December 17, 2024

Understanding CBD vs. THC: A Comprehensive Guide

by Maria Kolesnikova in Blog

Learning the difference between CBD and THC helps you make better choices when picking cannabis products for your specific needs.

If you’re considering trying cannabis for whatever reason, recreational or medical, knowing the difference between CBD and THC is very important.

The two cannabinoids, though sounding similar, are very different from one another regarding stimulation, benefits, and more.

Therefore, before taking cannabis, whether as an oil, vape, edible, and so forth, it’s good to understand the differences between CBD and THC to gain the most benefits.

What Are CBD and THC?

Both well-known cannabis compounds, CBD and THC, have a similar chemical structure, but their molecules are arranged differently.

Source: MDPI

While THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD is non-intoxicating. In other words, you won’t get “high,” regardless of dose.

Both compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network that regulates functions like pain, sleep, mood, or appetite. However, their approach differs.

THC binds to CB1 receptors, found primarily in the brain, which leads to its psychoactive effect.

As CBD doesn’t bind strongly to CB1 receptors, it impacts the endocannabinoid system without producing intoxication.

CBD: The Non-Intoxicating Compound

CBD products are ideal for consumers who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.

Types of CBD

If you’ve been shopping around, you likely noticed different cannabinoid spectrum choices:

Full-spectrum CBD: Features all beneficial plant compounds in the cannabis plant, including less than 0.3% THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD: Features all plant compounds except THC.
Isolate CBD: Pure CBD, without other substances.

The interaction between cannabis compounds enhances the product’s benefits. In short, full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD tend to be more effective.

Benefits of CBD

CBD also provides a lot of mental and physical benefits. For example:

CBD Consumption Methods

There are various methods of CBD consumption. The most popular include:

CBD oils: Ingested sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption.
CBD capsules: Great for those who want a tasteless option.
CBD tinctures: Often infused with flavors, you can take them directly or add them to food or drinks.
CBD creams: Applied topically for pain relief.

THC: The Psychoactive Component

THC is ideal for consumers who want the psychoactive, therapeutic, and medical benefits of the cannabis plant.

Types of THC

There are a few different types of THC, with the main being delta-9 THC:

Delta-9 THC: The most common form of THC and is responsible for the “High.”
Delta-8 & Delta 10: These are slightly milder alternatives, with less psychoactive effects.
THCA: This is non-psychoactive until it is heated, providing unique benefits like appetite suppression.
THCP: This option is more potent than delta-9 THC, but it’s still under research.

Benefits of THC

There are many ways in which THC can benefit users. This includes:

Chronic pain relief
Stimulating appetite
Can treat muscle spasms in conditions like multiple sclerosis

The effects of THC products vary by dosage, and the substance produces the “high” associated with marijuana use.

THC Consumption Methods

When it comes to ways to consume it, there are plenty of options:

Flower: Traditional dried cannabis for smoking.
Edibles: Gummies, chocolate, or other foods that offer long-lasting effects.
Concentrates: High-potency extracts for experienced users.
THC tinctures: Liquid extracts taken sublingually.
Topicals: Applied topically for pain relief.

The effects of THC products vary by dosage, and the substance produces the high associated with marijuana use.

In the short run, consumers can experience euphoria or relaxation, as well as heightened sensory perception. Plus, there’s a chance you’ll get the “munchies”, given THC’s influence on appetite.

Key Differences Between CBD and THC

As you probably figured out by now, each compound comes with pros and cons. It ultimately depends on the purpose for which you intend to use it.

	CBD	THC
Psychoactive effects	Does not produce a “high”	Causes a “high”
Potential benefits	Reduces anxiety, inflammation, seizures, pain; can improve mood and sleep.	Reduces pain, nausea, pain; can stimulate appetite.
Side effects and risks	Generally well-tolerated, can cause dry mouth, drowsiness, lightheadedness, or low blood pressure	Can cause dry mouth, increased heart rate, dizziness, memory issues, anxiety; in the long term, overuse can lead to impaired cognitive functions

Choosing Between CBD and THC: A Quick Guide

When picking between CBD and THC, take into account your needs and preferences, as well as any legal considerations.

1. Assess your Goals

CBD products are the better choice for consumers who don’t want to get intoxicated. You still get the benefits, just not the “high.”

On the other hand, THC can be more effective for pain relief. If you’re dealing with chronic issues, you may need a more powerful solution.

