There are thousands of cannabis products on the market. It can be difficult to keep up with what’s what, especially when things are changing as quickly as they are. It’s important to stay informed.
One of the main things to understand is the difference between THC and CBD products. Most cannabis products have at least some of both.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about THC and CBD.
Effects
Some effects of THC and CBD are the same.
However, one of the main differences is that CBD will not make you high.
The only part of the cannabis plant that induces a high is THC. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. This is a chemical compound made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
The combination of these chemicals has a psychoactive effect. For many people, this effect is very relaxing. But everyone reacts differently.
CBD stands for cannabinoid. Surprisingly, CBD has the exact same chemical formula as THC and contains the exact same amounts of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
The difference lies in the way the chemicals are arranged. The different arrangement leads to very different physical effects.
The most notable effect is that THC is psychoactive.
Indica vs. Sativa
Cannabis is a plant that grows naturally.
Just like there are different types of wine grapes or even apples, there are different strains of marijuana. The main families are Indica and Sativa.
Here is a good overview of these two families.
The differences start with the plants themselves. Indica plants are very small and look a bit more like a tiny bush. Sativa plants are longer and more closely resemble a tree.
India strains are known for their calming, chilling effect. Sativa strains tend to increase your energy levels.
Many strains are what are referred to as hybrids. This means they are mixtures or blends of indica and sativa plants. Both indica and sativa strains contain THC and CBD.
Unsurprisingly, indica strains usually have a higher THC content. This makes them good for a relaxing evening.
Some hybrids will be manipulated to increase or decrease CBD and THC. Usually, the percentages of each compound will be written on the product packaging. If not, you can always ask.
If you want more medical benefits and don’t want to get high, it’s probably better to go with a sativa-based strain.
Legality
CBD products are legal almost everywhere.
It’s also easier to transport CBD products across borders.
That’s not the case with THC. Not all states have legalized marijuana. In these states, it could be harder to find THC products. You also need to be careful about transporting THC.
It’s almost always illegal to transport marijuana across state lines.
It’s usually forbidden internationally, too. You should always check the rules of the country or state you are visiting. Failing to follow the rules could get you into serious legal trouble.
Having a medical marijuana card makes traveling with cannabis easier.
Experience
Using a CBD product is a totally different experience.
You won’t get high, but you won’t get the munchies, either. THC will make you hungry because it blocks your body from telling you that you’re full.
Here is a list of healthy snacks that you can have handy. Smoking weed could make you gain weight if you aren’t prepared for the munchies. This can be avoided by switching to CBD.
It’s also possible to do other things while using CBD. You should always be cautious in case your body reacts unexpectedly.
But there’s no reason why you can’t go to work while using CBD.
Usage
The classic way to consume THC is by smoking marijuana.
Edibles, vapes, and dabs are also common. With CBD, things are a bit different. There are some cannabis strains that claim to be THC free.
These can be smoked like regular cannabis, but vaping is much more popular. It’s also easy to use CBD oils and add it to teas or foods.
Basically, this comes down to preference and accessibility. It’s not always possible to smoke, but it’s easy to use CBD oil.
Do what works best for you.
Conclusion
Cannabis is an extremely complex plant. But understanding the differences between CBD and THC is the key to understanding everything.
