THC and CBD differences and characteristics

The Enecta products:

they are not medicines;
they are obtained from hemp varieties registered in the Common European Register and in compliance with the other requirements provided by law 242/2016;
they have been duly notified in the European Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).

Our blog articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended to qualify our products as medicines or to attribute therapeutic properties to them.

Indice dei contenuti

THC and CBD are two cannabinoids produced by Cannabis Sativa, both can interact with the human endocannabinoid system, but they have completely different effects.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

The main difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is that the former has no psychoactive effect while the latter does. CBD and THC have different molecular structures and behave differently towards the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the brain. The THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors, is characterized by a direct and powerful interaction with the endocannabinoid system, producing significant psychoactive effects and an intense pharmacological action. CBD instead mainly binds to CB2 receptors and exerts an indirect action on the endocannabinoid system, producing various beneficial effects without altering the state of consciousness in any way.

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

CBD Oil 3% - 10ml

physical support, general well-being

€12.95

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

CBD Oil 10%

Physical relief, moderate tensions

€31.95

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

Cannabis Oil Capsule: le Capsule di CBD - Enecta.it

Cannabis Oil Capsule: CBD Capsules

CBD Capsules 10% - Physical Support

€28.76 ~~€31.95~~ 10% off

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

CBD Oil 24%

Persistent discomfort, relief for intense physical discomforts

€71.95 ~~€79.95~~ 10% off

MENTAL WELL-BEING

Olio di CBD full spectrum 5% - 10ml - Enecta.it

Full spectrum CBD oil 5% - 10ml

Mental relaxation, relaxation

€21.95

MENTAL WELL-BEING

Olio di CBD full spectrum 15% - 10ml - Enecta.it

Full spectrum CBD oil 15% - 10ml

Mental rest, balance on the busiest days

€45.00

MENTAL WELL-BEING

Olio di CBD 30% full spectrum - 10ml - Enecta.it

CBD Oil 30% - 10ml

Mental fatigue, strong search for emotional balance

€84.95

Sleep

CBNight FORMULA Classic - 30 ml

Drops to help sleep and restore the natural sleep-wake cycle.

€22.46 ~~€24.95~~ 10% off

Sleep

CBNight FORMULA PLUS - 30 ml

Natural and powerful drops to promote deep and restorative sleep

€34.16 ~~€37.95~~ 10% off

IMMUNE DEFENSES

Integratore per le difese immunitarie - 60 caps - Enecta.it

Immune defense supplement - 60 caps

With vitamin B6, Vit C, natural extracts, and hemp

€22.46 ~~€24.95~~ 10% off

IMMUNE DEFENSES

Caramelle con vitamina C ed estratto di canapa - Enecta.it

Candies with vitamin C and hemp extract

To strengthen the immune defenses

€13.46 ~~€14.95~~ 10% off

MENTAL WELL-BEING

Caramelle con CBD Full Spectrum - Enecta.it

Full Spectrum CBD Candies

A natural support to promote balance and improve mood

€11.16 ~~€13.95~~ 20% off

THC and CBD: three main differences

Molecular structure: CBD and THC have the same chemical formula but have a slightly different molecular structure. This means that the atoms that make up CBD and THC are arranged differently. Some atoms that are arranged linearly in cannabidiol are arranged in a ring in THC. This subtle difference in structure determines the difference in the effects of the two cannabinoids

Mechanism of action: as we said, THC and CBD act on different receptors. These receptors are present within our endocannabinoid system, a system responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis, and in other neurotransmission systems. The cannabidiol mainly binds to CB2 receptors, present in the immune system, to serotonin receptors e to vanilloid receptors, involved in pain perception. THC, on the other hand, primarily binds to CB1 receptors, which are mainly found in the central nervous system and are involved in regulating motor activity, cognitive functions, and pain management

Effects: due to the different molecular structure and the different mechanism of action, the THC can bind more strongly to the receptors, thus managing to alter the psychic functions and to modify its balance. This does not happen with cannabidiol, which instead does not cause any mental alteration or any psychotropic effect, but it has numerous beneficial effects. THC can cause addiction, whereas cannabidiol does not, as also reported by the WHO, does not cause addiction. Sharing the same ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, both THC and CBD can perform numerous functions to support various disorders and conditions. It is no coincidence that both cannabinoids are used in medical cannabis therapies. Medical THC is used to relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis or treatments like chemotherapy. On the other hand, CBD can help manage anxiety and stress, soothe pain, and improve sleep quality without causing psychoactive effects. One studio suggests that CBD may help mitigate the effects of THC

THC and CBD: differences in side effects

THC can cause several significant side effects that should be taken into consideration.

Psychic effects: anxiety, paranoia, short-term memory alterations
Physical effects: tachycardia, dry mouth, dizziness
Cognitive effects: temporary reduction of attention and reflexes

The CBD, on the other hand, has a decidedly better safety profile. However, like any substance, it could cause some effects in case of high dosages. mild side effects, as:

Tiredness and drowsiness
Dry mouth
Occasional digestive disorders such as diarrhea or changes in intestinal motility
Interaction with drugs, in particular anticoagulants, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and immunosuppressants

THC and CBD: legal differences

The legislative landscape of cannabinoids varies greatly between different countries. In general, however, the legal status of THC and CBD is radically different. The THC is considered a narcotic substance in many countries, including Italy. Its production, sale, and consumption are illegal, except in medical contexts and only with a prescription.

The CBD instead is not considered a narcotic substance because, as declared by the WHO, it does not pose risks to public health and does not cause addiction. In Italy and Europe, it can be sold in the form of oil, capsules, or other products, provided it comes from certified hemp varieties with a THC content lower than the legal limits. To be sure to use a CBD quality oil we therefore always recommend verifying:

The origin from short and traceable supply chains
The possibility to view complete analysis certificates
Compliance with updated local regulations
The absence of contaminants, pesticides, and chemical additives

How much THC does the CBD contain?

CBD does not contain THC; in fact, if we limit ourselves to the cannabidiol molecule in its pure state, we will not observe any contamination with other cannabinoids such as THC. If we refer to products that contain the full hemp extract, it is possible to trace a very low percentage of THC, within the limits established by law, which in the European case never exceeds 0.3% THC. To be sure of the composition of the CBD extract you intend to purchase, it is important to rely only on companies that use certified hemp grown organically, just like the CBD extracts offered by Enecta.