Adults of all ages and backgrounds are beginning to realize the benefits of marijuana and its natural compounds. With recreational or medical use now legal in Canada, the amount of options available to consumers is seemingly endless!
With the explosion of available products, users new and old have a lot of questions - from specific products to various use cases, it can be hard to know exactly what to buy to get your desired effects.
One of the most common sources of confusion is understanding the similarities and differences between THC and CBD. The compound THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, or cannabidiol, can only be bought in legal medical or adult-use dispensaries.
What is THC?
THC is most commonly referred to as the psychoactive compound of the marijuana plant and creates the high sensation many users are after. THC content is typically listed on the product, and the higher the percentage, the stronger the effect. With the market for concentrates expanding, THC content can regularly exceed 80%.
What is CBD?
The two compounds are remarkably similar in composition, but CBD has a slightly different arrangement, making for a completely different interaction with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. While CBD is also considered psychoactive, it won’t create any high sensations and can help “bring down” anyone who consumes too much THC.
Effects on the Body
As mentioned above, the effects couldn’t be more different between these two compounds. Products containing THC will have you feeling the results rather quickly. Whether it’s a relaxing body high or a euphoric head high, consuming THC will provide a noticeable difference after consumption.
Unless a large dose is consumed, CBD won’t provide any effects that you’ll feel immediately. Instead, it’s most commonly used to treat medical conditions like seizures, manage pain and inflammation, and help patients with PTSD and anxiety. It can also limit the effects of THC, assisting beginners as they ease into the world of Cannabis.
Stefan Tomic via gettyimages.comWhen and How to Use THC
THC is typically used recreationally and in social settings, but it also has some medical benefits of its own. Many users will seek out THC products to treat insomnia, nausea, and even appetite loss. Due to its popularity, THC can be found in every category of marijuana products.
Smoking and vaping are the most common ways to ingest THC, but edibles and drinks are also extremely popular. Be sure to pay close attention to content to keep doses at the desired amount. Cannabis oils are another widely-used product containing THC, allowing for discrete use in various ways. Many topicals also contain THC, but you won’t get the hard-hitting effects other methods provide.
When and How to Use CBD
We mentioned CBD’s many medical uses earlier, but consumers will find it just as versatile as THC. CBD products have been life-changing for many people with chronic illnesses and help relieve everyday pain and inflammation.
Many users may look to add CBD to their THC routine to encourage the “entourage effect,” which states that these compounds react with each other and receptors in our bodies, creating enhanced effects from all of the plants’ compounds.
CBD is most commonly found in topicals and strain-specific flower and concentrate options. While some strains will have low percentages of CBD naturally, others are grown specifically for high CBD content. Charlotte’s Web is the most famous high-CBD strain after it showed positive results in cancer patients, but numerous other options are now available on the market.
Sprays and topicals are commonly used for targeted pain and inflammation relief, but results can vary widely among consumers. Consider adding a low percentage dose of THC to your CBD routine to get the most out of your products.
Consumer demands are pushing marijuana companies to create products specifically tailored to treat common ailments and provide users a reliable and consistent experience from the first dose to the last. As the market continues to expand, you’ll be able to find products that provide the exact effects you want from your Cannabis. Remember the differences between THC and CBD on your next dispensary run, and you’ll get the most out of your marijuana.
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Revive Cannabis for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
