When you see a cannabis flower, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to tell whether it’s CBD or THC, as both refer to the most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, the CBD Flower is almost indistinguishable.
Cannabis and hemp are plants from the same family and have been used for millennia for recreational and medicinal purposes.
Today, the growing use of CBD, especially CBD flowers, as a medicinal alternative is gaining prominence around the world. Perhaps 30 years ago it would have been a laughing stock, but today there is a lack of arguments to criticize CBD.
Although cannabis has been used for millennia, its consumption is still taboo for many people and considered a dangerous substance. But is it really?
To begin with, cannabis is a natural product that grows on its own. The cannabis plant and its flower contain a large list of active components in their leaves and especially in the flower (better known as the cannabis head). CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are active components called cannabinoids: they interact with our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining a true balance in our body.
THC
THC is a psychoactive component present in the cannabis plant.
Cannabis with high levels of THC is considered a “soft drug”, which comes from drying cannabis flowers.
There are different breeds of plants, hence the different names of the varieties. In fact, Hemp is generally richer in CBD and Traditional Cannabisin THC.
THC: Main Effects
Cannabis can be consumed in various ways: smoked, vaporized, ingested (cakes and cookies) etc. Cannabis with THC generally causes these effects:
- Mood swings;
- Red eyes ;
- Disinhibition;
- Dry mouth;
- Euphoria;
- Increased appetite;
- Increased heart rate;
- Confusion;
- Increased creativity;
- Slower motor skills;
- Sharp senses;
- Possibly aggravation of existing psychotic symptoms.
THC acts on a physical and psychological level, which is why we call it psychoactive.
The effects of cannabis can last from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the person, so it’s very important to understand your body.
The ideal for THC users is to consume very small doses and only increase if in control.
THC-rich cannabis has 2 varieties: Indica (best for relaxing and sleeping) and Sativa (best for daytime and while active).
CBD
But what is CBD anyway? CBD is also a component of cannabis, which unlike THC is not psychoactive. This means that it doesn’t work on a psychological level, but on a physical, muscular level. In addition, several studies confirm that it helps to slow down the psychoactive effects of THC and reduce THC’s appetite.
CBD main effects:
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Analgesic;
- Antioxidant;
- Relaxing and calming;
- Regulates the immune system;
- Antiemetic (reduces nausea and vomiting);
- Hypotensive – Relieves stress and anxiety.
CBD is generally used for medicinal purposes because of the effects mentioned above and because it is not a psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD has great benefits for our bodies, so there’s nothing to worry about with CBD.
CBD is known as legal cannabis because it contains less than 0.2% THC. Consumers have no risk of suffering any kind of effect related to THC, since 0.2% is almost zero for any consumer to feel any kind of effect.
The only negative effect of consuming CBD is usually if it is inhaled or combusted, as burning CBD can damage the lungs.
Of course not. Looking at the effects of CBD, we can see that it has many healing effects on the body, without harming other parts of it, which could happen with other drugs.
However, it is very important to consult a doctor you trust before starting any treatment with CBD.
After this article we hope that we have answered the question “what is CBD?” and that you know how to differentiate between the two cannabinoids, as they come from the same plant but have very different effects and uses.
So, if you want to try our CBD, find our products here or in our CBD Shop in Porto, at Rua de Belmonte 4050-096.
Author: Paulo Rodrigues
Sources: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
