THC and CBD are two of the major cannabinoids found in weed that are responsible for giving it a diverse range of applications and properties.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) for the ‘high’ and CBD (cannabidiol) for medicinal use.
As such, both have an opposing set of features and effects.
Thanks to modern tech, both compounds can be extracted and separated from the main plant matter to meet the expectations of the highly conscious pot-loving community.
So those who do not want to get stoned but still obtain the therapeutic effects of weed can always go for CBD-rich products like CBD-isolates.
Those who prefer a more full-on experience of a pot-smoking session can always choose to go with broad or full-spectrum products that contain a mixed variety of THC and CBD along with natural terpenes and other minor cannabinoids.
THC and CBD are two of the most active ingredients of the cannabis plant family that occur in varied proportions across all the sub-species.
Although found naturally, many of the hybrids may contain them in higher amounts too depending on the desired product.
For instance, hemp or medical marijuana, which is specifically cultivated with higher ratios of CBD and a negligible amount of THC (less than 0.3%) is used for medicinal purposes only.
Similarly, regular marijuana and Sativa-dominant strains of cannabis maintain a higher amount of THC compared to Indica strains thus making them quite psychoactive and suitable for recreational activities.
Despite the stark contrast, both CBD and THC can be consumed in a number of ways including smoking, vaping, eating, drinking, and so on.
Sources and Extraction
As mentioned above, CBD or medicinal marijuana is usually obtained from hemp which refers to those cannabis plants that maintain less than 0.3% THC.
THC, on the other hand, can be sourced from either of the two main sub-species of cannabis called Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa.
While Cannabis Sativa or C. Sativa contains more THC content; the C. Indica strains are known to have relatively less THC and higher CBD content which makes them a suitable source for CBD as well.
Regardless of the source though, both CBD and THC can be isolated and sold separately to meet your ends.
To do that effectively, several extraction methods such as solvent-less, solvent-based, conventional, and alternative can be used to produce a desired or specific product.
Solvent-less extraction methods revolve around natural ingredients and processes such as dry-sieving, water extraction, and rosin press extraction, thus resulting in a more natural line of products.
Solvent-based extraction uses a solvent whether organic or chemical such as ethanol, butane, or propane to extract the desired compound through a variety of conventional techniques like Soxhlet extraction and Dynamic maceration (DM).
A few modern techniques of alternative extraction that are well-recognized include:
• Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE).
• Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE).
• Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) or Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE).
• Supercritical fluid or green extraction (SFE).
• & Hydrodynamic cannabis extraction
Dried flower on the other hand, which used to be the product of choice quite recently, is usually derived from raw plant material through various drying techniques such as air-drying, oven-drying, and freeze-drying being the most common and appropriate.
Along with that, proper “curing” is also a crucial aspect of the whole process when it comes to boosting the flavor and the cannabinoid content of your favorite dried flower.
How THC and CBD Work in the Body?
THC and CBD both refer to the naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant family.
Interestingly, both cannabinoids are also secreted by our bodies on their own in limited or required quantities through what’s called our endocannabinoid system (ECS).
More interestingly, it is the endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) present in the ECS itself and other parts of our body and brain that the THC or CBD binds to start working their magic.
By connecting with our ECS, CBD and THC tend to stimulate many of our bodily functions and natural processes such as sleep, mood, appetite, immunity, and so on.
At the same time, it releases a flood of pleasure hormones like dopamine, anandamide, and serotonin in our systems thus making us feel calm, content, and peaceful.
Speaking of which, there are tons of physical, emotional, and mental benefits of consuming marijuana that have been lately coming to light, thanks to the unwavering devotion of cannabis supporters, enthusiasts, and users.
Medical Benefits and Uses of THC and CBD
THC and CBD have ample uses and benefits both individually and in synergy.
But while THC is more inclined towards the psychoactive and sedative nature of cannabis, CBD has more to do with its therapeutic effects.
Nonetheless, according to expert users, cannabis is a mysterious plant that works more efficiently when all of its compounds are actively present in a product for a better “entourage effect.”
Some of the most common health benefits of THC and CBD for both your body and mind include:
• Relief from anxiety.
• Pain management
• Anti-inflammation.
• Sleep/Insomnia.
• Nausea and Migraine.
Along with that, CBD, as the main medicinal compound, is also associated with easing depression, seizures, psychosis, and other conditions.
As opposed to THC, CBD does not stimulate the appetite either making it a preferred choice for health-conscious users.
In either case, as the natural counterparts to our endocannabinoids, both CBD and THC help regulate many of our bodily functions that are essential for our good health in all its aspects although CBD is the more studied and legally approved substance.
Side Effects and Risks
Cannabis is an individual-oriented drug, meaning it works differently on every individual depending on the person’s health, habits, state of mind, and the surrounding factors like the quality of weed.
Given the best of conditions, overdosing on weed can trigger a variety of unwanted effects such as:
• The reddening of the eyes.
• Dry mouth or cottonmouth due to excess smoke and dehydration.
• Fatigue and drowsiness.
• Brain slip or short-term memory loss.
• Overthinking or procrastination.
So, when using cannabis, be it for fun or medicine, it is important to keep yourself hydrated, active, and most importantly, dosage-conscious.
Speaking of which, it is extremely important to understand your condition and needs to find the right compound, and avoid unnecessary risks.
How to Choose Between THC and CBD?
Choosing between THC and CBD boils down to one simple thing i.e. do you want to use cannabis for medicine or recreational fun?
Well, needless to say, if you’re looking for pure medicinal effects of cannabis without the infamous ‘high,’ then CBD, as the main medicinal compound, is your best bet.
However, if you want to primarily get stoned and with that may be get certain therapeutic benefits as well in the process, then THC-rich products can more than makeup for it.
Again, for a full-on experience and maximum therapeutic effects, it is better to take them together in ideal dosages through broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products.
The best part is that there are several other ways apart from smoking that you can use to consume these compounds, e.g. cannabis-infused edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Conclusion
Although THC and CBD are both obtained from a single plant, each has a contrary nature and effects.
While CBD has more to do with the medicinal or herbal properties of cannabis, THC is known to be responsible for its psychoactive effects, in short, the ‘high.’
E.g., for patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, and psychosis, CBD might be a better option. However, those intending to regulate their day-to-day biological functions such as mood, appetite, and sleep can always go for THC-rich products.
As such, choosing which part of cannabis you want to go with is all about your preferences and requirements at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Of course, taking CBD and THC together is quite common as is the case with smoking dried buds and flowers. Apart from throwing all the therapeutic effects into the picture, CBD can also help reduce the adverse effects of THC.
In general, CBD does not tend to show up on drug tests as it does not convert into metabolites like THC; however, it can show up positive only if there is any THC present in your products.
Although CBD is the only compound of cannabis that is federally approved for medicinal purposes, you can still get a wide array of both THC and CBD-rich products in all their forms and flavors.
Being legally approved, CBD might still be an easier option to find especially from an authorized dealer or weed dispensary.
An entourage effect is a phenomenon according to which cannabis works best when all of its natural compounds get to work together in synergy to enhance the desired effects.
For instance, in broad and full-spectrum products.
