The Differences Between CBD & THC

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. Before we get into their differences, we recommend reading this article about the usages CBD & THC has. 

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 serve their purpose best. 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 Thing

Some people believe that hemp oil and CBD oil are the same things. They are entirely 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.

Benefits of CBD

According to a survey of 5,000 people, conducted by the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research firm, more than 60 percent of CBD users have taken it for anxiety. This chemical compound claims to be the cure for all conditions including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, etc.

Anxiety

Studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety. In one study, for example, pretreatment with 300mg CBD positively relieved anxiety in 57 healthy males who undertook a simulated public speaking test. After taking CBD, beneficial effects on anxiety were reported in an observational study where 21 patients out of 400 had anxiety. 8 anxiety scores decreased in a large case series of 72 patients, with 57 patients (79.2%) reporting decreased scores within the first month after CBD treatment.

Depression

Studies made on animals have shown that CBD has a significant effect on relieving depression, possibly related to its strong anti-stress effect after either acute or repeated administration.

Chronic Pain

An animal study conducted by the European Journal of Pain suggests that CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to the skin. Other studies have reported that CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult to treat.

Epilepsy

CBD has been shown to significantly reduce seizure frequency by almost 44% in most people with epilepsy.

How to Take CBD

While CBD has a variety of uses, it’s worth noting that some forms of CBD are more bioavailable than others. This means that they’re more readily absorbed by the body. This quick guide will help you navigate each method of CBD consumption, and figure out what’s best for your needs.

CBD Edibles

Edibles are one of the most discreet ways of consuming CBD. Research reported that having CBD edibles subjects it to something called the “first pass effect” in which CBD is partially broken down by the liver and digestive tract. This means that the CBD can take up to two hours to kick in, and you’ll absorb about 20 to 30 percent of it.

CBD Tinctures

If you want to avoid some sugar from CBD edibles, we recommend trying a sublingual product, such as CBD tinctures, which are designed to be absorbed under your tongue. It is believed that letting the product absorb under your tongue rather than subjecting it to the digestive tract preserves more of the CBD, and you’ll feel results faster.

CBD Vape Pens

Vaping and smoking allow the CBD to go directly into your bloodstream, so you’ll feel the effects much faster than you will with other methods. In 10 minutes or less, you’ll absorb 34 to 56 percent of the CBD.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals are designed to be applied to your skin. From bath bombs to face masks, topicals are a great choice when it comes to treating localized pain or skin conditions like eczema in a discreet fashion.

Take a quick look at some of Bud Lab’s best-selling CBD products (while they last!)

How Much CBD You Should Take

The amount of CBD you should take depends on many factors, including your body weight, your medical condition, your body chemistry, and the concentration of CBD on each product (gummy, drop, capsule, etc.) To give you an idea, we recommend starting with a smaller dosage and gradually increasing it. This could mean starting with 20 to 40 mg a day. After a week, increase it to 5 mg. Be sure to monitor how you feel and see if this amount is effectively treating your symptoms. 

One of the most common questions is if it’s possible to take too much CBD. The truth is that you can take more CBD than your body can handle. In fact, studies show doses up to 1,500 milligrams a day have been well-tolerated, but something to consider is that each person is different. Ingesting too much CBD can cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, upset stomach, etc. 

Calculating your dosage can be essential to determine the amount of CBD is right for you. Some products like weed edibles, capsules, or tinctures tell you how much is in a single serving. For example, a bottle of CBD capsules might indicate that there is 5mg of CBD per capsule. For CBD oils, for example, the dosage will likely come in a dropper bottle and it might specify how much CBD is in a single drop. From there you can figure out how many drops you need to use.

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.

Are There Any Benefits to THC?

Some research and anecdotal evidence indicate THC may be used to treat a range of medical conditions. And from a recreational standpoint, it can feel good, causing a sensation of euphoria and relaxation in some. Here are some of the more detailed benefits that THC provides:

Pain Relief

This is one of the top medical benefits THC provides. Studies show that THC activates pathways in the central nervous system that block pain signals from being sent to the brain. While clinical research continues to be restricted due to cannabis’s regretful status as a schedule I controlled substance – it is clear that a positive correlation exists between THC and pain relief.

Protects Brain Cells

While most drugs are neurotoxic, THC is considered to be a neuroprotectant. This means that it actually protects brain cells from damage.

