Cannabis is a complex plant, that science is still working hard to figure out. What we do know, is the species offsets two very different plants – hemp, and marijuana. While cannabis marijuana plants might be more popular, due to psychoactive effects – recently a surge of demand has risen for cannabis hemp products. Which in contrast, lack psychoactive effects but delivers on cannabis therapeutic and medical benefits.
Now, more than ever you’re finding CBD rich products and strains on the same shelves as cannabis THC goods. So, what’s the real difference between the two plants and the varying cannabinoids? We’ll answer all your questions on cannabis hemp and cannabis marijuana plants, and detail the true differences between CBD and THC. Including, effects, benefits, and the most popular CBD strains today.
Cannabis Plant Species
Even though hemp and marijuana flower have the same appearance, grow in the same matter, and display no apparent visible differences – the compounds they produce internally, are opposite in effects. The main difference between hemp cannabis plants, and marijuana cannabis plants, is hemp plants produce higher levels of the cannabinoid CBD. Technically, hemp is officially classified as any cannabis plant that contains less than .3% THC.
With the rise in use of CBD, high-CBD strains are now trending more than ever before. Especially considering, the advancements in cannabis genetics, and the ability of breeders to cross high CBD genes with THC strains. This action creates a new, and hybrid hemp/marijuana strain that boasts ample levels of both cannabinoids for ultimate healing and therapeutic effects. In flower form, for traditional smoking methods or ready for extraction for tinctures, or edibles sake.
What’s the Difference Between CBD & THC?
CBD and THC may share a similarity of being hemp and marijuana’s primary cannabinoids, but they couldn’t be more different. Their differences begin with their chemical structures. Even though both cannabinoids contain 2 oxygen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms it’s how the atoms are arranged that provide different effects.
The chemical structures of CBD and THC vary, which means the way they influence the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) varies, too. As a reminder, the ECS is the main physiological system that cannabis interacts with. Which also explains the wide-range of effects that CBD, THC, and other cannabis compounds can provide. The ECS is a network of receptors that is responsible for sending messages throughout the body, that maintain and regulate ‘homeostasis’. In laments terms, the ECS ensures the body is working optimally for optimal well-being and health.
With their differences, CBD and THC bind, activate, inhibit or increase levels of varied receptors in this system. Which allows their effects to be felt not just by the mind, but the body, too. Most notable for cannabinoid benefits include –
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain relieving
- Anti-anxiety
- Nausea reducing
Why Choose High CBD Strains?
So while, THC has been all the rage for elevated highs, and psychoactive effects – why would anyone choose a high CBD strain or product? The answer lies in the medical effects that cannabis can provide. Especially for those sensitive to THC, or who need to relieve symptoms throughout the day without too heavy of a buzz. Luckily, a number of well-balanced cannabinoid blends are now manufactured and sold, along with the advanced strains we already discussed.
The most important factor for combining the benefits of CBD and THC, is what’s known as the entourage effect. This effect is often highlighted with full-spectrum CBD oils, and remains critical for anyone consuming cannabis flower, or whole-plant concentrates like live resin. Over time with progressing research, the cannabis community has found that the plant can be more effective when all components are combined.
Cannabis and hemp don’t just contain CBD and THC, in raw flower form it’s chock-full of flavonoids, terpenes, and nearly 400 cannabinoids that all have their own unique effects. Like CBG, THCA, CBC, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids. In addition to terpenes like limonene, linalool, myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene, that not only delivers the aroma that come from cannabis plants, but also their own healing benefits.
The entourage effect references the synergy of these compounds amplifying one another’s effects. Meaning, together – they’re stronger than consuming CBD, THC, or any of the other compounds alone or ‘isolated’ like in ‘isolate’ form. High CBD strains, and CBD dominant goods are now being shown to help a plethora of common medical conditions. Like –
- Chronic pain
- Seizures
- Inflammation
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
- Anxiety and anxiety disorders
- Epilepsy and Dravet’s Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
How to Consume CBD and THC
To harness clear-headed comfort that high CBD and low THC cannabis can provide there’s now a number of products available on the market to try. Including CBD rich strains that are rising in popularity, quickly. Here’s a quick breakdown of cannabis goods to turn to, when seeking the power of CBD without too much of a high.
- CBD Dana – CBD Dana is a hemp strain that contains extraordinary levels of CBD, around 12-14% CBD. With less than .3% THC, CBD Dana delivers comforting and relaxing effects, without your mind feeling dreamy or hazy.
- Sunkiss CBD – Sunkiss CBD is a sativa-dominant hybrid that uniquely delivers high-powered energy, with CBD’s healing abilities. The strain comes from a classic cross of two legendary strains, Cannatonic x Afghan Skunk. Due to its exhilarating energy, Sunkiss CBD is ideal for daytime use.
- CBD / THC Capsules – Manufacturers caught on quick to the benefits of combining THC and CBD, and brands like Array now offer well-balanced blends in an easy to consume capsule form. Consumers often prefer capsules due to their convenience in use, and accurate dosing.
- CBD / THC Tinctures – Like capsules, tinctures offer a delivery method that allows fine-tuning of cannabinoid levels for ideal combinations of CBD and THC. Full-spectrum CBD oils are made from hemp and contain less than .3% THC, but others have more ample ratios of the two cannabinoids. This allows people to choose 1:1 CBD:THC levels, 4:1, 1:2, etc. for their optimal levels of relief.
Amplifying Effects with CBD and THC
If you’re a long-time veteran smoker, who’s turned your nose up at the rise of CBD – don’t be too stubborn, too quick. CBD is a beneficial cannabinoid, just like THC, that can help amplify the effects from cannabis altogether. Even more, the non-psychoactive compound is highly effective at providing the same levels of comfort that marijuana can, without being too buzzed.
No matter the chemical structure you prefer, premium made and high quality cannabis is ideal for elevated and effective experiences. Which is why MMJDirect only delivers the best. Check out our extensive online collection of top-shelf cannabis goods, for your CBD, or THC needs. Rest assured, your purchase is convenient, secure, and even better? Delivered right to your door.