How Are CBD and THC Different?

The cannabis plant contains a multitude of naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These are the compounds responsible for delivering the potent effects and mental benefits you get when you consume cannabis products. But while there are over 100 known cannabinoids, the two most popular ones you’ll hear about are THC and CBD.

THC and CBD are present in most cannabis strains, but they’re also often extracted from cannabis and hemp plants for use in products such as oils, edibles, vapes, and more. But with so many similar products, some users might be confused as to how CBD and THC are different and which one you should use. Here’s a helpful guide to the differences between CBD and THC.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol – one of the most prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis. Like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system when consumed. With that said, you shouldn’t expect to feel the same kind of effects you’d get from marijuana when using CBD products – CBD is completely non-psychoactive and doesn’t get you high.

Although CBD doesn’t offer a psychoactive high, CBD-infused products have become extremely popular as a non-psychoactive alternative to marijuana and other THC-infused products. Research shows that people use CBD for a wide range of reasons, with some of the most popular reasons being to combat pain, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and skin conditions.

While research on cannabidiol is still in its early stages, many promising studies have shown that it can interact with cannabinoid receptors positively and many users report having positive experiences with CBD products. Some people use CBD casually whereas some use it as a daily supplement.

What Is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s the main psychoactive component found in cannabis. If you’re familiar with the euphoric mental effects and intensely relaxing physical effects cannabis gives you when you ingest it, these effects are thanks to the THC contained in cannabis.

When you smoke or vape cannabis or consume other weed-infused products, the THC inside these products binds to your CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. This activates the brain’s reward circuits while also offering a range of enjoyable physical and mental effects. Many people use cannabis recreationally for this reason.

Of course, THC is also popular for medical users. The strong physical relief and mental stimulation it offers can be great for tackling issues such as pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and insomnia, among many other ailments. Many people use THC by ingesting cannabis flower, but you can also find many convenient THC-infused products.

How Are CBD And THC Different?

The main difference between CBD and THC is that, while consuming THC gives you a psychoactive high, CBD is non-psychoactive. Because of this, recreational users generally opt for THC products whereas medical cannabis users might prefer CBD products if they’re not looking to get high.

When you consume THC, it binds to the cannabinoid receptors in your body. In contrast, CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system without binding to these receptors. These differences in how they interact with the body explain why CBD doesn’t get you high. However, it can still offer positive effects.

Interestingly, research shows that CBD helps tame the effects of THC. It can make the psychoactive high less overwhelming and also counteract some of the common side effects of THC. As such, many users prefer to use CBD and THC in conjunction as these cannabinoids work well together to provide an entourage effect.

The best idea for most users is to try both CBD and THC for yourself. THC can give you a phenomenal psychoactive experience whereas the experience of using CBD is much more relaxing and calming. You can also try products infused with both cannabinoids to get the benefits of both.

How To Use CBD

If you’re interested in using CBD, you can buy CBD products online in Canada from West Coast Cannabis. Various convenient types of cannabidiol products are available and the best one to use largely depends on your needs and preference. Here are a few of the best ways to use CBD.

CBD Oils/Tinctures – CBD tincture oils are liquid products that you apply under your tongue for fast-acting absorption. Each bottle contains a dropper, making it easy for you to measure your dosage and get exactly as much CBD as you want.

CBD Edibles – You can also try CBD-infused edibles. From fruity CBD gummies to tasty CBD sours, there are plenty of types to try and each serving will give you a generous dose of cannabidiol.

CBD Vapes – CBD oils and vape cartridges are ideal for fans of vaping. These flavorful vape products allow you to inhale high-quality cannabidiol via flavorful CBD-infused vapor. They come in many flavors and strains.

CBD Topicals – You can also try CBD-infused topical products such as creams, balms, lotions, and bath bombs. You can apply these directly to your skin to soak up the cannabidiol.

How To Use THC

You can also use THC in various ways. While smoking weed is one option, you can also try a range of convenient THC-infused products. Here are some of the best ways to use THC.

Cannabis Flower – Many people get the effects of THC simply by smoking weed or cannabis flower. Tons of cannabis flower strains are available and each offers something different. You can smoke weed in a bowl or pipe or even add it to a dry herb vaporizer for smokeless inhalation.

THC Concentrates – You can also use potent cannabis concentrates. These high-THC products can be mixed with weed for smoking purposes or added to a concentrate vaporizer or dab pen for vaping purposes.

THC Edibles – THC-infused edibles are also available. These products will give you powerful effects that often last for hours on end. They’re available in the form of gummies, chocolates, cereal bars, cookies, and more.

THC Vapes – THC vape cartridges and oils are ideal for those who want to vape high-quality THC. Simply use one of these with a compatible vape device for smooth, potent, THC-infused vapor.

THC Topicals – Want a high-free way to use THC? THC topicals provide relief for pain and improve your skin health without giving you psychoactive effects. You can find these in the form of creams, balms, bath bombs, and more.

Conclusion

CBD and THC are two of the most prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis. While THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with weed, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s said to provide many benefits without getting you high. 

Both THC and CBD are well worth trying and you can easily find all the cannabis products you need online at West Coast Cannabis.