Cannabadiol (better known as CBD) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. These two chemicals play a big role in the overall effects that cannabis produces and, alongside the many other cannabinoids, give any said strain its unique effects and characteristics. When they enter the body, CBD vs THC interact with cannabinoid receptors to provide unique effects to the body targeted at helping to minimize pain, inflammation, and other common issues.
Through interaction with the hundreds of different cannabinoid receptors, these two chemicals cause different physiological effects on the body. Some of the main effects that cannabinoids have on the body include treating:
While these two cannabinoids react with similar receptors in the body, their effects on the body are vastly different. In this article, we will be going over the differences and similarities of THC and CBD and the unique effects each of these chemicals create in those who use cannabis.
While CBD and THC are very chemically similar, their effects have some big differences. Each of the cannabinoids has their unique effects on the body and mind and provide certain health benefits that may be more appropriate for certain people.
The psychoactive capabilities of CBD vs THC are the main differentiator between these two cannabinoids. THC reacts to different receptors in the brain as compared to CBD, which is why THC provides more of a mental “high” than CBD provides. This makes some users less attracted to using THC as compared to CBD, which does not cause any psychoactive effects that cannabis is typically known for. Medical marijuana that is CBD dominant has minimal THC. As a result, a person will not feel high when taking the medication.
Cannabis contains both CBD and THC. CBD is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and “relaxing” qualities of marijuana. When a person takes a CBD dominant version of medical marijuana, they are using CBD from hemp, which is closely related to marijuana. THC comes straight from the typical cannabis plant and is where waxes, oils, and other distillate products get the isolated THC from.
Due to their unique traits, THC and CBD both are used in different ways by people. THC can be used both medicinally and recreationally, with some people enjoying the mellow, anxiety-reducing effects of THC while others utilize its ability to reduce pain, insomnia, and even depression. CBD, on the other hand, is a powerful medicine that is able to reduce inflammation throughout the body, minimize migraines, reduce seizure activity, and more.
Both of these chemicals have amazing benefits they can provide, which is why they appeal to such a huge demographic of people with both recreational and medical needs.
Another of the main reasons that THC and CBD are becoming so widespread is the lack of side effects in these medications. CBD, in fact, actually has no side effects that have ever been observed in patients of all ages. CBD is safe in large quantities, and the only potential side effects are likely the result of interactions with other medications a person may be taking.
THC does, however, have some side effects — although they are all mild and mainly dependent on dosage and experience level. Some of these side effects include:
Teenagers may experience adverse effects from getting high due to the nature of the brain at this age. This may be due to the fact that teenagers’ brains are still developing and that THC can interrupt natural development.
THC and CBD both have similar modes of consumption. Users of CBD, compared to THC, often will opt for non-smoking methods of consumption in the form of edibles, tinctures, and balms. THC, on the other hand, is consumed in a multitude of methods ranging from joints and blunts to bongs and vaporizers — and everything in between!
At the end of the day, CBD vs THC are what make up the cannabis plant. Both of these miraculous chemicals have some impressive medicinal qualities, but they each are unique and should be assessed individually before you decide on which is best for your needs. Check on your state’s laws regarding CBD and THC before you decide to research them for yourself.
Pure Oasis is Boston’s original cannabis dispensary. Their team of knowledgeable budtenders and wide, high-quality selection make them a must-visit shop in the Boston area. Reach out to them today for more info on CBD vs THC.
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