Effective Sleep Aid

Research shows that THC health benefits play a role here as well. Trials in the 1970s found that oral doses of the cannabinoid helped insomniacs fall asleep faster.

Increases Appetite

THC is known for increasing appetite. Researchers have found that THC interacts with the same type of receptors in the hypothalamus that release the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. In fact, THC can even make food taste better.

How to Take THC

Choosing your preferred THC product is the first piece of the puzzle. Next, you have to decide how to consume it. Generally, consumption methods fall into four categories: inhalation, oral, sublingual, and topical.

Smoking a Joint, Pre-Roll, Blunt, or Pipe!

Smoking is one of the most common ways of consuming cannabis. Smoking can be done through pipes, water pipes, pre-rolls, and blunts.

Vaping

Vaping involves using a device to heat either cannabis flower or concentrate to right below the point of combustion, which ranges between 356 and 374 degrees Fahrenheit. This transforms the active compounds, like cannabinoids and terpenes, into vapor, which is then inhaled.

Weed Edibles

As discussed earlier, it is one of the most discreet ways of consuming cannabis. A great thing about weed edibles is their wide variety of flavours. Weed edibles can come in many shapes from yummy gummies to cannabis-infused drinks.

Tinctures

Tinctures are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue (sublingually). To get the full effect, put a few drops of the tincture under your tongue and hold it there, allowing the cannabis to absorb. Then swallow the remaining liquid.

How Much THC You Should Take

Knowing your ideal THC dosage can bit a bit tricky, as it all depends on each person’s body. But once you’ve found the milligram range or THC percentage that works best for you, the immense world of cannabis is yours to explore! This quick guide will help you find the right dose for you by product type.

Flower Dosage

When smoking weed, you can expect to feel high within minutes of inhaling. This is an advantage as you’ll know whether you consume too much or too little fairly quickly. We recommend making a note of the THC percentage before you consume, taking one puff, and waiting 15 minutes before getting some more puffs.

10% THC or Less: Flower in this range is considered mild.

10-20% THC: This amount of THC is strong for beginners, but often just right for the casual consumer.

20% THC or More: Watch out, this is probably some of the strongest weed you’ll get your hands on.

Here are some of our favourite Bud Strains! Make them your favourites too:

Vapes

Similar to smoking cannabis, vaporizing cannabis produces an effect within minutes that then peaks after 30 minutes or so. One thing you should consider is that vapes can produce strong cannabis high with minimal effort, so it’s always recommended to be cautious especially when you’re trying vapes for the first time.

Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are very potent. They contain an average of 60% to 99% THC. They can be consumed in larger quantities via a dab ring, which is considered an advanced consumption method and is not recommended for beginner cannabis consumers.

Edibles

Digesting THC is a whole different process as inhaled. The effects of an edible can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. For beginners, here’s an easy way how to determine the dosage for weed edibles:

1-2mg of THC: This is considered a microdose and is the ideal place for beginners to start.

2-5mg of THC: 2-5mg of THC is usually considered a low and safe dose, but some may even call it a microdose.

5-10mg of THC: This range is the most common for the casual consumer.

10-50mg of THC: Be cautious, 10-50mg of THC is where things start to get tricky. This is a strong dose and is recommended for only experienced consumers.

50mg of THC or More: Now we are getting serious… 50mg of THC or more is considered VERY strong, and is typically reserved for medical patients or experienced, daily THC users.

Tinctures

Tinctures can be consumed sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into a beverage or food. When consumed sublingually, the effects of a tincture kick in within 20 to 30 minutes and last two to three hours. We recommend starting with a THC dosage of 2mg and gradually increasing the dose by 1mg every 24 hours until you find the ideal dose for you.

Experience the Benefits of CBD & THC

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. 

Now that you have a better idea of the difference between CBD and THC, and the benefits each provides, go through our extensive selection of CBD and THC cannabis products and delight yourself with the best stuff in Canada. Just make sure to get a proper dosage to start with; especially if you’re new to cannabis, and explore the different methods available.

At Bud Lab, we provide the most accurate information on our cannabis products and best practices. Our team is trained to provide you with a seamless experience from start to finish. We have trained medical marijuana staff, on-site, ready to provide you with the safest medicinal options according to your diagnosis and symptoms.

If you are new to the cannabis world, get in touch with us today, and we will be happy to answer all your questions! Place your first order today, and receive lots of benefits including rewards points and promos.