2. Consider the Legal Implications

CBD is widely legal in the USA as long as it’s derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC. THC, meanwhile, is only legal in certain states. Therefore, always check local regulations to avoid problems.

3. Think About Drug Testing

On a similar note, even small amounts of THC are likely to result in a positive test. Full-spectrum CBD also falls into this category. If this is a concern, opt for broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolates.

4. Start with Low Doses

People who haven’t tried cannabis before should start with low doses to see how their body reacts. Begin with 5-10mg of CBD taken twice daily and 2.5mg of THC or less. You never know whether you might experience an adverse reaction or side effects.

5. Talk to Your Doctor

Consumers who have preexisting conditions or take medications should discuss their intention to try cannabis with a healthcare professional.

Since they have access to your medical history, they can provide personalized advice and recommend doses for your specific condition. Doing this also lets you avoid harmful drug interactions.

Legal Status in the USA

In the USA, cannabis is legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 for recreational purposes. That said, product compliance varies depending on potency and state-specific regulations.

Source: Britannica

CBD is federally legal if it’s from a cannabis variety called hemp, containing less than 0.3% THC. That’s why CBD products, such as oils and edibles, are widely available.

In contrast, THC is considered a Schedule I drug, but it’s legal for medical or recreational use in certain states. Laws vary, with some states requiring medical cards for access.

Conclusion

THC and CBD provide similar benefits. But while the first gets you high, the latter lets you get the benefits without the intoxication.

Before you purchase your first cannabis product, examine your options carefully. When you make an informed decision, you consume responsibly and in a way suited to your lifestyle and goals.

If you want to purchase high-quality cannabis products online, consider checking out our shop. We have a range of products for you to choose from.

