THC vs. CBD
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THC AND CBD?
CANNABIS 101
Want to try cannabis, but overwhelmed by the enormous variety of strains, products and profiles to choose from? You’re not alone.
Both THC and CBD are naturally occurring cannabis compounds that are known as cannabinoids, or more accurately phytocannabinoids.
The primary difference between THC and CBD is that THC is psychoactive, while CBD is generally considered to be non-psychoactive or non-intoxicating. There are countless other cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, CBC, and others all with unique properties, but THC and CBD compromise the majority of cannabis’ chemical profile.
The compounds are synthesized within glands called trichomes located on the flowers’ calyxes. This gives dried cannabis flowers a frosty appearance.
The cannabinoids, and other compounds such as the aromatic chemicals in cannabis called terpenes, are extracted and separated from the plant material to make consumer products.
The extract is purified and formulated into varying forms with different potencies and profiles according to the customer’s needs. This includes products such as -
Concentrates
Tinctures
Topicals
Oils
Edibles and more.
Cannabis flower, as well as other cannabis-based products, come in many different cannabinoid profiles with varying effects. It’s a lot to take in at first, certainly.
That’s why it's easiest to start by choosing what kind of product might fit you best and if and what kind of cannabinoid profile you prefer, one with more THC or more CBD.
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THC AND CBD?
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, isn’t intoxicating or psychoactive. Both benefit endocannabinoid system function in several ways, but CBD lacks the psychoactive potency of THC.
So choosing between a strain of cannabis or cannabis product that is either THC-dominant ( is psychoactive) or CBD-dominant (is not psychoactive) is a great place to start when making your selection.
If you are looking for psychoactive effects, or you need extra strength symptom relief, go with a cannabis product that has THC. Or you can experiment with different THC to CBD ratios to find what works best for you.
And although CBD strains and other CBD products don’t technically have strong psychoactive properties due to their lack of THC, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have potent healing properties and relaxing, mood-boosting effects that will make you feel great.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CANNABIS PRODUCT
Cannabis flower is the most basic form of enjoying cannabis, but as we mentioned there are numerous ways to enjoy cannabis nowadays.
The next sections will introduce you to some of the most common cannabis products and give you an idea of what they are typically used for.
This will help you figure out what might be best for your circumstances and lifestyle.
HIGH-QUALITY CANNABIS VAPES AND CONCENTRATES
If you don’t want to smoke, but still want the fast-acting, potent effects of smoking, you can select from several types of vape cartridges as well as concentrates like wax and shatter.
Vaping involves vaporizing a high potency extract without the need to smoke any harsh plant material. This is usually achieved with a small, battery-powered, hand-held vape pen, or a desktop vaporizer.
Similarly, dabs, which are also known as concentrates, are highly potent cannabis extracts that are vaporized with the help of a dab rig. This includes products like wax, shatter, and budder.
Cannabis vapes, extracts, and other concentrates come in different strains, profiles, and potencies so there is something for everyone.
Whether you are into CBD, THC, or something in between you can customize your cannabinoid experience for the best outcome by choosing the right cannabinoid profile.
CANNABIS TOPICALS AND BALMS
Cannabis isn’t just for smoking and vaping, it’s also great for skin wellness.T
he natural compounds in hemp and cannabis oil (omega fatty acids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and other botanicals) help the skin to heal, stay moisturized, hydrated, and promote healthy skin cell regulation by boosting endocannabinoid tone.
Cannabis topicals help people with painful and itchy skin problems feel less pain and itchiness and help the skin to regulate itself more easily.
Topicals aren’t just for skin health and beauty though, they are also formulated to help with pain and inflammation of the muscles, joints, and nerves. Full-Spectrum CBD topicals with a cooling or warming effect are best for muscle and joint pains.
The cannabinoids in topicals penetrate the surface of the skin and activate endocannabinoid receptors which help calm pain and lower inflammation. A quick note to remember about THC in topicals is that even when topicals contain THC they are unable to cause psychoactive effects.
Additionally, cannabis topicals are formulated with additional terpenes and botanicals like menthol, arnica, capsaicin, and other herbal extracts that create a synergistic amplification of cannabis’ beneficial properties.
BEST CANNABIS EDIBLES
Edibles are foods, beverages, and snacks infused with cannabis or hemp extract. Like other products, edibles come in a range of potencies and profiles with varying effects.
The most common and favorite types of cannabis edibles include,
Gummies
Baked Goods
Chocolates
Beverages
Soft Gel Capsules
Individual serving sizes of cannabis edibles usually start around 5mg and up, which is a great potency to start taking edibles for the average person.
The effects of taking cannabis edibles are generally considered more potent and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping.
However, since the active compounds in edibles must first pass through the digestive system, their effects take from half an hour to an hour or more to begin working. This is also why it's always advised to wait up to an hour to see how edibles will affect you before consuming more.
Edibles give a deep body buzz and powerful mood-boosting effects that are reportedly great for sleep, stress, lack of appetite, and pain. People enjoy edibles because they don’t have to smoke or vape, there are no messy oils with which to contend, and each serving has a precisely measured dose of cannabinoids so you know exactly how much you are taking.
Plus, cannabis edibles are convenient, portable, easy to enjoy, discrete, and are perfect for sharing at social events.
BEST CANNABIS PRODUCTS ONLINE
Native Roots Cannabis has the best cannabis products available online and in-person at our local dispensaries.
We specialize in high-quality cannabis products and are dedicated to providing all of our customers with the best selection of premium cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and more.
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