CBD Vs. THC: The Key Differences

Are you thinking about trying either CBD or THC but not sure what the differences are between the two? A lot of people don’t know the difference between CBD and THC. Black Tie CBD is here to break down CBD vs THC so you can have an easier time deciding which one is best for you.

What is CBD?

The first thing to do is gain a solid understanding of what CBD and THC are. We’ll start with CBD; cannabidiol, which is what CBD stands for, is one of over 100 different cannabinoids. CBD is one of the best-researched compounds found in the cannabis plant.

CBD is non-psychoactive, which surprises many people who directly associate CBD with getting “high.” Still, certain CBD products contain up to 0.3% of THC (the psychoactive component). This amount is legal in all states under the 2018 Farm Bill.

What is THC?

Now it’s time to introduce THC. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the substance you take if you’re looking for that “high,” euphoric, stimulating feeling. While THC has plenty of other potential health benefits including physical and mental, most people take it for its psychoactive properties.

The Main Differences Between CBD and THC

There are plenty of differences between CBD and THC, so we’ll do our best to summarize them in as digestible a format as possible. As previously mentioned, CBD is not intended to give users the “cannabis high” that THC does. This is because, while CBD works on over 60 molecular pathways, it doesn’t directly bind to any of the cannabinoid receptors. Instead, CBD sends signals to the brain and body to produce and maintain higher levels of endocannabinoids, therefore working with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. THC, on the other hand, does bind to cannabinoid receptors; it also uses neurotransmitters to send signals to the brain.

CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana, whereas THC can only be extracted from marijuana. This makes CBD federally legal and THC legal in 11 states, with 30 other states allowing its use in medical settings.

How CBD Affects the Mind

People use CBD for its variety of mental benefits, including anxiety, stress relief, and emotional stability. 

How THC Affects the Mind

THC is used for its psychoactive properties, including sensory stimulation, elevated mood, euphoria, and sometimes even improved states of cognition.

How CBD Affects the Body

People looking for natural pain relief or to combat inflammation often turn to CBD. It may not only help with mental but also physical relaxation.

How THC Affects the Body

The way THC affects the body depends on the cannabis strain as well as the ratio of cannabinoids to terpenes. Certain strains are targeted to alleviating symptoms of physical pain whereas others are more targeted to delivering a mental high. Sativa strains, for example, tend to be more energetic and therefore ideal for brain function; Indica strains, on the other hand, may produce a body high.

Whatever your goal in using THC, the effects can be enhanced by using it in conjunction with CBD. Black Tie CBD has many products that incorporate both, such as our CBD / THC Delta-8 Dab Wax.

Are you interested in seeing whether CBD vs THC is better for you? Test them out yourself when you visit our shop at BlackTieCBD.net. For any questions or to learn more, please contact us today!