As cannabis becomes more popular, the terms CBD and THC have been tossed around freely. While most people know you can only get products containing THC at their San Diego dispensary, many shoppers don’t understand the distinction between these compounds.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or relief, knowing how THC and CBD affect the body will help you craft a more enjoyable experience and get the results you’re looking for!
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabis has been used for recreational and medicinal purposes for millennia. Today, scientists are breaking down the plant to better understand why it produces the effects that it does.
Marijuana and hemp plants contain substances called cannabinoids that react with certain parts of the brain in unique ways. The two most potent in cannabis are cannabidiol, or CBD, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
These cannabis compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system in animals, creating a number of different effects. Other than THC and CBD, there are over 100 cannabinoids found in marijuana, all of which treat numerous ailments to varying degrees.
When shopping at a San Diego dispensary, the staff can show you how to identify the amount of CBD and THC in each product to help you know which may work best for you.
Explaining CBD and THC
Though they are both cannabinoids that interact with the brain, CBD and THC don’t have the same effects on the human body.
These differences have popularized CBD as an over-the-counter supplement and have classified marijuana as a dangerous intoxicant in the past. As more people are using these products, it becomes even more important to understand what makes these compounds unique.
CBD
One of the primary compounds in cannabis, CBD has been found primarily in Sativa plants. While it can be extracted from marijuana, hemp plants also produce it in high quantities. It is this hemp-based form that has allowed CBD to remain unregulated as a supplement.
Many people prefer to purchase their CBD products from a San Diego dispensary since they tend to be safer than those found in convenience stores and gas stations. Some of the issues CBD is used to treat include:
- Seizure disorders such as Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic pain
- Cancer treatment symptom alleviation
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation
THC
The main reason why marijuana gets such a bad rap, THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. While smoking cannabis is the most well-known method of ingesting THC, it is also available in edibles, tinctures, and capsules.
While many people use THC products recreationally, it does have many medicinal benefits as well. THC is used to treat such conditions as:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Glaucoma
- Muscle Spasms and Multiple Sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Severe Chronic Pain
- Nausea
Chemical Structure
The primary reason why these compounds interact similarly but have different effects comes down to their chemical makeup. Like all cannabinoids, CBD and THC have a similar molecular structure consisting of 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms.
These compounds help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain. It’s the arrangement of these atoms that make THC psychoactive while CBD leaves much of your preceptors alone.
Side Effects
While there are some side effects associated with THC and CBD use, they are generally more associated with the psychoactive variant. Those who use THC recreationally or medicinally report having a dry mouth, red eyes, slow response times, intoxication, memory loss, and coordination issues.
Just as with alcohol, THC users should refrain from getting behind the wheel when high. Fortunately for CBD aficionados, intoxication isn’t an issue!
Synthetic Variants
Because of their limited availability, THC products are only found in storefronts such as a San Diego dispensary. On the other hand, CBD goods can be found almost anywhere.
As cannabis users anxiously await THC ubiquity, they have been turning to synthetic alternatives for their recreational effects. Unfortunately, these products aren’t as safe or reliable as those found in a licensed dispensary.
One of the most prominent, which sounds similar to other cannabinoids, is called Delta-8 THC. The US Food and Drug administration has posited that this compound poses a serious health risk.
Manufacturers are allowed to treat Delta-8 THC much like CBD, confusing shoppers into believing they’re getting a marijuana workaround instead of a dangerous substance. Consumers are urged to rely on their San Diego dispensary for medicinal and recreational needs.
Making the Choice
Deciding which type of experience you want to have will likely dictate if you’re interested in THC or CBD products. If you are more interested in symptom relief and need to stay cognisant throughout your day, CBD is a great option.
However, people suffering from severe conditions may gravitate towards the psychoactive effects of THC to help take the edge off of their pain or anxiety. Consult with the staff at a San Diego dispensary to help you find a product that will give you the kind of results you’re looking for.
