Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat’s the Difference?What Is CBD?What Is THC?CBD vs. THC for AnxietyWhen to Avoid CBD or THCSide EffectsLaws and RegulationsAlternative TreatmentsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference?
What Is CBD?
What Is THC?
CBD vs. THC for Anxiety
When to Avoid CBD or THC
Side Effects
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approvedprescription drug treatments for anxiety. However, some people find the potential of a natural alternative an attractive option.
Some studies have shown that about 25% of people with mood or anxiety disorders have triedcannabis(also referred to asmarijuana) to treatsymptoms of anxiety.
Questions persist surrounding how the primary compounds in cannabis,CBD (cannabidiol)andTHC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol), differ from one another, as well as what role each plays in creating therapeutic effects related to anxiety relief.
This article will discuss the use of CBD vs. THC for anxiety relief.
Getty Images / Vanessa Nunes
CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
Cannabis, with CBD and THC as its primary compounds, comes from theCannabis sativaplant, whichcontains over 400 components.
CBD
CBD comes from bothhempand non-hemp plants and traditionally contain 0.0% to 0.3% THC.
CBD does not have a mind-altering effect.
It is a compound found in cannabis but does not cause the “high” that is commonly associated with using the drug.
THC
THC, a psychoactive compound, is believed to be responsible for producing the mind-altering effect of cannabis.
Notably, if someone consumes THC, they are consuming cannabis. There is no way to take THC as an individual compound.
What Is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
By itself, people use CBD to help with various conditions, such as:
You can buy CBD products (containing 0.3% THC or less) within the United States at different locations, including pharmacies and dispensaries (stores that sell cannabis).
However, state laws can differ, so it’s best to check your state laws for more information.
CBD In Prescription Drugs
CBD is also available in a prescription drug called Epidiolex (cannabidiol), which is an oral liquid medication that can be used to treat certain types ofseizures.
However, Epidiolex is not FDA-approved for any other conditions, such as insomnia or anxiety.
Administering CBD
CBD is available in multiple forms to suit individual preferences and conditions. For example, if you havemuscle pain, you may opt for a topical cream applied to one body part.
Examples of CBD products include:
What Is THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)?
Purchasing Cannabis
The best place to purchase cannabis is at a state-licensed dispensary. You may have heard the terms recreational (adult-use) cannabis and medical (or medicinal) cannabis.
While the products are the same and contain similar amounts of THC, the difference is in how they are sold, such as:
Administering THC
Notable ways people consume cannabis include:
Regarding their effects in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, studies show that CBD may reduce anxiety, while THC may help anxiety at low doses but not higher ones.
Clinical studies have found the following:
Dosing Guidelines for Anxiety
Check with a healthcare provider before trying CBD or THC to make sure they are safe for you.
When using CBD for anxiety, you usually start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose to 300–400 milligrams (mg) per day.
Different formulations have different dosing, so ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about dosing with your chosen product.
With THC, lower doses (7.5 mg or less) are more effective for anxiety, per past research.
However, the benefits may be temporary, and using cannabis regularly tends to increase the risk of tolerance to its effects, which could lead to cannabis dependence.
If you opt for THC, go to a state-licensed dispensary and consult the pharmacist (if there is one on staff) or a “budtender” (a dispensary staff member who can answer questions and offer suggestions) to learn more about the products and how to start with a very low dose.
Before you use either CBD or THC, check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you to use.
Inform your provider of your medical history and current and prior conditions, as well as all of the medications you take, including:
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to CBD, THC, or any cannabis product, you should avoid these products.
Use During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
You should not take CBD or THC if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The FDA strongly advises against using any CBD or THC if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Use in Younger and Older Populations
Children and teenagers should not use CBD or THC unless under the supervision and recommendation of a healthcare provider.
Older adults should also check with a healthcare provider before using CBD or THC.
Potential for Interaction
Using CBD or cannabis alongside the following may result in adverse effects:
Side Effects of CBD vs. THC
CBD and THC carry the potential for side effects of varying severity.
The following outlines potential side effects associated with CBD vs. THC.
Common Side Effects of CBD
Common side effects associated with the use of CBD include:
Common Side Effects of THC
Common side effects associated with the use of THC include:
Long-Term Side Effects of THC
Long-term side effects associated with the use of THC (marijuana) include:
Federal and State Guidelines: CBD vs. THC
As highlighted above, CBD is federally legal (legal throughout the United States) as long as it contains 0.3% or less THC.
However, foods and beverages that contain CBD are not technically considered legal on a federal scale. Every state has different laws surrounding CBD and THC.
For example, in some states, such as Connecticut, Colorado, and New Jersey, all cannabis products, including CBD and THC, are legal.
