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CBD vs.THC

CBD vs. THC – What is the difference?

Trying to understand the kaleidoscope of compounds found in weed is a bit of a headache. We’re here to discuss and compare CBD vs. THC—the two most common and well-known cannabinoids in the world of marijuana. 

Both interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), but CBD vs. THC effects are on opposite sides of the spectrum. The difference between the two doesn’t end there. They’re also regulated and viewed under the eyes of the law as separate entities. 

Below we lift the curtain on CBD vs. THC and vice versa. Read on to learn all about the difference between THC and CBD as we explore what makes them unique and why even the most conservative states welcome one more than the other. 

What are cannabinoids?

To answer the question, “what’s the difference between CBD and THC?” we first must learn about cannabinoids. The term envelopes all of the chemical compounds in cannabis. The genus includes marijuana and hemp plants. 

Scientists have discovered over 100 cannabinoids to date, but what is CBD? What about THC? Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most prominent compounds found in cannabis, making them the most famous, studied, and understood.  

Cannabinoids can be split into two categories. First, endocannabinoids are made inside our bodies via special receptors, of which we have a natural supply. 

On the other hand, exogenous cannabinoids known as phytocannabinoids are made outside the body, like THC and CBD. 

Weed enthusiasts argue with anti-cannabis advocates that if we weren’t meant to consume marijuana, why would our bodies have special receptors to react to its compounds.

How do cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system?

Cannabis bud and joint
Cannabis bud and joint

Next, we need to read up on the ECS to understand more about CBD versus THC

THC and CBD interact with your body through the ECS. The extent of its responsibilities is still a mystery to scientists, but we know that it regulates cell communication. 

The system acts as a neurotransmitter that works through the numerous cannabinoid receptors we have throughout our bodies. When consumed, THC and CBD mimic and amplify the effects of our natural supply. 

A lengthy list of bodily functions has been discovered to be affected when cannabinoids react with the ECS. These include but aren’t limited to:

  • Stress
  • Appetite
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Inflammation 
  • Cardiovascular function
  • Metabolism 
  • Motivation
  • Sleep
  • Reproduction 

The main cannabinoid receptors in your brain are CB1 and CB2; they’re responsible for our physiological and cognitive processes

When THC and CBD enter the body, it locks onto both receptors. CBD focuses more on CB2. It’s for this reason that CBD carries no psychoactive properties and is less intoxicating. 

What’s the difference between CBD and THC?

When you look at CBD versus THC under a microscope, it’s plain to see that both have identical chemical formulas. However, the difference between them lies in the way their atoms are arranged. 

These minuscule differences are responsible for the varied effects on our bodies and why CBD vs. THC laws vary. 

Effects of THC and CBD

Let’s take a closer look at the difference in effects of CBD vs.THC on our mind and body. 

  • CBD: This cannabinoid is non-intoxicating and doesn’t elicit any moods or alter your perceptions. For these reasons its highly renowned by the medical community. For instance, CBD vs.THC for pain management during the day is a preferred choice. 

One of the other CBD benefits is that it also suppresses the activation of CB1, so when used in conjunction with THC, it helps counteract its negative effects. 

  • THC: THC vs. CBD has intoxicating properties and can produce many physical and psychological effects personal to each user. The experience you’ll have largely depends on the stain and the amount you consume. 

THC does come with negative side effects such as paranoia, headaches, and dizziness. You must know your limits when consuming THC products to avoid negative feelings. With this said, no one has ever had a fatal overdose.  

There are a variety of cannabis strains that offer different THC vs. CBD ratios for varied experiences. Low THC with high CBD marijuana, for example, will provide a high with a less intoxicating feeling. 

Legality of CBD vs. THC 

Smoking weed in nature
Smoking weed in nature

The legality of cannabinoid-based products across the US depends on their THC vs. CBD concentration. Whether it came from marijuana or hemp is also a key consideration.

 

Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the full scientific name given to the THC compound responsible for getting us high. Unfortunately, cannabis is still illegal under federal law. However, the movement to legalize Delta 9 for medical and recreational at state level has made big strides in recent years.

Many states, and counting, have passed resolutions to legalize the recreational use of THC and CBD. Others only allow, for now, medicinal marijuana, and the rest still stand firm against it. 

Another compound has been found which might shake up the game. Delta 8 THC is a cannabis compound that shares similar attributes to Delta 9 THC. 

In comparison, it has small differences in effects and health benefits. The most crucial difference is that it’s present in hemp, which is responsible for higher levels of CBD vs. THC and is legal under federal law since 2018’s Farm Bill.   

When comparing Delta 8 THC vs. CBD, the main difference is how they react with the ECS. Like Delta 9 THC, it dances with CB1 and CB2, while CBD only relates to CB2. 

Regulations surrounding hemp-derived CBD vs. THC products now vary throughout the states. The majority have an open-door policy towards it, while others only allow products with a high CBD oil vs. THC percentage for medicinal purposes.  

What are the medicinal properties of CBD?

CBD vs. THC has a long list of health benefits. This list is ever-expanding as researchers discover new medicinal properties. CBD is used to control and manage a variety of conditions, including: 

  • Inflammation and pain
  • Epilepsy and other types of seizures
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Anxiety/PTSD
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol 

CBD was put under the microscope first for its ability to reduce seizures in those suffering from a rare and debilitating form of epilepsy. 

Nowadays, the most common everyday use of CBD vs. THC is for treating mental health issues. You’ll find many patients use CBD tinctures for anxiety and depression. 

When you compare CBD vs. THC for anxiety, the latter has mixed results. While THC has been proven to help relieve feelings of anxiety, it’s also to blame in some cases as several strains may cause paranoia. 

