As the legal use of cannabis continues to spread, consumers are curious about the options available to them. Which one is the best for what I’m looking for? What AM I looking for? Those are great questions. The first thing to determine is, why are you consuming cannabis? Is it to relax? Are you in pain? Just going to hangout with a movie? Knowing the difference between THC and CBD is the difference between having the right or wrong experience.
THC and CBD are both considered to be cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. However, they’re both very different and have unique influences and effects when consumed. THC is the cannabinoid that makes you feel the experience. You get a high feeling from consuming THC. The effects of CBD however cannot be felt, it’s not an intoxicating cannabinoid. The most common use of CBD among users is its ability to help manage pain.
CBD is also a great way to help prevent the intoxicating effects of THC. The CBD will bind to the cannabinoid receptors and effectively keep the THC from activating those receptors, translating to a less intense psychoactive feeling when consuming cannabis. For first-time cannabis consumers, a mix of CBD and THC in your bud is a great way to get used to cannabis. While you may not be able to feel the effects of CBD itself, in high doses it does produce a relaxing experience and is known to clear your mind. THC also is known for it’s valuable medical benefits, with some overlap on what CBD and THC can treat. THC is more effective in reliving nausea, appetite lose, and insomnia.
CBD is being used to help manage a variety of symptoms and conditions. It’s constantly expanding as we learn more about the benefits of CBD. It is popularly used to help manage many of these conditions:
CBD has no lethal dosage or known side effects that could cause you bodily harm. In fact, high-CBD strains can lead to becoming clear-headed and more functional without the euphoric high that comes with THC. It’s also a great choice to control pain, anxiety, or other chronic conditions. Balancing CBD/THC strains can add a bit more euphoria to the experience. Although, doing so is much less likely to induce anxiety and other negative side effects. These types of strains tend to be used for pain relief and are well-suited for THC-sensitive consumers.
CBD can be consumed the same as you would THC. You can smoke and vaporize, eat, swallow a CBD oil capsule, or even apply CBD lotion! There are some hemp products as well that may contain CBD, though it is less effective than consuming CBD directly.
While both THC and CBD are cannabinoids, they still react differently and have unique effects when consumed.
THC causes temporary side effects, such as:
CBD’s side effects may include:
While neither cannabinoid is fatal, high THC consumption has been connected to long-term negative psychiatric effects. Both cannabinoids are stored in your body’s fat and can also show up on drug tests days/weeks after you’ve consumed them.
Now, not every drug test can detect CBD, however there are CBD-sensitive tests available. Standard drug tests generally look for compounds related to THC which would show up on a screening. Keep in mind, hemp can produce levels of both THC and CBD which could be cause for a positive test. It’s important to note that products that claim to be THC-free may not be free of THC, so if you’re drug tested, you shouldn’t use any CBD or THC products.
