The Different Benefits of THC & CBD

As a physician-founded and patient-focused cannabis company, Vireo’s goal is not only to help patients, but also to help educate patients and others about medical cannabis and how it can help safely provide relief for many health conditions.

We recently launched the Vireo Video Series featuring tutorials and discussions with the many experienced healthcare professionals on our staff! These videos cover different cannabis applications, products, medical uses, and scientific details that will help patients of all experience levels!

Click here to watch any of the episodes on our YouTube Channel! 

For today’s edition, Vireo’s Director of Medical Education Sarah Overby, LPN, helps us better understand the difference between THC and CBD and how they work with the endocannabinoid system. 

Watch the video HERE or read the full transcript below!

Full Script:

Hello. My name is Sarah Overby. I’ve been a nurse for almost 20 years and have dedicated the past several years to studying cannabis as medicine. Today, I’m going to be talking about THC and CBD. Did you know that the cannabis plant contains over 500 distinct compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids?

Terpenes and flavonoids are found in a variety of plants and are responsible for aroma, color, and flavor. Cannabinoids, however, are unique and only found in cannabis. Two of the most well known plant derived cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol also known as THC and cannabidiol or CBD.

These phytocannabinoids have the same molecular structure but a slight difference in arrangement. They also are chemically similar to your body’s own endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG.Although both THC and CBD interact with the receptors within your endocannabinoid system, they each produce a different effect.

THC binds to the receptors and can produce an intoxicating effect at higher doses. THC has been known to help with several conditions such as pain and nausea. On the other hand, CBD is non-intoxicating and can interfere with the binding of THC, mitigating its effects. CBD is well known for helping control seizure activity among other conditions.

If you would like to learn more about THC and CBD, please click on the blog link below and visit www.vireohealth.com to learn more about medical cannabis products and services.