What’s the difference between THC and CBD? Ah, now that must be the most common question we receive!
Cannabis consumers have long looked to high THC potency as a primary factor for desired strain popularity and smoke-ability. This common demand for THC has influenced the production of a plethora of high-potency cannabis items, but some of our consumers now direct their choices to milder products with less THC and more CBD (cannabidiol). Both have special qualities that make them great for all your cannabis needs, but there are a few things to understand about THC and CBD prior to shopping with us:
The Main Differences
THC and CBD both come from the cannabis plant, but they’re different in many ways that could affect what you buy from Eaze Delivery next time you’re exploring all your options. An overarching way to understanding the difference is that THC is connected to the psychoactive effects cannabis gives you, whereas CBD won’t deliver psychoactive effects when consumed.
What’s CBD?
CBD is one of the most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Like THC, the body absorbs CBD using a system called the endocannabinoid system, which helps with things like sleep and immunity, to name a couple. But unlike THC, CBD doesn’t attach strongly to the main CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, like THC does.
CBD can also balance out some of the strong effects of THC by attaching to other cannabinoid receptors, meaning that this can stop THC from fully activating those receptors. This means the high you get is less intense, 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.
THC: The Most Popular Cannabinoid
THC is the big player in the world of weed. It’s what gives you the high feeling you ever so desire to experience when using marijuana. People have known about its medical uses for thousands of years and it’s continued to grow more popular in modern society.
THC mostly connects with the CB1 receptors in the human 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
Believe it or not, THC and CBD are quite similar. In fact, 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, called neurotransmitters. This is why they have different effects on people, and why THC can have 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 several variations of CBD products and brands. Before us humans cultivated ourselves into the science of marijuana, cannabis had lower levels of THC and CBD. Most strains available now have a lot of THC and very little CBD.
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 marijuana you find has been grown to deliver high THC levels. Packaged weed usually has around a 20% THC level and less than 1% CBD. Most people want a strong high, so the higher the THC potency, the better a persons desired high is achieved.
High-CBD strains deliver clear-headed effects without making you feel high or sleepy.
A strain with balanced THC/CBD is more desirable for a consumer who wishes to not experience a high-level 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.
Fun fact: 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. Be sure to explore all CBD products that are available on our Eaze Delivery website, and explore the variations in ratios of THC:CBD prior to your purchase.
Have other questions? Explore our other blogs, or feel free to reach out to us. Have a lit day!