THC vs CBD: Which One is Best For You?
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So you’ve heard about it from friends, read stuff online, and done a little research — now you’re curious to try cannabis. But when you head to your local dispensary or browse their website, you keep coming across labels like “THC Concentrate,” “CBD Only,” and maybe even “CBD / THC Blend.”
So, what are these things? And how do you decide between THC vs CBD? Well, the differences between these two cannabinoids are exactly what we’re going to dive into.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are hundreds of them, and they’re pretty special – they interact with your endocannabinoid system, a fascinating part of your body that handles all kinds of physiological and cognitive processes.
And that’s where the difference lies between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vs cannabidiol (CBD): the processes in the endocannabinoid system that they affect. Let’s compare THC and CBD to see which one suits you best.
THC: Here for a Good Time
Want to have a blast with your friends or get creative on your own? THC is your go-to.
The biggest difference between THC vs CBD is that THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the “high” feeling people associate with it. How it affects your endocannabinoid system depends on how you consume it. Edibles take a while to kick in (around 45 minutes to several hours) and the high can last 6 to 8 hours or more. On the other hand, smoking a pre-roll hits you faster, but the high only lasts a few hours.
CBD: Get Mellow, My Fellow
With CBD, It’s all about those chill vibes.
Unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive. Its effects are more physiological, making it great for sleep, relaxation, and pain relief. Lotions and ointments infused with CBD are especially popular for joint pain, as studies show that topically applied CBD can help reduce inflammation.
Where Do CBD and THC Come From?
Another difference in THC vs CBD are the sources. There are two: hemp and marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are both part of the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa, but they have distinct differences, which primarily lie in their chemical composition.
Hemp contains virtually negligible amounts of THC. Instead, hemp is rich in CBD.
On the other hand, marijuana contains a significant amount of THC along with CBD and other cannabinoids, making it psychoactive. This difference is due to selective breeding, as farmers grow marijuana for its psychoactive effects, while hemp has been cultivated for industrial and therapeutic purposes.
Do Cannabis Products Only Have THC or CBD?
You can find pure CBD or THC concentrates, which are sold for smoking or as additives, but most products contain both cannabinoids. Flowers typically have both THC and CBD, just in different amounts.
The THC vs CBD content is actually a significant difference between sativas and indicas! Sativa strains have a high THC and low CBD percentage, while indicas are the opposite — much lower THC and higher CBD content. And let’s not forget about hybrids, which strike a balance between THC and CBD.
Is Cannabis All About THC vs CBD?
Nope, cannabis doesn’t just have either THC or CBD — not by a longshot. It’s a much more beautiful and complex plant than that.
Although THC and CBD are the primary factors that influence your cannabis experience, remember that they aren’t the only compounds in cannabis. There are also a wide variety of other cannabinoids and terpenes. These come together to create a phenomenon called the Entourage Effect, which means that that particular strain of cannabis interacts with your endocannabinoid system in new and distinct effects.
So, while knowing the differences between THC and CBD is important, keep in mind that cannabis offers more than just those two compounds and your experience can vary depending on various factors.
The THC vs CBD Final Verdict: Which One Suits You Best?
Are you looking to get high and have a blast? Then go for THC-heavy or THC-isolate products.
But if you struggle with chronic pain or sleep issues, CBD products are your best bet.
The best thing about cannabis is that its compounds cater to different lifestyles. Find what fits yours and enjoy!
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