The global medical marijuana market is booming and is expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 20.4% from 2019 to 2026. CBD products have flooded the market as the legalization of cannabis becomes a realization across the world.
If you’re new to the cannabis game, you might be wondering whether CBD or THC is best for you, and what the difference is.
Keep reading for a breakdown of the two main cannabinoids of the cannabis plants to find out which one would suit your needs.
THC vs CBD
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Throughout history, it is THC that was always synonymous with marijuana.
However, nowadays CBD is popping up everywhere in everyday products, and throughout the entire world. But what is the difference between THC and CBD and which one is right for you?
The single greatest difference between the two is that THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not. So, THC is responsible for the ‘high’ sensation and the feelings of intoxication. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce these effects as it is non-psychoactive.
Both of the cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system in your body to produce different effects. THC and CBD have potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits, but, the side effects of THC (like getting ‘stoned’) are unappealing to many.
Does Hemp Have THC or CBD?
The Cannabis sativa plant contains both CBD and THC, however, different varieties contain different amounts of each. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp plants contain much more CBD than THC, and cannabis contains more THC than CBD. This is why, historically, hemp was popular for industrial uses, whereas cannabis (or marijuana) always had its recreational uses.
But the landscape of cannabis is changing, as more and more people ditch the high-inducing THC for the calming medical effects of CBD.
If you purchase hemp CBD oil or the flower, it will have less than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to intoxicate you.
Benefits of CBD and THC
As the medical marijuana industry booms, more and more research is being conducted concerning the medical benefits of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, too.
There has been a special focus on the cannabinoids potential to fight cancer and provide relief from serious disorders such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Check out some of the symptoms and medical issues that THC may be beneficial in treating:
● Nausea
● Chronic Pain
● Low appetite
● Insomnia
● Anxiety
● Muscle spasticity
THC is available for consumption in many forms, from smoking it to munching of edible goods.
Check out some of the symptoms and medical issues that THC may be beneficial in treating:
● Anxiety
● Chronic pain
● Migraine
● Psychosis or mental disorders
● Seizures
● Inflammation
CBD products have flooded the market. You’ll find everything from a CBD distillate for sale to skincare products. Gummies, CBD cigarettes, energy drinks in CBD — if you can think of it, there’s probably a CBD version of it somewhere. That’s how popular this cannabinoid has become.
CBD or THC for Pain?
So, you may be wondering whether CBD or THC is better for pain. There is no simple cut-and-dry answer to this, but we can break it down as best as possible. First of all, both CBD and THC have pain-relieving effects.
Research shows that CBD treats inflammation. Therefore, CBD would be more effective in treating the pain associated with inflammation, such as caused by arthritis or an injury. On the other hand, THC seems to work in relieving central and neuropathic pain, as well as pain related to cancer and fibromyalgia.
The interesting thing about THC is that, unlike CBD, it impacts serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate levels. This impacts the mood and may reduce the perception of pain along with the physical sensation.
CBD or THC for Sleep?
If you suffer from insomnia and restless sleep, CBD and THC may benefit you. Again, both THC and CBD have shown effectiveness in improving the quality of sleep.
However, CBD is especially advantageous in this regard, as it doesn’t produce any other psychoactive side effects that may actually work to keep you awake.
Does CBD or THC Cure Cancer?
There is no concrete evidence to prove that either CBD or THC cure cancer. Medical marijuana is often prescribed to cancer patients to relieve the symptoms of cancer treatment, such as nausea, pain, and a loss of appetite.
There have been a few studies that suggest that cannabinoids may slow the growth of cancer cells; however, the research is still in the early phases. It’s agreed that cannabinoids are a safe way to treat cancer, but the evidence doesn’t determine whether it cures the disease.
How To Tell If It’s CBD or THC
If you want to experiment with CBD or THC for health benefits, you want to ensure you’re getting the correct product. You won’t be able to tell whether the product is CBD or THC just by looking at it.
When purchasing cannabis products, ensure that you buy from a reputable Canadian online dispensary that indicates the amount of THC and CBD in their products.
Which is Right for You?
Ultimately, when choosing between CBD or THC, you have to consider whether you want the intoxicating effects of THC or not. If you want to choose the cannabinoid that has plenty of medical benefits but no side effects, then CBD is the way to go. Especially as you’ll have the choice of a huge range of products.
Did you find this article interesting? Our site is full of marijuana and CBD-related content — keep exploring for more!
