What’s the Difference Between CBD and THC?

In the marijuana world, there are two acronyms that users hear a lot about: THC and CBD.

For those new to using weed, it is important to know what these are and how they affect what users feel when taking various marijuana products. Not knowing what they are or the amounts of each that different products contain can set up users for an experience they are not prepared for.

But, knowing what they are can also ensure users get the experience they want.

The Makeup of Marijuana Plants

Marijuana plants are made up of more than 100 different compounds called cannabinoids. These determine the effects a flower has. Of these hundred compounds, the two most prevalent are CBD and THC. They are also the compounds that we know the most about.

What Is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most prevalent compound in cannabis plants. Growers and users alike both often prize marijuana strains that contain high THC amounts as more desirable. The reason? The more THC a product contains, the more potent it is.

THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for providing users with the high sensation that most people associate with marijuana use. So, the more THC content, the stronger the high the user will experience.

The Effects of THC

In addition to getting users high, THC can also possibly cause a variety of other effects, including:

• Pain relief
• Nausea relief
• Drowsiness
• Enhanced senses

Apart from those, THC can cause other effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, and slower reaction times. That is why taking an appropriate dose is so important.

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent compound found in a marijuana plant. It is known for providing users with a profoundly relaxing experience, helping your entire body and brain relax.

But, unlike its cousin, CBD will not get users high. In fact, CBD can block some of the intoxicating effects THC causes by binding to certain cannabinoid receptors in the brain and preventing THC from activating them.

For users who are scared of marijuana’s high effect, CBD products are a good alternative. They offer relaxation without the high effects that can turn people off from using weed.

Although CBD in large doses is generally well-tolerated among people, it can cause:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Changes in appetite

THC and CBD Products 

Traditional weed products will contain a mix of THC and CBD, but how much of each the product contains will impact the effects users experience. That’s why, when choosing a weed product, it’s important to look at how much of each it offers.

For example, a bud may have 15 percent THC and 3 percent CBD. This is considered a relatively low THC content and CBD on the high end, meaning users would likely experience a more balanced high than something with a higher THC content and a lower CBD content.

However, users who are seeking out a strong and potent high may want a product with a higher THC content. Luckily for them, there are plenty of THC products on the market today, including:

• THC concentrates, like live resin, shatter, wax, and budder
• THC tinctures
• THC edibles
• THC capsules

These products all contain high amounts of THC, offering users a powerful experience.

For those who want the relaxing effects weed offers without the high, CBD products are also available. In fact, they are among some of the most popular marijuana products on the market today.

CBD products can fall into three different categories:

• CBD isolate, which is the pure form of CBD, containing no other products.
• Full-spectrum CBD, which contains multiple cannabis plant extracts and may have up to 0.3 percent of THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD may contain other extracts but will not contain any THC.

When buying CBD products, make sure you choose the one that is right for you. Some popular CBD products users can find include:

• CBD gummies
• CBD oil
• CBD topicals
• CBD vapes

What Cannabis Product Right for Me?

The type of marijuana product you purchase will vary based on your goals, preferences, and tolerance level.

If you want to smoke your weed, look for a strain that contains the amount of THC you are comfortable with and flavours you like. If you are new to weed, you’ll want to find a strain that has a lower THC concentration and contains some CBD.

If you are a beginner, trying THC products like cannabis concentrates is likely not the best idea. You’ll need some CBD in there to temper the effects. Or, take a very low dose of THC your first time until you know how it will affect you and how much you can tolerate.

When deciding what cannabis product is right for you, think about:

• The consumption method you want to use to take marijuana.
• Whether or not you want the high feeling offered by THC products.

If you are struggling to decide where to start on your marijuana journey, there are a few options.

Ask experienced users for recommendations. How did they start using marijuana? Is there a particular strain or product they think would be good for you to start with?

You can also reach out to your marijuana seller for recommendations and advice.

In Conclusion

THC and CBD are the two most prominent compounds found in marijuana. Although they both offer effects that can help users relax, fall to sleep, or even sharpen the senses, there is one big difference between them: CBD will not get users high.

THC is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. The higher the THC amount in a specific cannabis product, the more potent the high users will experience.

For users looking for a balanced effect, choose a product that pairs THC and CBD as CBD can help temper THC’s effects. But, if you are looking for a strong high, consider pure THC products. If you want to avoid the high altogether while still relaxing, consider a CBD product.