Other states have certain limitations.
Alternative Treatment Options for Anxiety
Beyond CBD or THC, if you are interested in treatment for anxiety, there are many options, including prescription medications, therapy, and non-medicinal measures such as:
You can also ask your healthcare provider for other recommendations on how to treat your anxiety symptoms.
Summary
CBD (cannabidiol) is derived from hemp or non-hemp plants and contains 0.3% THC (the mind-altering component of cannabis) or less.
CBD alone does not have a mind-altering effect, while THC is believed to be responsible for producing the mind-altering effect of cannabis.
THC is the component of cannabis that gives the “high” effect.
Both CBD and THC are used for a variety of conditions, such as sleep and anxiety.
Before using CBD or THC, you should consult your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to use.
Frequently Asked QuestionsUsing cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder (or marijuana use disorder), which can become addiction in severe cases. Up to 30% of people who use cannabis have some degree of cannabis use disorder.People who start using marijuana before 18 years old are much more likely to develop cannabis use disorder.People with cannabis use disorder have dependence, meaning that they feel withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis.This disorder becomes an addiction in individuals who cannot stop using cannabis, even though it interferes with their lives.Learn MoreMarijuana Abuse and Addiction: Signs and TreatmentUsing too much cannabis can cause more severe effects, such as significant confusion, anxiety, paranoia, fear or panic, a fast heart rate, hallucinations, delusions, high blood pressure, and nausea or vomiting. In some cases, injury could occur, such as a car crash, fall, or poisoning.Consuming food or beverages that contain cannabis increases the risk of poisoning.Synthetic cannabinoids—also referred to as synthetic cannabis, synthetic marijuana, spice, or K2—are manufactured chemicals that some people use as a cannabis alternative.As “fake weed,” synthetic cannabinoids should not be used because they can cause severe and toxic side effects, such as rapid heart rate, agitation, confusion, vomiting, and hallucinations, which may require emergency treatment and hospitalization.
Using cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder (or marijuana use disorder), which can become addiction in severe cases. Up to 30% of people who use cannabis have some degree of cannabis use disorder.People who start using marijuana before 18 years old are much more likely to develop cannabis use disorder.People with cannabis use disorder have dependence, meaning that they feel withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis.This disorder becomes an addiction in individuals who cannot stop using cannabis, even though it interferes with their lives.Learn MoreMarijuana Abuse and Addiction: Signs and Treatment
Using cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder (or marijuana use disorder), which can become addiction in severe cases. Up to 30% of people who use cannabis have some degree of cannabis use disorder.People who start using marijuana before 18 years old are much more likely to develop cannabis use disorder.People with cannabis use disorder have dependence, meaning that they feel withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis.This disorder becomes an addiction in individuals who cannot stop using cannabis, even though it interferes with their lives.
Using cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder (or marijuana use disorder), which can become addiction in severe cases. Up to 30% of people who use cannabis have some degree of cannabis use disorder.
People who start using marijuana before 18 years old are much more likely to develop cannabis use disorder.
People with cannabis use disorder have dependence, meaning that they feel withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis.
This disorder becomes an addiction in individuals who cannot stop using cannabis, even though it interferes with their lives.
Learn MoreMarijuana Abuse and Addiction: Signs and Treatment
Using too much cannabis can cause more severe effects, such as significant confusion, anxiety, paranoia, fear or panic, a fast heart rate, hallucinations, delusions, high blood pressure, and nausea or vomiting. In some cases, injury could occur, such as a car crash, fall, or poisoning.Consuming food or beverages that contain cannabis increases the risk of poisoning.
Using too much cannabis can cause more severe effects, such as significant confusion, anxiety, paranoia, fear or panic, a fast heart rate, hallucinations, delusions, high blood pressure, and nausea or vomiting. In some cases, injury could occur, such as a car crash, fall, or poisoning.
Consuming food or beverages that contain cannabis increases the risk of poisoning.
Synthetic cannabinoids—also referred to as synthetic cannabis, synthetic marijuana, spice, or K2—are manufactured chemicals that some people use as a cannabis alternative.As “fake weed,” synthetic cannabinoids should not be used because they can cause severe and toxic side effects, such as rapid heart rate, agitation, confusion, vomiting, and hallucinations, which may require emergency treatment and hospitalization.
Synthetic cannabinoids—also referred to as synthetic cannabis, synthetic marijuana, spice, or K2—are manufactured chemicals that some people use as a cannabis alternative.
As “fake weed,” synthetic cannabinoids should not be used because they can cause severe and toxic side effects, such as rapid heart rate, agitation, confusion, vomiting, and hallucinations, which may require emergency treatment and hospitalization.
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