THC vs CBD: Understanding Their Differences and Usages

In the cannabis world, you’ll always hear the two words THC and CBD being used time & time again. In recent years, interest has grown in the potential health effects and benefits of cannabis — much of which revolves around these two. Even though both are chemical compounds derived from marijuana, they aren’t exactly the same; they have a LOT of differences.

Besides their differences, both CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms and they are both cannabinoids found in marijuana.  While they may have a lot in common, they have some essential differences that determine how and when you can use them to best serve their purpose. In this article, we will explain how both differ from each other.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. First discovered during the 1940s, CBD has recently become more popular as a natural treatment for various conditions. Sold in different forms such as gummies, oils, vape pens, and more, CBD is shown to help anxiety, depression, and seizures. As more research into the great cannabinoid is completed, more medical applications are being discovered for CBD. Find out 3 medical conditions that CBD has been proven to treat.

A Few CBD Facts You May Not Know

In general terms, there’s some lack of research regarding how CBD works and how it differs from other cannabis compounds like THC. However, it’s being proven that CBD won’t get you high as THC does. Get to know 3 important facts about CBD:

There is no established effective dose of CBD — It’s not been proven an effective dose yet for CBD as this depends on each person that consumes it. In addition, factors such as genetics, weight, age, etc., greatly influence how the body reacts to this cannabinoid. 

CBD works better with other cannabinoids — That’s right! Studies show that CBD works better with other cannabinoids such as THC. The result of this is called the Entourage Effect, a theory about the interaction between all of the compounds from a cannabis plant, such as phytocannabinoids and terpenes, that come together to enhance their effects. Read this article if you want more information on the Entourage effect and how CBD and THC work better together. 

Hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same — Some people believe that hemp oil and CBD oil are the same things. They are completely different. Even though both come from the same plant, CBD oil is extracted from hemp flowers and buds, whereas hemp oil can also be extracted from its seed, which has no cannabinoids.

So What is THC Then?

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound that makes you have psychological effects. According to NIDA, cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in some regions of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination, and time perception. THC attaches to these receptors and activates them, and affects a person’s memory, happiness, movements, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception.

Top 3 Must-Know Facts About THC

In case your cannabis and THC knowledge isn’t quite up to date yet (or maybe it is), here are 3 must-hear facts that you may not know about THC:

There is no established effective dose of CBD — A cool thing about THC is that it can be consumed in many ways. From smoking it to drinking it, you can experience the benefits of this cannabinol in different ways and see what works best for you. One of the most underrated ways of experiencing the powerful effects of THC is through delicious drink mixes. In case you want to try it out, we’ve put together an article on Bud Lab’s Most Popular THC-Infused Drink Mixes.

CBD works better with other cannabinoids — The first country to legalize weed was Uruguay back in 2013; then, the following year, the law allowed residents to grow up to 6 plants at home. Later on, in October 2018, Canada became the second country to legalize weed, where the minimum age for purchase is 19.

Hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same — If you’ve ever tried expired weed, you may feel a different kind of high. This occurs because marijuana is laden with a cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN). It forms when you expose THC to light and oxygen. In addition, CBN is considered one of the world’s greatest sedatives that can contribute if you have insomnia.

In conclusion, THC & CBD are remarkable compounds in marijuana that get you high and help you treat different medical ailments. Each compound has its differences but also works best when combined. If you are new to the cannabis world, get in touch with us today, and we will be happy to answer all your questions!