December 17, 2024

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product

Learn how to assess available cannabis products so you can find the perfect option for you. If you’re a newbie in the cannabis world, the number of options can leave you second-guessing yourself. Should you go with an edible, or is vaping better? Is THC more suited to your requirements than CBD? Etc. There’s a lot to think about. Thankfully, however, sorting through cannabis products for sale becomes easier when you know how each of them works. Step 1: Understand Cannabis Basics Cannabis is a plant that comes in various forms, products, and potencies. By gaining a basic understanding, you’ll be more informed when searching for the right product. Differences Between THC and CBD The cannabis plant produces a dense resin rich in compounds called cannabinoids. The main ones are THC and CBD, which you’ll find in many cannabis products available on the market. Substance Effect What it does Benefits THC Psychoactive, produces a “high” Stimulates parts of your brain that respond to pleasure, releases dopamine Pain management, Appetite boost, Nausea reduction, Anxiety/depression relief CBD Non-intoxicating Slows down signals to your brain, lowers inflammation Pain management, Anti-inflammatory, Anxiety/depression relief Product Types Cannabis products vary in ingredients. When it comes to their cannabinoid composition, you can pick between three options: Full-spectrum: Contain all compounds found in the plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum: Contain multiple compounds found in the plant except THC. Isolate: Contain only CBD. The Entourage Effect Depending on what you’re looking for, cannabis compounds are more powerful together than in isolation. This is due to what’s known as the entourage effect. The compounds work together synergistically to enhance the product’s effectiveness. In other words, cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with compounds called terpenes, flavonoids, etc., provide more benefits when they interact. Step 2: Identify Your Goals Maybe you want the best THC gummies for relaxation, or perhaps you would be better off with a CBD oil that improves sleep. Before you add a selection of cannabis products to your basket and proceed to checkout, clarify what you want to achieve. Determine Your Objective Cannabis products can help with several issues, such as: Pain relief: A 2017 review of over 10,000 studies confirmed that cannabis relieves chronic pain. Relaxation: Researchers found that low doses of THC reduce stress. Sleep aid: A large-scale study indicated that over half of the subjects who used cannabis aids achieved deeper sleep. Anxiety reduction: Another study revealed that 79.2% of patients experienced reduced anxiety after a month of CBD. Simply, using THC can lead to relaxation, better sleep, and pain relief. CBD is ideal for consumers keen to keep anxiety or pain in check without experiencing a high. Therefore, determine your objective for cannabis use before purchasing. This will ensure you get the benefits you’re searching for. Take Your Experience Into Account Complete beginners might want to start with a CBD-only or low-dose THC option. You never know how you’ll react, so it’s always recommended. For more experienced consumers, on the other hand, you may want more potent cannabis, as you’re aware of how your body responds to the plant. Step 3: Explore Different Product Types Knowing the different types of available cannabis products can also help you choose the right option. The main ones include: Product Type Onset Time Duration Edibles 30 to 90 minutes Up to 12 hours Oils and Tinctures 10 to 60 minutes 4 to 12 hours Vapes Around 10 minutes Up to 3 hours Topicals 10 to 60 minutes Up to 6 hours Capsules and Pills 30 minutes to 2 hours Upwards of 12 hours Step 4: Consider Important Factors There are a few additional factors to weigh while browsing through cannabis products for sale. Desired Effects Since there’s plenty of choice, you can achieve different outcomes: Relaxation: Indica-dominant strains and CBD products have calming effects, helping consumers relax. Focus: Sativa-dominant strains, along with low-dose THC products, can give you an energy boost. Pain relief: Products containing both THC and CBD offer comprehensive relief for consumers struggling with chronic pain. Onset and Duration Choose a product based on how quickly you want it to kick in and how long you want it to last. Vapes, oils, and tinctures provide rapid relief, for instance. Edibles and capsules, however, have longer-lasting effects. Your Lifestyle Beginners should also think about how cannabis will fit into their routine. If discretion is important, edibles and capsules don’t draw attention. For sheer convenience, vapes and oils are probably the best. Drug Interactions Certain cannabis products, especially those with higher THC content, can interact with other medications. That means you might experience side effects when you mix them with other treatments. Because of this, if you take medication, research potential interactions. If you’re concerned about how the product would affect pre-existing conditions, consult with a healthcare professional beforehand. Step 5: Learn to Read Product Labels To be 100% confident in your cannabis product, paying attention to the label is highly advised. Understand THC and CBD Percentages Knowing the THC and CBD content of the product helps you assess its effects: For oils: The label typically lists the cannabinoid content per millimeter (e.g. If the label says 30mg of THC per 1ml, each 1ml dose has 30mg of THC). For edibles: Check the total milligrams of cannabinoids per piece (e.g. The packaging lists 10mg of THC per gummy, so that’s the dose you’ll ingest). Look for Third-Party Lab Testing Results Reputable brands will offer third-party lab testing results to confirm the potency and quality of their products. These ensure that the product contains the cannabinoids it claims. Additionally, they certify that the product is free of pesticides and other impurities. Check for Additional Ingredients Cannabis products - edibles and vapes in particular - sometimes contain sweeteners or flavorings. That might be a problem for consumers with dietary restrictions or allergies. Therefore, always double-check the ingredient list. Step 6: Start with Low Doses When trying a new cannabis product, moderation is key. Give your body time to adjust and see how you react to it: Begin with the lowest recommended dose: Beginners should start slow to assess their response. Wait before taking more: If you “don’t feel anything,” you might be tempted to up the dose; edibles take time to kick in, so wait at least two hours before taking another one. Gradually increase dosage as needed: Users who feel the need for stronger effects can increase the dosage in small increments, as doing it too quickly may be overwhelming. Keep a journal to track effects and find your optimal dose: Tracking your experiences helps you monitor effects and find the optimal product and dose for you. Step 7: Buy From Trusted Shops Lastly, whenever you buy cannabis, make sure you shop with a trusted business. If you’re interested in THC products, only purchase from licensed dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal. As these are regulated, products will meet safety standards every time. Plus, even though CBD products are widely available, stick with brands that have a strong reputation. Looking for third-party lab results and customer reviews is also a good way to do this. While shopping, just remember that THC products are federally illegal in the US, and only certain states allow recreational or medical use. Also, CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC. Anyone offering cannabis outside of the legal regulation should be avoided. Conclusion Making sense of the wide array of cannabis products for sale is less overwhelming once you have a clear idea about what you want. The biggest tip is to assess your goals and read labels carefully. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis knowing you made a responsible choice. If you want to purchase cannabis products online, consider checking out our website. We have a range of cannabis products readily available.

