THC and CBD are the two most common cannabinoids found in cannabis. Here’s everything we think you should know about them.
When browsing the shelves of HCH Vail, there are a few terms you’ll see over and over again, but the most important two are THC and CBD. THC and CBD have their own unique properties, uses, and even side effects. Not sure which one is right for you? Let’s break it down!
What's the difference between THC and CBD?
THC and CBD are compounds found within the cannabis plant. Also known as cannabinoids, recreational and medical marijuana often contains large doses of both THC and CBD. When consumed, these compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, whose receptors attach to THC or CBD present in your body, creating a powerful chemical effect.
What are cannabinoids?
All active compounds found in cannabis are cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the most well known. These days, cannabis products might also feature lesser known cannabinoids that have beneficial effects of their own.
THC
What is THC?
THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis products. It creates the “high” sensation most people are familiar with. While THC is psychoactive in high doses, lower doses are often used for medical purposes, such as mood regulation or to control pain and inflammation in people suffering from chronic pain conditions.
What are sativa strains used for?
More energizing and uplifting, sativa strains contain cannabinoids that produce a more enlivening, active high. They’re great for socializing and daytime use.
What are indica strains used for?
Relaxing, sedating, and mellow, indica strains are perfect for times when you want to wind down. The minor cannabinoids they contain make them perfect for bedtime.
What are hybrid strains used for?
Balancing the effects of sativa and indica strains, hybrid cannabis creates a more balanced effect that keeps you on an even keel. Hybrids are excellent for those times when you want to be energized yet chill.
What receptors does THC bind to?
Once you consume THC, it binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout your endocannabinoid system, primarily to CB1 and CB2 receptors. The bond it forms to CB1 receptors appears to be responsible for THC’s powerful psychoactive properties.
How can THC be taken?
There are as many ways to take THC as there are to consume cannabis! Try smoking flower or vaping, or branch out with options like edibles, topicals, tinctures, and more. If you can imagine it, someone has made a THC version of it.
How much THC should I take?
With THC products a good rule is to start low and go slow. Work your way up a couple of milligrams with each consumption session until you find your perfect fit. And don’t rush—it can take time for effects to fully kick in, depending on your consumption method.
What are the benefits of THC?
People use THC for a variety of reasons, including improved general physical and mental well being, or simply to chill out and have a good time. Some people use it recreationally for its psychoactive effect, while others use it to manage various ailments.
What are the possible side effects of THC?
THC is perfectly safe in low doses. If you take too much, you may experience unpleasant side effects like confusion, dizziness, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms, lie down and drink plenty of water until they pass.
CBD
What is CBD?
The second most common compound found in the cannabis plant, CBD is non-psychoactive. It has a number of medical benefits in common with THC, and it is often used therapeutically by people looking to experience the medical benefits of cannabis without the high. Unlike THC, CBD has been approved by the FDA to treat seizure disorders, and as long as it’s sourced from industrial hemp rather than cannabis plants, CBD products are legal in most states under the farm bill.
What is full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD contains the full range of cannabinoids and other compounds found within the cannabis plant, including a very low dose of THC, at a maximum of 0.3%.
What is broad spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD has been specifically processed to remove even trace amounts of THC, while retaining CBD’s other beneficial cannabinoids and other compounds.
What receptors does CBD bind to?
When you consume cannabidiol CBD, it binds to receptors throughout your system, including non-cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor that gives its effect is the CB2 receptor, which may explain CBD’s effectiveness in pain and anxiety management.
How can CBD be taken?
Like THC, CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways, including vapes, edibles, topicals, and more.
How much CBD should I take?
It’s much harder to overdose on CBD than it is on THC, so you can ingest a larger amount right off the bat. In general, we recommend newbies start with a single serving of any CBD product and work their way up from there.
What are the benefits of CBD?
CBD products offer several of the same benefits found in THC without the psychoactive effects. Many people use CBD oil as a topical treatment to soothe minor aches and pains. Others ingest it to calm anxiety and stress.
What are the side effects of CBD?
Fewer people experience side effects from CBD. Taken at large doses it can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and a reduced appetite. Like any other compound, it can interact with medications, so check with your doctor if necessary.
What CBD products are available at HCH?
We’ve got a ton of CBD-rich products on the shelves of High Country Healing. If you’re interested in giving them a try, here are some of our favorite categories to explore:
- Isolated CBD, like Become CBD Concentrate
- Animal-friendly products, like Infusiasm’s Pet Tincture
- High THC candy, like Wana’s Strawberry CBD Gummies
- Soothing treatments, like Foria’s Relief CBD Suppositories
- Spa day products, like Mary Jane’s CBD Bath Bomb
