What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?
What's the difference between THC and CBD? Great question AND a common question within the cannabis community!
Over the years, cannabis consumers have looked to high THC potency as a primary factor for desired strain popularity and stronger effects. This common demand for high THC levels has influenced the production high-potency cannabis strains and products, but now, some consumers are looking into milder products with low THC and high CBD (cannabidiol). Both have special qualities that make them great for all your cannabis needs, but there are a few things you should know prior to consuming either of the two, or a ratio of both:
The Main Differences:
THC and CBD both derive from the cannabis plant, but they're different in many ways. An overarching way to conceptualize the difference is that THC is connected to the psychoactive effects cannabis delivers, whereas CBD won't deliver psychoactive effects when consumed.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the more common cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. Like THC, the body absorbs CBD using the endocannabinoid system, which helps with things like sleep and immunity. Yet unlike THC, CBD doesn't attach as strongly to the main CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
CBD can also balance out some of the strong effects of THC by attaching to other cannabinoid receptors, meaning that this can halt THC from fully activating in those receptors. This means the high you receive is less strong, so mixtures of CBD and THC can be good choices for first-time users AND for common users who want to relieve some of the psychoactive effects they maybe experiencing.
CBD alone offers chill, vibey effects. Taking a lot of CBD can be really relaxing; It might feel like getting out of a warm bath – your body relaxed and tingly, and your mind clear. Sounds pretty nice, right?
What is THC?
THC is the big player in the world of weed - aka the most popular cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It's what gives you the high feeling most consumers expect to feel when consuming. People have known about its medical uses for thousands of years and it's continued to grow more popular in modern-day.
THC mostly connects to the CB1 receptors in the body. These are found in the brain, central nervous system, eyes, and spleen. The strength of THC's effects can change when mixed with other parts of cannabis and terpenes, which is the idea behind the entourage effect. This means that different compounds in cannabis work together to make special effects and benefits within the human body.
How THC and CBD are Built Differently
Believe it or not, THC and CBD are built quite similar! In the sense that they look like the endocannabinoids our bodies produce naturally.
They both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. They differ in how these atoms are connected, which affects how they attach to different parts of our body and trigger the release of messengers in our body (aka neurotransmitters).
This is why both chemical compounds can have different effects on people, and why THC can deliver different effects on people even if the same dosage is consumed from all parties.
THC and CBD Effects on the Brain
The differences in how both cannabinoids are made, affect how they work in our body and its endocannabinoid system. THC's shape fits perfectly into CB1 receptors and imitates the effects of a natural messenger called anandamide. This makes the brain release dopamine, leading to the feeling of being high. CBD's structure doesn't fit well with CB1 and CB2 receptors. In fact, it can counteract THC's effects and also change how other messengers work in the body.
Best CBD Strains to Try
There are a variation of CBD products and brands. Before we cultivated ourselves into the science of marijuana, cannabis produced much lower levels of THC and CBD. Most strains available now offer high THC levels and low CBD levels.
CBD is usually the second most common cannabinoid, but not always. Strains and products can have different amounts of the two:
Strong THC levels: 10-30%
Balanced THC to CBD levels: 5-15% THC and 5-15%
Low THC Levels: Less than 5%
Regular Levels of THC and CBD in Cannabis
Most cannabis you shop has been grown to deliver high THC levels. Nowadays, weed has around a 20% THC level and less than 1% CBD. Most people want a strong high, so the higher the THC, the stronger the high.
High-CBD strains deliver clear-headed effects without making you feel high or sleepy.
A strain with balanced THC/CBD is perfect for a consumer who wishes to not experience high-levels of psychoactive effects. These strains work well for cannabis consumers who wish to either ease into higher potency strains, or are new to the stoner life.
You can smoke and vape CBD, eat CBD edibles, take CBD oil capsules, put on CBD lotion, or use a CBD tincture, just like you can with THC products! Remember, CBD levels can change from batch to batch and even plant to plant.
Have other questions? Explore our other blogs, or feel free to reach out to us.
