CBD vs THC

CBD vs THC

 

Cannabis is a dynamic helpful plant.  Now, more than ever before, people are using cannabis to alleviate their ailments.  Allowing the cannabis plant to treat issues like nausea, anxiety and/or pain. Even with widespread adoption, consumers still have many questions. One of the main questions is: What’s the difference between CBD vs THC?

man rolling a cannabis joint

With so many products on the market it is important that people learn what works best for them, finding the perfect customized combination of THC and CBD that will properly treat their affliction. So what is the difference between THC vs CBD? Let’s explain. 

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also referred to as weed, pot, dope and/or marijuana, is a plant found in nature or commercially cultivated (in a grow house or controlled environment). Cannabis is composed of Cannabinoids, which is a group of substances found in the cannabis plant.

There are an estimated 80 to 100 cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. Highlighted by two main cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two Cannabinoids, THC and CBD, are mainly responsible for producing the positive effects that continue to help millions of people. 

cannabis in a jar

What is THC?

THC has strong psychoactive effects, meaning it makes a person high.  Depending on how much a person has consumed will determine how high they will feel. Pleasant experiences with cannabis are described as relaxing and euphoric.

But some people have experienced anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic. These latter effects are more common when a person takes too much. Furthermore, the cannabis can have an unexpectedly high potency, or the person is a novice user. 

How to dose THC

Experts suggest consumers take several actions when consuming THC vs CBD in order to eliminate feeling too high or having further adverse effects of THC. 

  • Slowly intake THC – If you are a novice consumer, experts suggest to start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage after 30min – 1hr has lapsed (taking more as needed in between).  
  • Create a safe environment – Before dosing, consumers should set up a safe and calming environment. Maybe with calming music? A good book? Supportive friends? 
  • Consume products that detail the dosage – It’s important to consume products that have detailed THC and CBD percentages to properly regulate the amount you consume. 
  • Take into account certain factors – THC affects each person differently.  How your body digests THC will have to do with how much you have previously eaten and drank. Also consider your weight/height and how often you consume THC products. 
  • Keep in mind you can take too much – There is evidence that shows that consumers won’t have long term effects of “overdosing” but might temporarily feel drowsiness, changes in appetite, and fatigue.

man taking cbd drops in orange juice

What is CBD?

CBD is a component of cannabis (one of hundreds), that by itself does not cause a high as THC has been known to do. The World Health Organization reports that, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

CBD has been touted for the treatment of a wide variety of health issues. These include: epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). These typically don’t respond to anti-seizure medications. Best of all, With the 2018 Hemp Act, part of the 2018 Farm Bill, signed Dec. 20, 2018, all products derived from industrially farmed hemp grown in the U.S. became legal in all 50 states, ending a more than 80-year ban of large-scale hemp farming in the US.”  This changed allows new and effective products to hit the market, faster than ever before. 

Furthermore, these helpful Cannabinoids can further assist people with vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS. In addition, some evidence suggests modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms.  

Because of the abundance of products on the market, consumers have the option of selecting a variety of products.  These products can be eaten, smoked or rubbed on the body in the form of creams/oils to treat ailments or make people feel a certain way. 

Choose between THC vs CBD

Taking THC vs CBD can be safe and effective treatment for a variety of ailments, helping people across the world everyday! It’s important to understand the nuances between CBD vs THC so that you can choose the right product for you.

If you’re looking for CBD products, check out these offerings from Flower Market.

For THC products, there is a wide variety to choose from on our menu.

Citations: 

https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476