While many people take cannabis for the high, stoned and relaxing effects it offers, many cannabis connoisseurs are moving away from the intoxicating THC compound and turning to CBD.
THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main compound inside the cannabis plant that offers the “high” and psychoactive effects. CBD stands for Cannabidiol and is the other main compound in cannabis (and hemp) which is associated with medicinal and therapeutic uses. THC gets you high but sometimes paranoid and disoriented. CBD does none of these things but does work as an anti-inflammatory and leaves many people feeling calm, relaxed, and in a good frame of mind.
There are basically two types of people in the world: Those who enjoy THC and find it works well for them. And those that want to enjoy THC but can’t because it makes them feel paranoid and anxious. Some science suggests that this is a genetic issue, but we don’t have time for that now. The fact is that THC helps hundreds of thousands of people to deal with issues like pain, insomnia, and anxiety in a relatively safe, non-addictive, and non-toxic way. However, for those who find that THC makes them feel paranoid and second guess every word they say, CBD is the ideal solution.
THC and CBD have different mechanisms within the body and also work in conjunction with each other and other ingredients in cannabis and hemp like flavonoids and terpenes. These compounds and chemicals work together to produce what’s called the “entourage effect,” whereby various compounds and active ingredients work together to produce well-rounded and long-lasting effects for the user. While both THC and CBD have been known to reduce social anxiety, for example, high doses of THC alone can have the opposite effect, making some people more nervous.
With all that said, THC is a more effective analgesic for treating some forms of pain. However, CBD is considered to be more effective in treating neuropathic pain. They are both anti-convulsant, but when used together in equal ratios can produce ideal and balanced effects for many people. There are still those who just can’t seem to get along with THC no matter how much they try or how badly they want to. That’s why the internet is packed with stories of “ex-stoners” (those who used high levels of THC for extended periods) who dropped the THC entirely and now only use CBD.
CBD comes in a myriad of different forms and delivery options. It’s also used to treat conditions such as insomnia, nervousness before public speaking, anxiety, pain from inflammation, and many more. CBD is considered to be the “best of both worlds” by many people. This is because many folks want to benefit from the numerous medicinal properties of cannabis but, for whatever reasons, can’t handle it well. CBD does make many people feel calm and tranquil and helps many with the symptoms of pain or to get a good night’s sleep.
Finally, it needs to be noted that there’s a happy medium and certainly some room for compromise. These days, with the legalization of cannabis across many states in the US, the plant is specially cultivated to produce different quantities and ratios of THC and CBD. Take, for example, a cannabis strain called Dancehall.
This is a strain which contains equal proportions of THC to CBD, at around 10-15% each. Dancehall is enjoyed by those who want some THC effects but also to temper those effects with an equal amount of CBD. There are also some people who will smoke or vape THC-heavy flowers, following on a little later with pure CBD buds to reduce the initial intensity of the THC buzz.
Whether purchasing CBD or THC flowers, or even strains like Dancehall which contain a mix of the two, always ensure you do your homework. Only by flowers from a legal and reputable dispensary with a good reputation. Or, if purchasing online, always make sure to check any third-party lab results which test the flowers for potency and safety. It’s also a good idea to read online reviews from verified buyers of the product that interests you before you hit the buy now button.