Yes, you have a system in your body to interact with cannabis!

Cannabis (Marijuana) v.s. Hemp Plants

Apart from psychoactive effects, there are also a few other differences between hemp and marijuana plants. Even though they are both from the Cannabis family, they look and grow different. Hemp leaves are thinner and are concentrated near the top of the stalk. The plant itself is very tall and slender, so thanks to this, it can be grown much closer together.

CBD doesn't have a psychoactive component, it appeals to a range of enthusiasts, including those who aren't trying to get high or who might have adverse reactions to THC. The World Health Organization reports that CBD has little to no negative side effects.

"A cannabis plant has over 100 components," says Perry Solomon, M.D., anesthesiologist, and chief medical officer of HelloMD. "The primary [components] that people talk about are the active cannabinoids in the plant, known as phytocannabinoids. The other cannabinoids are endocannabinoids, which exist in your body." Yes, you have a system in your body to interact with cannabis! "The phytocannabinoids you're used to hearing about are CBD and THC."

Another well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound is known for its psychoactive effects when consumed with cannabis, or marijuana.

THC produces what many consider a “high,” or an altered state characterized by euphoria, pleasure, or heightened sensory perception.

CBD doesn’t cause a high like THC.

Both CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. A slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the differing effects on your body.

Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.

The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, to name a few.