The two molecules have a very similar structure, and the same formula, C21H30O2
People use cannabis/hemp plants to benefit from the effects of THC or CBD. The leaves and flowers produce THC and/or CBD or both together. The two molecules have a very similar structure, and have the same formula, C21H30O2. Cannabis sativa commonly produces mostly THC with lesser amounts of CBD. Hemp commonly produces CBD with a trace of THC. Hemp is actually a variety of cannabis, but is classified as hemp if the THC is less than 0.3%. More than 30 other cannabinoids may be present, but they are usually only present in trace amounts (<1%).
The plant makes both THC and CBD in their acid form, meaning a CO2 is stuck on the molecule. Thus, THC comes from THCA and CBD comes from CBDA. When THCA or CBDA are heated, as from smoking, the CO2 is driven off yielding THC or CBD.
Researchers believe that Humans have use Cannabis for nausea and other conditions for more than 5000 years.1 In the late 1970s, doctors noted patient reports that smoked cannabis alleviated chemotherapy-induced nausea. Both THC and CBD can aid nausea to some degree.
Currently, doctors treat nausea using 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists (such as ondansetron) and the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist Aprepitant. However, these drugs contain rings with nitrogen or attached fluorine that are problematic for the liver and kidneys.
Cannabinoids mimic endocannabinoids, and research reports that the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG levels drop in subjects experiencing motion sickness nausea. Also, these cannabinoids may have effects on CB1 receptors which in turn may act to increase levels of the endocannabinoids, AEA and 2-AG.
In animal research, scientists found CBDA to be 100 to 1000 times more effective than CBD in reducing acute nausea. Research indicates that CBD and CBDA reduce nausea by acting on the 5-HT1A receptor. The calming effects of CBD may aid the CBDA in alleviating anticipatory nausea, which has been difficult to treat.
Rock, et al; Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 2016, 1.1 – http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2016.0006
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