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December 17, 2024

The Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis: What Every Wellness Advocate Should Know

Benefits of Cannabis for Wellness Cannabis, though sometimes looked at as only a recreational drug, has a lot of wellness benefits. Due to this, many people have started using cannabis in their wellness routines and have started to receive improvement in areas like: 1. Pain Relief A study found that 27% of Americans have used cannabis for its medical properties. More than half of them did it to manage pain. This isn’t new, either. Cannabis has been treating various ailments since ancient Chinese times. Or, in other words, a very, very long time. Alongside this, a systematic review concluded that CBD can reduce pain in conditions ranging from arthritis to multiple sclerosis. Research also shows that both CBD and THC have pain relief effects. When looking at other CBD products, like cream or lotions, these produce localized pain relief. It’s even known that patients suffering from conditions like peripheral neuropathy experienced a significant reduction in pain when using CBD topicals. 2. Anxiety and Stress Reduction Cannabis products also offer mental health benefits. A 2022 study showed that CBD treatment can cause a decrease in symptoms of up to 70% in patients with moderate-to-severe anxiety. Low doses of THC also help consumers relax, although higher doses tend to have the opposite effect. If you’re interested in easing anxiety, you can choose between various products, depending on your needs. CBD tinctures and oils, for instance, are fast-acting. When applied under the tongue, they allow the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly. Gummies, on the other hand, can take up to 90 minutes to set in, but the effect lasts longer. 3. Improving Sleep Quality Of the people who use it for medical reasons, 85% insist it improves their quality of sleep. A small study also found that higher doses of THC can help people spend more time in a “deep sleep” state, which is important for brain health and function. If you want to use THC for sleep, 2 milligrams is a good place to start. As for CBD, combining it with other sleep-promoting ingredients like melatonin can enhance its effects. Sometimes, you’ll find Gummies advertised for sleep often contain both. Other Potential Wellness Benefits Research in the cannabis health sector is new, and each year, some study concludes that this plant helps with other mental or physical issue. Other areas that it may help in include the following: Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD reduces inflammation, so it can help with conditions similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Potential for addiction treatment: Research found that CBD can reduce cravings for addictive substances like heroin. Mood enhancement and overall well-being: THC stimulates the release of dopamine, which makes us feel good, while CBD can alleviate depression. Choosing the Right Cannabis Products Adding cannabis to your wellness routine can be a big step. Therefore, it’s important you pick the right product for the experience you want. 1. Learn the Basics Cannabis products have various concentrations of active compounds like CBD and THC. Checking their potency lets you assess whether they’re effective for your intended use. You should also consider quality. While certain cannabis products are more expensive, this isn’t an area where you want to skimp. Buying from reputable brands ensures you get goods with clean ingredients. On the same note, make it a point to check for third-party testing. Trusted manufacturers provide lab reports that confirm the product’s potency and lack of contaminants. 2. Study the Market Cannabis products come in various forms. You can pick based on how you prefer to consume them and how fast you need them to kick in: Oils and tinctures: Liquid extracts are taken under the tongue and act fast, with effects felt within 10 to 60 minutes. Topicals: Creams and lotions are applied directly on the skin for localized relief and don’t produce a psychoactive effect. Edibles: Gummies, capsules, and other edibles have slower onset times (30-90 minutes), but the effects can last for up to eight hours. 3. Start with Low Doses If you’re a complete beginner, choose something with lower potency to see how you react. For THC products, experts advise 2.5 milligrams or less. As for CBD, anything between 10 to 15 milligrams should do the trick. Once you get used to the product, you can increase the dose gradually. You should also be mindful of onset times. For example, edible cannabis products take a while to kick in, mostly hours. This is much different from other products like vapes. 4. Vegan and Pet-Friendly Options Traditional CBD gummies use gelatin to get their chewy texture, a substance derived from animal-based ingredients. As a result, they’re not particularly appealing to people with dietary restrictions. Because of this, if you’re vegan, select CBD products that specifically state they’re vegan. Instead of using gelatin, they use pectin, which comes from fruits. Pet-friendly CBD products are also rising in popularity. Research in this field is more limited, but they might help with certain behavioral issues, as well as chronic pain and seizures. Still, don’t share your CBD oil with your pooch. Invest in products specifically designed for animals, formulated with safe ingredients. Conclusion From pain relief to better sleep to lower anxiety, cannabis offers many appealing benefits. Wellness enthusiasts who want to improve their physical or mental health can also pick products tailored to their lifestyle. If you want to shop cannabis products for wellness, consider checking out our shop. We have a range of CBD and THC products that can be delivered right to your doorstep.

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Understanding CBD vs. THC: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning the difference between CBD and THC helps you make better choices when picking cannabis products for your specific needs.

What Are CBD and THC?