CBD vs. THC - What's The Difference?
What Is Cannabis?
CBD vs THC – let’s explore what they are and how they differ. As the legal distribution and use of hemp, marijuana, and cannabis products continues to grow, it’s important to understand what’s in the products you’re consuming and how their main components differ.
Cannabis, otherwise referred to as hemp, marijuana, or weed refers to a strain of three plants that are grown and used for their psychoactive properties. The three strains of cannabis plants are: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis, each being harvested for their own unique properties. The common drug that is used worldwide is the end product of the cannabis plants being harvested and dried – commonly referred to as pot, weed, or marijuana.
There is a variety of ways to use, consume, and enjoy cannabis. Each method of use has varied effects, onset time, and duration of the “high” feeling. The most common forms of cannabis use are smoking flower, eating edibles, consuming cannabis beverages and vaping. Smoking weed produces an almost immediate high which can vary in intensity based on concentration and the amount smoked. Edibles provide a discrete method of consuming cannabis but the effects are usually stronger, last longer, and take longer to kick in. Vaping will also give you a quick rush but are ideal for people who don’t like the scent associated with marijuana as vapes are odourless. Each method has its own benefit and the one that’s right for you depends on your own needs, lifestyle, and situation.
First we’ll take a look into CBD, it’s chemical composition, common uses, and the effects that it has.
What Is CBD?
What does CBD Stand For?
CBD, which is short for Cannabidiol, an active component of cannabis derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is the chemical compound in cannabis that is associated with feelings of relaxation – CBD doesn’t have psychoactive properties that result in a “high”.
Types Of CBD
There are 3 main types of CBD – each form having different concentrations and compounds:
- Full-spectrum: Products that include all parts of the cannabis plant and should contain less than 0.3% THC concentration
- Broad-spectrum: Cannabis products that contain most of the cannabis plant compounds and have trace amounts of THC
- Isolates: Products that only contain CBD, with 0 THC present.
What Is CBD Used For?
CBD is commonly used to help with various conditions including: migraines, inflammation, depression, and anxiety. CBD is also used to improve mood, help with insomnia, and relieve pain.
Common Forms Of CBD Products
The 3 main forms of CBD that are commonly sold in stores include: oils, wax, and isolates. Products with CBD oil are widely available in tinctures, capsules, or added to cannabis edibles. Wax can often be referred to as shatter, crumble, or budder and it ingested via dabbing. CBD isolates are found in the same forms as oils but involve the purest and most accurate dosing of CBD.
What Is THC?
What does THC Stand For?
THC, which is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical compound which is responsible for the psychological effects experienced when consuming cannabis products. Cannabis products that have higher concentrations of THC will produce a euphoric “high” feeling.
The High Feeling Of THC
High sensations from consuming cannabis products with high THC concentrations can make you feel:
- Giggly
- Creative
- Hungry
- Euphoric
- Relaxed
THC Concentration In CAnnabis Strains
When exploring the CBD vs THC relationship, it’s important to understand the 3 main strains of cannabis – indica, sativa, and hybrid. The effects of consuming each strain vary based on the ratio and concentrations of THC and CBD content.
- Indica: Indica strains are primarily CBD dominant and often have very low THC concentration. Indica products are more commonly used more for relaxation purposes.
- Sativa: Sativa strains have more psychoactive and energizing THC compounds that create a euphoric high sensation. Sativa products are most commonly used for recreational purposes and for getting high.
- Hybrid: Hybrid strains are combinations of both THC & CBD content and can be made in nearly any ratio.