You’ve probably heard of CBD and THC but might not know the difference between the two. Even though both of these cannabinoids come from cannabis plants, they offer unique benefits! This article will look into the key differences between CBD vs THC.
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What Is CBD?
CBD is a “cannabinoid,” which means it is a compound derived from cannabis plants. It is very high in hemp plants, which is why you’ll see hemp-derived CBD products much more often than CBD extracted from marijuana.
We’ll dive deeper into hemp vs. marijuana further on in this article, but let’s focus on CBD for now. We extract CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant, but only from those with extremely low amounts of Delta 9 THC.
At Hollyweed, we use the CO2 extraction method. This involves running supercritical CO2 through ground-up hemp flower, which strips away all the unnecessary stuff. Once the CO2 evaporates, we’re left with the best CBD around!
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD has become an extremely popular cannabinoid due to its many benefits. These include:
- Soothes discomfort
- Relieves nervousness
- Mitigates swelling
CBD products can have even more benefits depending on the form they take. For example, you can mix CBD oils into nutritious food for an even bigger boost to your wellness. Similarly, CBD lotion has added ingredients that help keep your skin refreshed.
As the medical cannabis industry grows, we may see even more benefits in the near future. Research is already underway, and who knows what we’ll be able to do with CBD in just a few years!
What Are the Side Effects of CBD?
CBD has minimal and rare side effects. Many people have concerns about things like psychoactive effects, grogginess, and legality. We’ll talk legality in a later section, but these are the side effects that a few people have reported from CBD:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
What Is THC?
THC can refer to several different cannabinoids that all end with “tetrahydrocannabinol” (THC). The two most popular forms of THC are Delta 8 and Delta 9. Both provide stronger euphoric effects in the mind than CBD.
Delta 8 THC benefits our bodies similarly to CBD, calming the mind and soothing the body. Delta 9 THC is the strongest of these three cannabinoids I’ve mentioned.
What Are the Benefits of THC?
THC has many of the same benefits as CBD:
- Relief from discomfort
- Soothes stomach
- Aids sleep
- Boosts appetite
What Are the Side Effects of THC?
Both CBD and THC have similar side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
It’s important to note that THC impairs motor functions, and you should not drive a vehicle after taking a significant amount. The trace amounts of Delta 9 THC in CBD products should not prevent you from being able to go about your daily tasks, but avoid driving if you take a full dose of Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC.
What Are the Differences Between CBD vs. THC?
The biggest difference between CBD vs THC is the euphoric effects. CBD and THC help the body relax, and the mind unwind, but THC goes slightly further. It sends your mind into a state of elation that some love and others prefer to avoid.
THC’s euphoria is why you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car after taking it, as it can impair motor functions. Luckily, you get the benefits with either of these cannabinoids! All you have to decide is just how chill you want your vibes to be.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants. Hemp has low amounts of THC and high amounts of CBD, while the opposite is true for marijuana. Both types of cannabis are excellent at boosting our endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network in our bodies that maintains our internal balance (homeostasis). Compounds like CBD or THC interact with cannabinoid receptors, and this interaction boosts our ECS. With a well-functioning ECS, our bodies can better handle things like discomfort and racing thoughts.
At Hollyweed, we’re big hemp fans and even make our THC products out of it. But we appreciate marijuana too! Researchers constantly evaluate whether marijuana has any medical benefits, and more states legalize it every few years.
Check out this handy guide written by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health for more info.
Drug Tests
Although our body can easily distinguish these different cannabinoids, drug tests aren’t as discerning. Even though CBD should not impair your ability to perform day-to-day tasks, we do not recommend taking it if you have to take a drug test. There is still a chance you could fail it.
When it comes to Delta 8, there is an even higher chance of triggering a failed drug test because of its similarity to Delta 9 THC. So save the fun for after any tests!
Legality
With medical marijuana being legal in certain states, you may be wondering about hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill separated hemp and marijuana, removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. The Farm bill defines hemp as a cannabis plant with 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less and marijuana as one with more than 0.3%.
So if you’ve got a hemp-derived product with 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less, it’s legal under federal law. However, Delta 8 THC is not legal in every state. Even CBD has restrictions in some areas, so it always helps to research your local laws.
What Type of CBD Products Are There?
CBD comes in many different shapes and sizes. Want to rub some on a sore spot? Try our relief salve! Looking to routinely mix some CBD goodness into your morning coffee? Drop some CBD oil into your mug and start your day right!
Hollyweed’s CBD lineup includes:
- Flower
- Pre-Rolls & Cigarettes
- Vapes (Carts & Disposable)
- Gummies
- Oil
- Capsules
- Topicals (Lotion & Salve)
Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum vs. Isolate
Whether shopping with us or elsewhere, keep in mind that CBD can also be full spectrum, broad spectrum, or an isolate. This may sound science-y and technical, but it’s pretty simple. Let’s take a look at each one.
Full spectrum products contain all the compounds naturally found in the hemp plant. This includes CBD, terpenes (these affect a strain’s taste/smell), flavonoids (affect a plant’s color), and even trace amounts of THC. However, even full spectrum products contain 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less, so you shouldn’t feel strong effects.
If you don’t get any of the euphoric effects by including such small amounts of D9 THC in CBD products, why include it at all? It’s because of the entourage effect, which refers to the boost in CBD’s effectiveness when you have as many natural elements of the hemp plant working together as possible.
Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum, except it has no THC. Otherwise, it’s the same product. Isolate, on the other hand, has purely CBD molecules. Manufacturers remove the THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds to create a flavorless and odorless white powder.
What Are the Types of THC?
You can find THC in just about any form imaginable. Whether you’re looking to smoke, satisfy your sweet tooth, or be discreet, we’ve got the THC you need:
- Flower
- Pre-Rolls & Cigarettes
- Vapes (Carts & Disposable)
- Gummies
- Oil
- Soft Gels
I mentioned full spectrum and broad spectrum for CBD products, but THC products don’t fall into this distinction. This is because the only difference between full and broad spectrum is the presence of THC, so broad spectrum items are no longer THC products.
What Is the Best THC Product?
And the winner for Best THC Product is… whatever’s best for you! We could pick our personal favorites and call them the “best,” but the truth is everyone has their preferences. So keep experimenting (not only with flavors but forms of THC and different cannabinoids, too!) until you find that perfect product for you.
Flower
If you’re looking for a classic cannabis experience, look no further than flower. Flower is the smokable form of cannabis and usually comes in small, palm-sized nugs. Just grind them up and load a bowl, pipe, or rolling paper to get started!
Pre-Rolls & Cigarettes
Pre-rolls and cigarettes are an easy and convenient way to enjoy CBD or THC! We’ve got you covered with our pre-roll collection if you don’t want to roll your own. And for those who prefer a classic smoking experience, our Delta 8 cigarettes will make you feel right at home.
Vapes
Vaping CBD or THC is a great way to get quick relief. CBD vape carts are filled with CBD oil, and you can use them with a vape pen. On the other hand, disposable vapes are pre-filled and ready to use right out of the box.
Gummies
CBD and THC gummies are a delicious way to get your daily dose of cannabinoids. Gummies are perfect for those looking for a quick and easy way to consume CBD or THC and offer an alternative option to those who’d rather not smoke.
Oil
Oil (also called tincture) is one of the most popular ways to take CBD and Delta 8. You can take oil sublingually (under the tongue), add it to food or drinks, or use it topically. Oil is available in various concentrations, so make sure you check the mg per bottle before buying.
Capsules
Hollyweed’s capsules don’t use gelatin and are suitable for vegans. Inside, you’ll find pure isolate powder. You can swallow the capsule for a consistent dose or break it open and sprinkle some isolate on a meal or snack!
Soft Gels
Soft gels are similar to capsules in that they are simple, portable, and give you the same dose of CBD or THC every time. While capsules contain isolate powder, our soft gels consist of tapioca starch, MCT oil, and Delta 8 oil.
Topicals
These topicals are CBD-infused products that you can apply directly to the skin. CBD topicals are great for targeted relief from muscle fatigue, joint aches, or skin irritation.
CBD topicals are available in various formulations so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. For example, a lotion is better for moisturizing, while a salve works best on sore muscles.
Where to Purchase CBD vs. THC Products?
The best place to get CBD and THC products is Hollyweed! You can also purchase CBD and THC products online or at a dispensary. CBD products are even sold in some health food stores, beauty stores, and smoke shops.
Buying online from Hollyweed is better than local stores because you know exactly what you’re getting. When you buy CBD and THC products from a dispensary or store, you don’t always know if the product is safe or not. Some stores sell CBD products that are not lab-tested, which could be dangerous.
Hollyweed only sells CBD and THC products that are third-party lab-tested. This means that you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality product that is safe to use. In addition, we offer a wide variety of CBD and THC products to choose from. From CBD oil to Delta 8 THC vapes and everything in between, we’ve got a product that’s right for you!
What To Look for When Shopping CBD and THC Products?
When it comes to CBD vs THC products, you should keep a few things in mind. First, make sure the company you’re buying from has a good reputation and is transparent about its ingredients and manufacturing process. They should have plenty of info readily available and customer reviews.
You’ll also want to confirm that the amount of CBD and/or THC in your product is accurate. You can cross-reference the company’s label with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Reputable companies get third-party labs to test their products, and the results of those tests are COAs. They list out each cannabinoid and its potency in the product.
Lastly, keep an eye out for high-quality ingredients. Hemp products don’t need a lot of chemical additives and synthetic compounds, so opt for fewer ingredients and natural flavoring. When it comes to Mother Nature, the simpler, the better!
Why Choose Hollyweed?
Looking for CBD vs THC products can be overwhelming, but Hollyweed is here to make your life easy. We have a wide variety of CBD and THC products that are sure to meet your needs.
Our products are all-natural and carefully crafted with your wellness in mind. That’s why we only use hemp grown in the USA. Domestic hemp is subjected to strict guidelines by government agencies like the FDA to ensure it’s grown properly. Imported hemp doesn’t always have these safety measures.
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Final Thoughts — CBD vs. THC
CBD vs THC are two unique cannabinoids with very different effects but a few of the same benefits. Both should help with physical wellness, encourage a natural appetite, and promote a good night’s sleep.
The right cannabinoid for you depends entirely on the experience you’re looking for. And if you’d rather combine CBD and THC, we have plenty of products featuring both iconic cannabinoids. Please browse around our Shop section to find out more!
