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CBD vs THC:  What's The Difference?

CBD vs THC: What's The Difference?

As of October 2018, cannabis has been legal in the entirety of Canada, with millions of people enjoying it every day. Whether we buy weed online and smoke it, vape, or consume it through edibles, we’re all just finding the blends that work best for us.

What makes these statistics surprising is how many of these millions of enthusiasts seem to be confused about the product they are using. We all know that some strains are stronger than others. Some are chill without making us feel particularly high, while others create quite a buzz. That is due primarily to the proportions of two compounds – cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – included in different strains. But what’s the difference between CBD vs. THC?

It’s important to know, our bodies have both CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are the boss of the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors hang around in the peripheral nervous system. Anything that affects CB1 receptors will likely have a psychoactive impact because those receptors affect our brain and spinal cord. Anything that impacts CB2 receptors is likely to affect the rest of our body.

CBD and THC are two of the more than 60 cannabinoids found in cannabis, although each plays a different role and impacts a different part of our bodies. CBD and THC possess the same atoms, but those atoms are arranged quite differently.

 

A Look at CBD

CBD binds primarily to CB2 receptors, which is why it is known as a wellness product, and is found in everything from creams to soft gels to edibles. In fact, many people count on CBD to help them get through the day.

As the second most prevalent of marijuana’s active ingredients, CBD is a life-altering substance for many and has the potential to change the lives of millions more.

It’s important to note: most CBD products, whether it’s in a topical cream, a tincture, or a shot into a smoothie we buy at a health club, won’t get us high. In most places, CBD cannot be sold if it contains a THC content over 0.3 percent. You may feel better, just not higher.

 

What About THC?

THC mimics anandamide, a natural chemical in the brain, altering the way our brain operates. It attaches to neurons in a way that influences how we think, concentrates, move, and perceive time. It also impacts our sense of pleasure, memory, and coordination. The high we feel is a result of the way THC causes cells in our brain to release dopamine, a chemical that creates a sense of euphoria. For all these reasons, doing anything like driving a car or operating power tools are truly terrible ideas while under the influence of THC.

Like CBD, THC has a lot to brag about – for centuries, we have enjoyed its effects for a variety of reasons. Some people use THC to kick start their day, others enjoy chilling out with a joint after a tough day. 

In another similarity to CBD, THC can be purchased from a licensed cannabis store in the form of drops, oils, edibles, syrups, lotions, balms, and more.

 

How CBD and THC Work Together

CBD acts like a wingman who watches out for his friend THC. Ingested together, it's possible that CBD actually changes your high. Technically, all marijuana contains both THC and CBD, but different ratios of the two create different experiences altogether. Having more options is what it’s all about. We want to be able to walk into our local cannabis store and tell them what we’re looking for. The ratio of CBD to THC helps determine what a particular strain of marijuana can do for us.

Both CBD and THC offer benefits. It’s up to us to ask for a ratio that meets our particular needs.

Looking to find what ratio works best for you? Check out our catalog of THC and CBD strains at Canna Cabana!