Difference Between CBD and THC: Properties, Benefits, and Side Effects

October 10, 2022

Last Updated date: October 19, 2022

Marijuana is the next big thing in alternative medicine. Would you like to share its beneficial properties with your furry friend? You need to understand THC vs. CBD to make an informed purchase decision.

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Some swear by THC’s uplifting and relaxing properties. Others grow weed from CBD seeds to boost their daily functioning without getting high. Do these trends translate to animal use?

Both chemicals have unique values for people, but pets enjoy only one. Keep reading to learn about their applications, benefits, side effects, and usage.

Introducing Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains over 100 compounds called cannabinoids. They affect the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood, sleep, memory, pleasure, appetite, and pain responses. This interaction leads to the ‘high’ and various wellness-boosting properties of marijuana.

THC and CBD are the most abundant and influential of these numerous chemicals.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the dominant psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s responsible for intoxication and induces pain-free and relaxed moods in humans. Pets find it toxic, though. If your dog ate weed with THC, they’re unlikely to have a good time.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive and famous for its potential healing power. It may restore balance in the body and seems to relieve symptoms of pain and anxiety. It’s non-toxic for humans or animals.

CBD vs. THC: Effects

The main difference between CBD and marijuana with THC is in psychoactive effects. THC triggers the release of neurotransmitters that alter mood and perception. On the other hand, CBD affects the body and doesn’t significantly impact the mental state.

In humans, THC induces euphoria and sensory changes. Animals find its effects less enjoyable, experiencing disorientation and hypersalivation.

In a nutshell, THC is out of the picture regarding marijuana products for furry friends. What about its non-psychoactive counterpart?

CBD doesn’t cause a high for people or pets. It might relieve anxiety, reduce pain, and leave both groups more light and limber.

Besides using CBD for your companions’ general well-being, you may choose it to manage specific health concerns.

CBD vs. THC: Health Benefits

CBD is the superstar of medicinal marijuana, broadly researched for its potential physical and mental health benefits. According to existing evidence, it might assist against:

Epilepsy
Anxiety
Inflammation
Depression
Arthritis

While the compound isn’t a cure for these conditions, it appears to greatly aid symptom management. There are reports of many additional uses, like CBD for canine lymphoma and eczema.

The chemical might also temporarily correct behavioral issues. Looking at CBD vs. THC for anxiety, the former seems to relieve the physical manifestations of tension in nervous pups.

During the last half-century, the general public saw THC only as a psychoactive substance. The tide has recently shifted, and scientists discovered a medical value in this compound. It might soothe the following conditions:

Chronic pain
Glaucoma
Appetite issues
Muscle spasticity

Unfortunately, these benefits only apply to humans.

CBD vs. THC: Side Effects

What is the difference between THC and CBD regarding the side effects?

CBD is generally well-tolerated, and adverse reactions are few and far between. They may include slight cases of fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, and weight loss. Cats and dogs may also experience a temporary drop in blood pressure that leaves them sleepy.

Careful and gradual dosing minimizes the negative impact of CBD. Start your pet on a light regime and give them time to get used to it. Track their reactions and cease supplying the cannabinoid if unwanted effects persist for over a week.

THC is harmful to animals. Pets who consume it suffer a lack of balance, pupil dilation, slow heart rate, incontinence, and low blood temperature. Vomiting and tremors might last for several hours until the chemical leaves their system.

CBD vs. THC: Products

Does cannabidiol have THC and vice versa? It depends on your location and product selection. For example, if buying weed seeds in Alabama, you can only get under 0.3% THC. California and Colorado leave the cannabinoid makeup to your discretion.

If living in a state with legal THC, dispensaries usually use the following classification for CBD products:

Isolates consisting of only purified CBD molecules
Broad-spectrum oils containing minor cannabinoids but no THC
Full-spectrum oils mimicking the plant’s complete chemical makeup, including THC

The former two categories are appropriate for pets. Labels to look out for include:

THC-free, meaning the product is as purified from THC as possible
Veterinarian-formulated, suggesting consideration of animal health
Certificate of analysis, guaranteeing no unexpected chemicals

Once you determine the perfect chemical profile, consider the delivery method. Pet CBD comes in various convenient forms, like extracts, edibles, and balms.

Extracts include oils and tinctures, arriving in a dropper bottle. You administer them through food or directly to your pet’s mouth. Edible biscuits are fantastic treats, while balms and topicals offer localized relief from pains and aches.

THC or CBD?

Humans may benefit from either cannabinoid, but the THC vs. CBD distinction is straightforward for pets. So, steer clear of THC and use CBD to keep your companion happy, healthy, and safe with natural assistance.

All that’s left is to find the ideal product and test its reported benefits in practice. You might also consider buying seeds to produce CBD at home and ensure absolute purity.