THC vs CBD: Understanding Cannabis Compounds and Strains
Introduction
Cannabis, marijuana, weed, pot, or any other number of names that you want to call it (check out our blog post about the history of cannabis slang), has been used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes for centuries. The legalization efforts have swept the country, destigmatizing the plant, and now more people than ever, are interested in learning about cannabis and its effects. This is the first of many posts that are aimed at helping you understand the basics. We start with the difference between THC and CBD, their key compounds, then we cover the distinctions between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis belongs to the Cannabaceae family, and it comes in different species, the most common being Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. As you probably already know, the plant has psychoactive properties, but where do these properties come from? These properties are due to the chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system. This system is in charge of regulating physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, and pain.
Consumption Methods
Cannabis is consumed in many forms, such as:
Smoking
Vaping
Edibles
Tinctures
Most importantly, your choice of consumption method will create different effects, depending on the strain and your individual body chemistry. Edibles can sometimes induce a more intense, intoxicating high than smoking, because of how the body metabolizes THC, the main compound in cannabis. Ingested THC is processed in the stomach and liver That means so the effects will last a lot longer. This results in effects that could take two hours for the high to peak, and it should start to fade over the next three hours, again, depending on the individual. Inhaled cannabis effects tend to peak within 10 minutes, then begin to fade after an hour.
Explanation of inhaling vs. ingesting THC; source https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-06/CCSA-Cannabis-Inhaling-Ingesting-Risks-Infographic-2019-en_1.pdf
THC vs. CBD: Key Compounds in Cannabis
There has been an explosion of THC and CBD products over the past few years. This explosion was a result of the 2018 Farm Bill that has coincided with the legalization of recreational weed sweeping the country. This loophole allows for legal hemp production to yield a THC compound that skirts federal and state regulation because it comes from hemp rather than cannabis. This hemp loophole has created a marketplace in which delta-8-THC products are being sold outside the purview of regulatory agencies designed and implemented to regulate the sale of THC products, but that is starting to change as many states adopt legislation to crack down on this industry.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the cannabinoids responsible for the effects of cannabis.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what causes that “high,” feeling. It does this by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain which affects your mood, memory, perception, and coordination. THC can be Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC), but that’s a topic for another lesson. What’s most important to know right now is that delta 8 THC is what you find in gas stations and smoke shops that are selling hemp derived THC products. Regardless, THC is ultimately responsible for euphoric and relaxing effects that make it popular for recreational use. It may also have therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation.
CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is now widely known and marketed for potential therapeutic properties. Some of these include anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anticonvulsant effects. In addition CBD is used for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep, without experiencing the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD is non-psychoactive, and in fact, it partially counteracts the effects of THC. Some people report that consuming CBD after consuming THC helps them come down from the high faster.
Hopefully you have a better understanding of CBD and THC. This information is especially helpful when shopping for cannabis edibles that contain ratios of CBD:THC. For example, a 1:1 ratio will provide a balance of psychoactive effects as well as pain relief and relaxation. A higher ratio of CBD to THC, like 10:1 or 20:1 are better if you’re seeking relief from anxiety or inflammation without a strong high. On the other hand a higher THC to CBD ratio (such as 10:1) will provide a more psychoactive experience.
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains Explained
Now that we’ve covered the difference between THC and CBD, let’s look at the different cannabis strains. Understanding the differences in Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains will be important on your cannabis journey as you search for products that provide the desired effect. Each can be generally characterized by several key attributes and have their own unique flavors and scents.
Indica
This is your couch potato strain. Do you want to chill out after a long day? Maybe you want to watch TV or zone out to music. The standing joke is that indica is shorthand for "in da couch" because you'll be melting into your favorite chair or sofa after consuming it.
SATIVA
This is the opposite of Indica. Consuming a sativa strain is like a shot of espresso for your brain. It's perfect if you want to focus on a task or go on a hike. It's the "let's do things" weed.
Hybrids
Hybrids provide you with the best of both. They're a mix of the indica stain and sativa strainn, so you might get a bit of relaxation without turning into a total zombie, or some mental clarity without bouncing off the walls.
Choosing the right cannabis for you
When you're picking out weed, think about what you're after. Wanna relax? Ease some pain? Get creative? Fight anxiety? Knowing about THC, CBD, and these different strains will help you figure out what's right for you.
Just remember, start small if you're new to this. Everyone reacts differently to weed, so what knocks your friend on their ass might barely affect you.
Final Thoughts
Being armed with this knowledge can help you on your cannabis journey. It will help you ask the right questions as budtenders try to guide you in your product selection. Whether you want to chill, deal with pain, or spark some creativity, there's probably a strain out there for you.
Stop in our Bloomfield dispensary at 368b Broad Street and our budtenders can help you find what you're looking for. Our staff knows their stuff and can point you in the right direction. We're here to help you discover all the cool things cannabis can do for you.