Cannabis has always been known for being that “feel good” activity to wind down after a long day, or a means to get faded with your friends on any given weekend. In recent years, cannabis has evolved and a lot more information has become common knowledge beyond cannabis being a plant that only gets you high. Cannabis has expanded throughout society and is much more widely accepted when users can benefit from cannabis in more ways than one. CBD and THC are both part of cannabis yet are profoundly different in how it affects users. So what’s the difference between CBD and THC? Read more to learn how each is different from the other and which might be the best option for you.
What is THC and CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive part of the marijuana plant. When consumed, THC will react with the human body in a way that alters the mind. Usually many people get a sensation of feeling high and is the main common for THC use.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the non-psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant. Although CBD can be derived from the marijuana plant, it is often removed from hemp plants since there is a higher amount of CBD than THC as compared to the marijuana plant. CBD is often used when wanting to relax your body without the feeling of being high. Many use CBD for the calming and relaxation effects.
What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
Cannabinoid receptors are the reason cannabis is able to produce an effect in the human body. The main differences between CBD and THC is the way that each reacts to different human cannabinoid receptors. THC gives a mind and body high as compared to CBD that is not psychoactive but still produces a calming reaction.
What to use CBD for
CBD can be used in place of THC for various things, but CBD is especially appreciated for producing calm and relaxation effects. CBD has many health benefits, like:
Chronic pain – CBD is often used to treat many painful ailments as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. When CBD activates in the body, it helps to block the pain receptors and subside any discomfort.
Skin conditions – CBD has great benefits for the skin and any skin conditions a person experiences. Eczema is a common skin condition and many people living with eczema consume CBD by ingesting or applying topically to help relieve immediate pain or skin reaction.
Anxiety and insomnia – many CBD users like to unwind after a long day too, but often are not able to consume THC because of the psychoactive effects. Taking a few CBD tinctures about an hour before bed can help to relax and ease your way into a good night’s sleep!
What to use THC for
THC produces a much stronger and quicker effect on the body and for those who like to use THC, they might use it for:
Depression – if those who experience depression or even the occasional feeling of being down in the dumps, THC is a wonderful way to escape your reality and get out of your own mind for a few hours. It is not suggested to use THC as an ultimate cure for depression, but it can definitely help to calm a person down during a time of need.
PTSD – many people dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder choose to use some form of THC to help control their fight or flight response. Oftentimes, people experiencing PTSD will go into overdrive and cause an episode, so THC helps calm down the mind and body to try and prevent an episode from happening.
Inpatients – People that undergo medical treatments (like cancer) will use THC as part of their treatments to offset any symptoms experienced such as nausea, loss of appetite, etc. Consuming cannabis can definitely help a cancer patient manage their threshold for pain and everything else that comes with chemotherapy.
There are many differences between CBD and THC, but essentially both are used for the same reasons. The goal is to feel good and help yourself feel better, whether it is mentally, physically, spiritually, etc. Cannabis can do all sorts of magical things, so understanding the types of cannabis that exists and how to use them for what reasons are important.
Many people are not allowed to consume THC for work-related reasons, prior bad reactions, it might not be legal in their state, and so on. Since the 2020 election, 15 American states now legally recognize marijuana, some even decriminalizing it. The previous stigmas surrounding cannabis can not only be debunked with facts regarding CBD, but more education should be encouraged since this is a constantly evolving community.
There is a cannabis strain for everyone with a little bit of research and enthusiasm! So make sure to load up on the cannabis information before purchasing your next weed/CBD strain or buying a bong online. What is your preference, CBD or THC?
