Understanding THC vs CBD

There’s a lot of information out there about THC and CBD, but it can be tough to understand what the differences are and why they matter. In this blog post, we’re going to break down THC vs CBD so that you better understand each one and how they work. So stay tuned – you might just learn something new!

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is a natural compound found in the cannabis sativa plant and is the primary psychoactive compound of marijuana. In other words, THC is what gets you “high” when you consume cannabis products. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your body, which helps produce various physical and psychological effects, such as an altered sense of time, increased appetite, or an altered mood.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another natural compound in Cannabis Sativa plants and hemp plants. However, this can be tricky to understand because the same plant can have different levels of THC and CBD. Cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC are considered hemp plants, and these plants typically have higher levels of CBD than marijuana plants.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects, so you won’t get “high” when consuming CBD-based products. Instead, CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in your body and has been shown to have various therapeutic and medical benefits, such as reduced inflammation and pain relief. However, chemically, these natural compounds have nearly the same chemical makeup, and they both interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body.

So, while THC and CBD are similar in their chemical makeup and effects on our bodies, they have very different effects when consumed. Let’s take a look at the differences between CBD and THC in a bit more detail below.

CBD vs THC & Key Differences

As we mentioned, there are quite a few key differences between THC and CBD. Let’s get into it!

THC And CBD Sources

Marijuana and hemp have both THC and CBD present, but marijuana contains exceptionally high levels of THC compared to the abundance of CBD in hemp. This plays an important part in the sale and possession of cannabis products, as CBD products with <0.3% THC are legal in many countries and states, whereas marijuana-derived products are not.

Chemical Structures & The Endocannabinoid System

The chemical makeup of THC and CBD is very similar, but the arrangement of atoms differs slightly. As we mentioned before, this minor difference makes a massive contrast in terms of how they interact with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system.

THC and CBD interact with ECS receptors in the brain, central nervous system (CB1), and immune system (CB2). THC binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors and produces effects such as hunger, pain relief, and anxiety reduction. CBD, on the other hand, has no affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Exactly how it affects the ECS is quite a mystery, and further research needs to be done to understand how CBD impacts ECS neurotransmitters. Some believe CBD helps block enzymes that break down endocannabinoids. This allows naturally occurring endocannabinoids to regulate the body’s functions over a longer period. Alternatively, other researchers believe that the receptors that CBD binds with have yet to be found.

Psychoactive Vs Non-Psychoactive Properties

THC produces psychoactive effects, while CBD does not.

THC may produce:

Altered sense of time
Increased appetite
Relaxation or anxiety
Pain relief
Cerebral stimulation
Mood changes

CBD may produce:

Pain relief
Anti-inflammation effects
Anxiety and stress reduction
Neuroprotective effects
Cognitive enhancement
Anti-nausea and antiemetic properties

Moreover, CBD is often used to counterbalance the effects of THC. By blocking THC from binding with ECS receptors when both are taken together, it greatly reduces any intoxicating influences caused by its presence. As a result, products that combine both compounds tend to be more balanced than those that rely solely on one or the other for their efficacy.

Legality

Under the Controlled Substances Act, THC is considered a Schedule I drug and is, therefore, federally illegal. While CBD has been legalized in most states, it still falls under the same restrictions as THC when derived from marijuana plants. However, when made from hemp – which contains less than 0.3% THC – it becomes legal across all 50 U.S. states.

However, this is where things get tricky. States have their own laws about the consumption of cannabis that many times contradict federal law. At present, 21 states allow the recreational use of cannabis. In addition, 33 states and Washington, DC, allow the medical use of cannabis. There are, however, several states where the use of cannabis is outright illegal.

It’s also important to note that there aren’t many FDA-approved CBD products. So, if you’re looking to buy CBD products, make sure that they are from a reputable source and contain less than 0.3% THC – otherwise, they could be illegal in your state.

CBD vs THC Potential Benefits & Side Effects

With any natural remedy, it’s essential to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages – cannabis is no exception. While its therapeutic properties may prove beneficial in managing medical or stress-related issues, there are also potential side effects associated with using THC or CBD. To ensure that you’re fully informed before deciding about cannabis use, here is an overview of what you should expect from both positive and negative aspects.

Benefits Of THC

Stimulates appetite
Improves sleep quality
Enhances sensory perception
Reduces pain and inflammation
May have anti-cancer properties
Induces states of relaxation and euphoria
Can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress levels
Potentially improves cognitive functioning and memory

Side Effects Of THC

Confusion
Red eyes
Dry mouth
Slow reaction time
Increased heart rate
Short-term memory loss
Paranoia and/or anxiety in high doses
Potential risk of Cannabis Use Disorder in long term consumers

Benefits Of CBD

Anti-inflammation
Chronic pain relief
Assists in sleep regulation
Reduces PTSD symptoms
Can help treat opioid addiction
Has neuroprotective properties
Alleviates joint and muscle pain
Can mitigate select epilepsy syndromes
May have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects

Side-Effects Of CBD

Fatigue
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Sleepiness
May interact with other medications

As you can see, CBD and THC have distinct and powerful therapeutic qualities. When used together, these cannabinoids can work synergistically to produce a greater range of benefits than either one could on its own. This is called The Entourage Effect! Though, it’s ultimately up to you to explore these options and determine what works best.

