THC vs CBD: Difference, Benefits & Uses

Cannabis contains hundreds of cannabinoids, but two of them are the plant’s most active compounds. They generate most public attention, but users often get confused about which to pick. This THC VS CBD guide aims at answering all major questions regarding these two substances. Can you expect the same effects from both compounds, and can they get you high? What are the best THC and CBD products on the market? Keep reading to learn and get to know your available options!

What is THC?

THC is an abbreviation for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s an active cannabis compound that’s psychoactive and intoxicating. It interacts with the brain to release dopamine and affects other body processes by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THC is present in cannabis flowers but also in edibles, oils, and other products.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Scientists were unaware of its existence until the 1940s. Today, it’s popular because it delivers the plant’s benefits without the intoxicating effects. It also interacts with the ECS to deliver the expected results, and users have various tolerance rates to this compound.

THC VS CBD Key Differences

Here is a quick overview of the major differences between these compounds:

Source

CBD products often come from hemp since these plants have a high cannabidiol amount. On the other hand, THC usually comes from marijuana strains. Marijuana also contains a decent level of CBD, but not as much as hemp.

Chemical composition

They are both cannabinoids, so they share similar molecular structures. The arrangement of molecules is different, which is why their benefits are somewhat different.

Intoxicating effects

THC is intoxicating, especially in high amounts. As for CBD, it’s only psychoactive but won’t get you high.

THC and CBD are both psychoactive. That means they can alter your mind and behavior. However, CBD isn’t intoxicating. Unless you consume huge amounts of it and have a bad tolerance, it shouldn’t get you “high.” On the other hand, THC can be intoxicating, which involves affecting your actions and mind up to the point where you can’t maintain control.

Effects

If we are talking about cannabis effectiveness, many experts believe CBD and THC work best in synergy. That also includes other cannabinoids, so many believe that you shouldn’t remove any active compounds from the plant.

As for the specific effects of THC and CBD, they have similar benefits to some extent. You can use both for nausea, pain relief, and anxiety. Using CBD and THC for pain relief is common among users worldwide. These compounds are effective regardless of the pain type. Whether you are dealing with a sports injury or arthritis, they could be of assistance.

Here is a quick list of what you can expect from CBD:

• Pain relief
• Nausea reduction
• Migraine relief
• Promoting relaxation and anxiety relief
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Promotes optimal sleep condition
• Assists to decrease epilepsy and seizures

THC can be effective for most of these purposes. It won’t help with seizures, depression, and any states of psychosis. Medical marijuana products often contain much THC, and professional approval is necessary before using them. It has intoxicating properties, so you are safer with a doctor’s prescription.

Unlike CBD, THC can be an appetite booster. Cancer patients often use it if they develop appetite problems. In addition, THC might be of assistance in dealing with glaucoma and tremors.

Legality

In the USA, cannabis products that contain up to 0.3% of THC are legal on a federal level. However, states might have different regulations.

Depending on the regulations, you might find marijuana completely outlawed. Some states only allow medical cannabis, while others legalized it for recreational use. Laws are more relaxed than ever, but make sure to check the current regulations in your location before using cannabis.

Drug Testing

Drug testing focuses on looking for THC. Although some tests might detect cannabidiol, most don’t even look for this substance. That means you should be safe with drug tests if you use CBD. But this comes with a huge warning sign because a CBD product can also contain THC.

Some manufacturers add more THC to their CBD products regardless of the label. It’s wise to confirm if the seller has third-party lab results to confirm the actual chemical composition of the cannabis product you are buying.

It could be that your CBD oil has up to 0.3% of THC, but you use large quantities of it. As a result, the test could detect THC, and you’d have a potential problem. It’s worth noting that cannabinoids are in body fat once ingested. That means it could take a while before exerting them from your organism.

Products

The cannabis industry is going through a significant expansion. As the number of users and interested parties increases, cannabis dispensaries react by offering more products. Here are the main four categories to help you decide on the best option!

Flower

It’s not about choosing the winner of the CBD flower vs THC flower. Most plants contain both cannabinoids, and the secret lies in their ratio. The CBD to THC ratio can vary. It goes from 1:1 to 15:1 or more. The higher the difference, the less chance the plant will be intoxicating.

Most users go with cannabis flowers for smoking. If you prefer this way of using marijuana, please note you’ll experience its effects quickly. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes for the plant to kick in with the promised benefits.

Topicals

Topicals are products you apply to your skin. They are a good alternative for those who don’t want to ingest cannabis. In the market of THC vs CBD topicals, you’ll often find more options for the latter. Cannabidiol creams, lotions, and similar solutions are very popular.

The main advantage of topicals is immediate pain relief. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of seconds to experience the effects. But the benefits are usually only felt in the local area. These are convenient for injuries, back pain, and similar problems. Unfortunately, topicals can be expensive since they require a high cannabinoid quantity to work. They act quickly, but the benefits don’t last long.

Oil

CBD oil is a huge market trend, and you can pick between numerous options. But if we are comparing THC oil vs CBD oil, it’s important to note the former doesn’t exist. You’ll find a CBD isolate, which contains the highest quality of cannabidiol.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains this substance plus all the other cannabinoids. However, the manufacturers remove THC to fit it to users who don’t want to consume it. If you want THC in your CBD oil, go with the full-spectrum option. It contains all cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, so you can experience their synergic effects.

Gummies

Gummies are the most popular form of cannabis edibles. They can fit in your pocket and are suitable to use on the go. However, you should be careful with THC edibles. They can cause dry mouth but also intoxicate you when taken in higher quantities. You don’t want to “get high” while you are at work, and it’s easy to eat a lot of candies, so be careful when using them. Good news is that with commercial edibles it’s easier to dose your intake.

If comparing CBD vs THC gummies, the former is safer. You can pick between numerous gummy flavors, such as strawberry, lemon, mint, etc. If you aren’t a fan of candies, other marijuana edibles and drinks are available.