balanced THC/CBD product. Whatever you choose, be sure to order through Tree Factory for fast and efficient cannabis delivery in Ventura county.