Even if you are new to cannabis, you have probably come across the terms THC and CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most common compounds found in cannabis. Although both come from the same plant, they can affect the body differently.
If you are curious about CBD and THC and their effects, you’ve landed on the right article. We’ll explain the potential benefits of each, how they might affect you, and suggest some products you can try to see which compound is suitable for you.
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of more than 85 active cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is derived from hemp and cannabis plants but lacks psychoactive properties that cause people to get high. Instead, CBD is known for its medical properties like pain relief and improved sleep.
CBD interacts with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system to help regulate your mood, homeostasis (the balance of various systems in your body), and immune system.
There’s a variety of CBD products you can pick from, including topical lotions, flower, edibles, tinctures, oils and vape pens.
What Is THC?
THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Recreational cannabis products such as edibles and pre-rolls often contain THC, as this cannabinoid is responsible for the user’s euphoric effects or what is known as “high. ”
THC binds receptors in the nervous system and affects how a person remembers things, feels pleasure, moves around, thinks about things, concentrates on tasks, and perceives time. For example, some artists add THC to their creative process.
You can find THC in edibles, joints, vapes and topicals, among many other products on the market.
Are CBD and THC Similar?
Somewhat. CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and have the same molecular structure. However, there’s a slight difference in how the atoms are arranged. This is why one of these cannabinoids is psychoactive (THC) and the other one isn’t (CBD).
When it comes to potential benefits, both CBD and THC might be effective against insomnia and chronic pain. Besides that, clinical studies have shown that the mix of THC and CBD can help manage symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain and inflammation.
There’s a variety of products available on the market for both CBD and THC, including dried cannabis flowers, vape pens, edibles and more.
What Are The Key Differences Between CBD and THC?
Chemical Structure and Effects On the Body
CBD and THC have the same molecular structure, but how these molecules are arranged differs. Because of this difference, CBD and THC interact with the brain’s receptors in slightly different ways.
THC binds to the cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in our brain, causing euphoria and altering the user’s perception.
On the other hand, CBD has minimal, if any, binding effects on CB1 receptors. As a result, CBD does not cause euphoria.
So if you’re looking for a more wellness-focused experience, CBD products might be the way to go. They might help reduce inflammation, relieve physical pain, speed up the healing process, and improve stress management.
Where They Are Derived From
CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana, but it is most commonly derived from hemp, which has low levels of THC. CBD products extracted from hemp are ideal for those who want to avoid the high produced by the THC compound.
On the other hand, THC is extracted from the marijuana plant because it has higher levels of the THC compound than hemp.
Potential Health Benefits
Research indicates that THC and CBD have wide-ranging positive effects on the human body.
To fully grasp these benefits, we first need to understand how our endocannabinoid system works. This system is a group of neurotransmitters that regulates several body functions, including sleep, mood, appetite, and memory.
THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system and influence various biological processes.
CBD
CBD lacks euphoric effects, which are present in THC. This is why some people prefer CBD because it does not create the high typically associated with marijuana.
CBD may help with conditions such as:
THC
THC may be used to relieve the symptoms of some medical conditions. And from a recreational standpoint, users prefer THC for its euphoric and relaxing effects.
THC has been shown to help with conditions such as:
THC Products You Can Try
Amsterdam Sativa
Highly Dutch’s Amsterdam Sativa (THC 23%) has sweet floral flavours with punchy aromas to compliment any occasion. This strain is organically grown and selected for quality to deliver a consistent potency and unique experience in every batch.
Amsterdam Sativa will leave you feeling creative, energetic, and inspired.
Magic Melon 510 | 1g
The flavours of Magic Melon (THC 83%) are like nothing else. Prepare for a truckload of tropical, sour and sweet flavour with every puff. It’s not just the myrcene or caryophyllene terpenes that make it unique, but also the abundance of terpinolene, which gives off aromas reminiscent of a fresh honeydew melon. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want something light yet refreshing at once.
Sweet Tartz Pre-Roll | 1g
Sweet Tartz (THC 22.4%) is an originally bred hybrid strain by Gage Cannabis. This strain is known for its sour-tart-like flavour and gassy aroma. Sweet Tartz breeds frosty dense nugs with a beautiful mix of purple and green and soft orange hairs, perfect for a relaxing night.
CBD Products You Can Try
CBD 50 Plus Formula Oil | 30ml
This CBD Oil (CBD 960 mg – 1000 mg) is made using the high-CBD Plus formula from MediPharm Labs, which is ideal for helping your body with the daily grind. This full-spectrum oil contains a high concentration of CBD per drop and is produced under strict manufacturing standards.
CBD Reign Drops | 30ml
These drops (CBD 420 mg – 450 mg) are made with a greenhouse-grown blend of CBD cannabis, put through a state-of-the-art CO2 extraction process and diluted to the optimal concentration. It’s available in a 30 ml bottle and has an extremely low THC potency countered with a high CBD.
CBD GEMS+ | 15 caps
CBD+ Gems (CBD 435 mg – 495 mg) cannabis softgels are made with CO2-extracted oil from blended hybrid strains. This product comes in 15 capsule bottles, and each gelatin softgel contains 30mg per dose. They have high-CBD potency and are available in 15-capsule bottles.
The high-CBD potency of these cannabis soft gels makes them perfect for those who want an all-natural, THC-free experience.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are some significant differences between CBD and THC. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t get you high, while THC does produce a psychoactive effect. CBD is known to have a number of medicinal properties, while THC is mainly known for its psychoactive effects.
We hope you now have a better understanding of the difference between THC and CBD. If you’re still not sure which product is right for you, check out our website or visit us in-store for more information.
