Differences Between CBD and THC

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two active ingredients in cannabis. They both belong to a unique class of compounds known as cannabinoids—here are the essential differences. There’s a lot of misinformation about CBD and THC out there. Because of this, we decided to provide a definitive guide. Which strains are the highest in each compound? What do CBD and THC actually do? What aspects of your high do they affect? Read on and find out.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two active ingredients in cannabis. They both belong to a unique class of compounds known as cannabinoids—here are the essential differences. Consider CBD the calm sibling to THC’s life-of-the-party.

“Both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, a vital system responsible for pain, appetite, mood, memory, and sleep, to name a few,” says Dennis Hunter, founder of Sonoma County’s CannaCraft, a medical cannabis product manufacturer. “The main difference is that THC is psychoactive, creating the common high associated with cannabis, whereas CBD is non-psychoactive. On its own, it will not cause a person to feel high regardless of the amount consumed.”

The High

THC is the psychoactive ingredient, while CBD is not. Research has shown CBD to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties without the traditional THC high feeling.

Antipsychotic Properties

CBD has antipsychotic properties. It’s believed that it may protect users from getting too high by reducing the psychotic effects of THC. CBD is also being tested as a treatment for schizophrenia.

Anxiety

Too much THC may cause anxiousness or paranoia. CBD is believed to have the opposite effect. Studies show that CBD works to counteract anxiety caused by ingesting THC, while also reducing anxiety on its own.

Effects on Sleep

Some THC is responsible for most of cannabis’ sleep-inducing effects. However, CBD acts to promote wakefulness. The opposite effects may explain why some strains cause drowsiness while others boost energy.

When taken together with THC, CBD will create a different experience, one that is commonly referred to as the ‘Entourage Effect’. “CBD works best in conjunction with THC. Even small amounts of THC can help to optimize the benefits of CBD,” says Hunter. The ratio of CBD to THC can be adjusted to help treat different ailments: more THC may be helpful for extreme pain, while a high-CBD and low-THC product is more appropriate for treating anxiety or chronic pain throughout the day. “Being able to adjust the CBD to THC ratio allows patients to customize their treatment to meet their unique needs,” he says.

Our team is particularly proud of our oils. We use full spectrum oils because research has repeatedly shown that full spectrum cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and various other components of hemp/cannabis are far more effective and beneficial together than individually. This in conjunction with 100% CO2 extraction gives us the purest oils on the market.

Products Containing CBD (only)

If you are looking for products that contain CBD, please click here.

Strains/Products High in THC

If you are looking for products that contain high THC, please click here.

Balanced Strains/Products

If you are looking for balanced products CBD/THC, please click here.