What are the medicinal uses of THC?

With medical marijuana dispensaries popping up all over the US, it’s no secret that THC vs. CBD also has important health benefits. The two cannabinoids treatment lists often overlap, but THC is particularly effective for: 

  • Nausea
  • Killing cancer cells
  • Appetite loss 
  • Insomnia 
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammation 
  • Depression 
  • Gum disease
  • Stress
  • Parkinsons disease
  • Arthritis 

CBD vs. THC for sleep is a personal choice. Both compounds can induce a restful night, but THC is preferred by those that have insomnia. 

One of the most groundbreaking discoveries of recent years is THC’s role in fighting cancer. Patients can also receive relief from other symptoms of the illness by using THC vs. CBD, like nausea, a loss of appetite, and insomnia.

What is the entourage effect?

We’ve been comparing the two primary cannabinoids CBD versus THC. However, the entourage effect is when two or more cannabis compounds work together in harmony and, as a result, create more profound effects on the body. You can evoke different entourage effects by consuming a marijuana strain with more THC vs. CBD or vice versa. 

The science behind the entourage effect of other lesser-known cannabis compounds and molecules like terpenes, CBN, CBG, and CBC are still mostly a puzzle. Combined with THC and CBD, it may be them we have to thank for enhancing, prolonging, or reducing the key compounds attributes. 

So far, studies have found that the largest collection of phytochemicals, terpenes, are a key piece to unraveling the full extent of the entourage effect in cannabis. 

Beyond controlling the flavor and aroma of weed, they also appear to aid others like THC and CBD in providing cerebral and physiological effects.

The difference between growing high THC and high CBD seeds

Flowering cannabis
Flowering cannabis

Cultivating high CBD seeds has become as equally as popular as growing high THC seeds of marijuana. 

The ever-popular debate on which one is better, THC vs. CBD, has sparked demand for both. Now people are questioning what is the difference between CBD and THC farming? 

The growing method for each is virtually the same. It’s the result of cultivating CBD vs. THC that differs largely. 

A key difference between CBD and THC growing is when the optimal time to harvest is. CBD degrades fast, so picking your buds earlier rather than later is a good choice for high content. In comparison, THC vs. CBD is best left to mature.

Remember, though, that there’s no way to force your weed plants to produce more or less of these compounds past their genetic limits. Therefore, you must choose a strain that possesses your desired ratios. 

Online seed banks like i49 stock high-quality seeds boasting various THC and CBD percentages to suit all needs. 

What are some of the best high CBD seeds?

A CBD vs. THC strain holds the trophy more often than not for medical marijuana users. Their popularity has opened doors to a new audience of consumers who don’t desire the high effects THC boasts but require the relief that CBD provides. 

If you’re looking for quality strains and cannabis seeds that boast a higher ratio ofCBD vs. THC, take a look below at the top three. 

Auto CBD Kush

This Auto CBD Kush stain boasts a typical THC vs. CBD ratio of 1:1. Some varieties push their CBD levels to as high as 7% over 1% THC. It’s renowned for its positive effects on chronic muscle spasms, anxiety, and stress. 

Its compact size makes for unintrusive indoor growing, and it can yield around 14 ounces after 70 days of flowering.

CBD Harlequin Fem

CBD Harlequin Fem marijuana holds the medal for being one of the most potent strains for medical properties. Its sativa dominant and is a low THC high CBD strain with up to 18% CBD over 0.6% THC.

If you grow outdoors, the yield potential is colossal at up to 31 ounces. Indoors you can expect around 19 ounces of bud.

CBD Haze Fem

There are many different Haze seeds available that boast low THC high CBD. One of the most popular CBD Haze Fem seeds is the 1:1 ratio strain. It provides a perfect balance of around 10% CBD and 10% THC. 

It takes around 12 weeks to flower and can yield up to 19 ounces indoors. 

High THC seeds to grow

If you prefer a knock your socks off smoke, then take a look at the following high THC vs. CBD strains loved by many for recreational and medicinal use. They feature some of the highest concentrations of THC around. 

Alien Technology Regular

Alien Technology regular seeds are an indica strain that packs an out-of-this-world punch. They have a 21% THC vs. CBD at 0.5%. 

These beginner cannabis plants flower within ten weeks and yields around 18 ounces of stinky bud. It’s an ideal strain for relief from stomach aches, arthritis, and depression. 

Auto Bruce Banner

Overtaking the last contender, Auto Bruce Banner provides an even bigger hit of THC at 23%. These hybrid seeds only carry around 0.7% CBD and are famous for being a strong smoke in every sense. 

Plant this heavy THC vs. CBD strain and expect up to 17 ounces after ten weeks of flowering. 

Blue Cheese Feminized

This gourmet indica dominant strain is one of the tastiest around. Blue Cheese Feminized boasts superior heritage, contributing to its beloved 20% THC vs. CBD potency and euphoric high. You’ll only find trace amounts of CBD of less than 0.5% here, yet you’ll find relief from stress, migraines, and insomnia.  

Harvest crops of up to 19 ounces outdoors after eight to ten weeks of flowering.  

Key Takeaways 

Even after years of study, cannabis holds a plethora of secrets regarding the benefits to our holistic health

We’re yet to discover the many ways in which cannabis compounds interact with each other and impact our ECS to alter the way we feel and tackle medical conditions. 

Laws across the US have always favored CBD vs. THC, yet additional health benefits of THC emerge every year. As the nation’s public and officials recognize these attributes, more and more states turn green. 

Watch this space. If you don’t live in a state where weed is legal, there’s a high chance that reform is just around the corner. If you do, conduct a little research yourself and grow some high CBD vs. THC seeds or vice versa, depending on your preference. 

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