Tag: CBD Oil

Categories
All Posts Cannabis 101 CBD Concentrates Edibles THC

CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference

CBD Vs. THC

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

Amsterdam Sativa (High THC)

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

Magic Melon

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 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

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

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+ | 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.

Categories
Cannabis 101 Lifestyle Recipes

How To Make Your Own CBD-Infused Oil

Cooking and baking with CBD-infused oil is becoming an increasingly popular trend because of its many benefits. CBD oil can be added into both sweet and savory dishes like cookies, brownies, or even salads – making it a versatile go-to in your pantry. 

CBD offers a lot of benefits that can range from stabilizing mood, alleviating pain and cancer-related symptoms, and even helping regulate sleep patterns. Many people are becoming aware of the advantages of CBD but not sure how they can incorporate it into their life. Well here’s some good news, adding CBD oil to your food is a great way.

THC vs CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

There’s one main difference between CBD and THC oil. CBD-infused oil doesn’t get you high the way THC oil would, but still delivers healing properties such as pain relief, anxiety and lower high blood pressure. 

Because CBD is not psychoactive, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to experience the health benefits of cannabis without the mind-altering effects that come with THC. 

While CBD oil can be purchased at your local dispensary, some may opt to make their own at home.  Making your own CBD oil gives you the freedom to customize flavour while controlling the potency.

What Are the Benefits of Making CBD Oil at Home?

Making your own cannabis-infused oil allows you to control the type of oil you would like to use as a carrier. Depending on your taste, you may want to use avocado oil, coconut, sunflower or olive oil as your base.

Making your own CBD cooking oil gives you control over the quality of products while managing the potency of the CBD in the oil.

What Kind of Dishes Can I Make With CBD Oil?

Different kinds of recipes call for certain types of oil. For instance, salads and savory dishes would pair well with olive, avocado and coconut oil. If you’re baking, vegetable oil or canola oil can be used in place of butter. Whichever base you choose, CBD-infused oil is a great way to add an extra touch when you’re whipping up your favourite recipes.

Making Your Own CBD-Infused Oil: The Recipe

Step 1: Decarb Your Cannabis

Before you make CBD cooking oil, you need to decarb your CBD-rich cannabis flower. If you are not sure which bud you should choose, check out our Pure Sun CBD favourite. 

Decarbing your flower will allow the heat to activate the cannabinoids (CBD in this case) within the plant, so you can get the full benefits and feel the CBD effects, like anxiety relief. 

Equipment

You’ll only need four things to decarb your cannabis:

  1. Baking tray
  2. Parchment Paper 
  3. Aluminum Foil
  4. Oven

Ingredients

It’s always best to get as high quality of cannabis as you can, ask our local bud tender and let them know what you’re making at home. They can steer you toward a strain or brand that is best suited for you.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 220℉/104°C.
  2. While the oven is preheating, grind the cannabis. Preferably, use the bud of the flower as it’s more potent. 
  3. Spread the cannabis evenly on the baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and put it in the oven for 45 minutes at 220℉ to decarboxylate. 
  4. Gently shake the buds every 10 minutes to make sure they are baked evenly. Please note that fresh cannabis may bake up to an hour.

Step 2: Infusing Oil with CBD

Cannabis OIl

Now that you have decarbed the cannabis, you can get started on making your CBD-infused cooking oil. 

Keep in mind that coconut oil and sunflower oil are good for sweet dishes, and olive oil and avocado oils are good for savoury dishes.

All you need is:

Equipment

  1. Strainer
  2. Cheese cloth
  3. Baking paper
  4. Double boiler

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of coconut oil
  • 5 grams of decarbed CBD-flower

Instructions

  1. Wrap the ground cannabis with a cheesecloth and tie it together. 
  2. Add both the cannabis and coconut oil (or whichever type you’re using) into a double-boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan. 
    1. If using a double-cooker: Cook for 6-8 hours on low heat while stirring it occasionally. 
    2. If using a saucepan: Cook for 3 hours on low heat while stirring it frequently to avoid scorching. 
    3. If using a slow cooker: Cook for 4-6 hours on low heat. You should note that the oil’s temperature should not be more than 220℉/104°C. To avoid burning, you can also add a little bit of water to the mixture.
  3. When the oil is finished cooking, let it cool. Once cooled, strain it with a cheesecloth. Do not squeeze if you are using a cheesecloth because that’ll add more unnecessary chlorophyll to the oil. 
  4. And voila! You can store your CBD-oil in a cool place for up to two months, or 6 months if you keep it in the fridge.
CBD Oil

It’s important to note this process requires a lot of patience and time in order to achieve the best results possible. With anything, experience with different oils to achieve unique flavours. The sky’s the limit in dishes and recipes you can your CBD oil to.

How To Dose CBD Oil

There are a number of things to consider when deciding how much CBD oil you should consume. Consider things like: 

  • Your body weight
  • Your body chemistry
  • The concentration of the CBD in your oil
  • What results you’re hoping to achieve 

We recommend you start off slow and only increase the dosage after waiting a couple of hours. Keep in mind that you can either increase or decrease the dosage depending on what your desired effect is.

You can also get your dosage calculated here – all you need to do is answer a few questions.

Cooking With CBD Oil

Bon Appetit!

With CBD-infused oil, you can say goodbye to dull moments in the kitchen.  If you want to get the best CBD flower for your CBD oil, make sure to visit us and explore our collection.

At Leaf Lab, your experience is our top priority. Whether it’s through our dispensary locations or our online store, you can count on us to provide excellent service and quality products. Get in touch with us on 416-488-8239 or email us at info@leaflabcannabis.com.