How to Take CBD and THC

Adding CBD and THC into your routine can be a complementary and integrative health approach to managing your physical and mental well-being. Depending on your preference, there are several ways to consume both cannabinoids.

Flower And Pre-Rolls

Flower and pre-rolled joints are a classic way of consuming cannabis that many people prefer due to the ritualistic nature. Some people prefer to roll their own joints or smoke cannabis out of pipes, bongs, and other accessories. A great indica flower option is 3C Farms’ Clockwork Elves,which offers a cannabis potency of 40.65%, giving you all the high vibes you’re looking for.

Vapes

Vaping is a popular way of consuming cannabis due to its convenience and discretion. Pre-filled disposable vape pens are a great way to get started with vaping and offer an easy way to see the concentrations of THC or CBD you’re getting. If you’re a seasoned vape smoker, you’ll find plenty of 510 thread vape cartridges available. Once you’re oil depletes, you can pop on another one onto any 510 thread battery.

For those wanting a solid session, Gold Flora’s Black Gold Durban Poison vape with 78.1%THC concentration hits all the right notes. On a different note, Sunset Tea by Kurvana brings a heady CBD concentration of 49.6% and a low THC combination for a balanced high.

Edibles

From weed gummies to chocolates, drinks, and many other infused products, there are countless ways to ingest cannabis.

Try Dr. Norm’s Max Chocolate Chip Cookie, an Indica-leaning edible with high THC, if you’re looking to sit back and relax at the end of a tiring day. If you’re after a more balanced experience, try Granny B Goods’ Canamels with high CBD.

You’ll want to make sure to ask our knowledgeable Crew Members how long your cannabis edible will take effect as activation times vary. Due to having to go through the digestive system, many edibles take up to 2 hours to take effect.

Tinctures

Tinctures are an incredibly effortless way to reap the benefits of CBD or THC instantly They provide an easy way to dose and can be taken directly under the tongue or added to food or drinks.

If you’re looking for a THC tincture you can incorporate into a drink or smoothie, try Habit’s Pure THC syrup tincture to give you a delicious high. If you need a little more chill and restoration in your day, give Green Revolution’s Avocado Tincture Anxiety Free tincture a try for a stress-free day.

Topicals

Cannabis topicals are an excellent way to reap the benefits of CBD and THC without experiencing a high. They can be applied directly onto the skin to provide localized relief from pain, inflammation, and more.

To get started with topicals, try Sweet Releaf’s Topicals Comfort Plus Body Butter to get that baby-smooth skin and focalized relief. On the CBD-rich side, give Papa & Barkley’s CBD Balm a try to soothe sore muscles or relieve your achy bones.

FAQ

What Is The Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that different compounds found in a cannabis plant can work together synergistically and produce more holistic effects. So, CBD and terpenes (another compound produced within the cannabis plant) can work together to blunt the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis.

Is CBD More Effective Than THC?

Both CBD and THC are effective in their own ways. Whether you choose one or the other depends on the purpose you are using cannabis for.

For example, if you are looking for a cannabis product to help you manage your anxiety, you might find CBD more useful. On the other hand, if you are struggling with your appetite, THC might work better to help boost hunger.

Will CBD Make Me Fail Drug Tests?

Most standard drug tests look for THC and its metabolites, not CBD. However, if you’re worried about failing a drug test due to trace amounts of THC in CBD-dominant products, we recommend opting for a broad-spectrum CBD product that is THC-free.

How Long Do The Effects Of CBD And THC Last?

There is no clear answer since the duration of your high depends on factors like your body composition, the dose taken, and the method of consuming cannabis. Generally, edibles and tinctures take longer to kick in but last the longest.

On the other hand, smoking or vaping cannabis will provide a more immediate effect that will wear off a little quicker.

Overall, cannabis comes in many forms, and there are plenty of options for finding something that fits your needs. So whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or something to help you relax, there’s a cannabis product out there that’s right for you!

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds

King’s Crew is always here to be the cannabis guru you need. Combining THC and CBD can be the perfect way to get the best of both worlds — the uplifting effects of THC coupled with the calming effects of CBD, providing a balanced high.

Whatever your needs, there’s something for everyone on our menu! You can choose products that work for your particular needs from our extensive collection of pre-rolls, vapes, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and concentrates. We exclusively stock products that are market leaders and have been tested properly for safety and potency. When you’re shopping with us, you can be sure that you will find California’s most popular cannabis brands on our shelves.

Browse our menu and order online for easy pickup!

Understanding THC vs CBD