CBD vs THC: Why Not Both

We’ve given you information about CBG (Cannabigerol) and filled you in on how THC feeds your endocannabinoid system. Now it’s time to dive into the intriguing world of comparing CBD vs THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). 

Note:  For this post, I am writing about CBD and THC flower, not concentrates. These two products vary wildly, and it’s easier to compare them in their most simple, natural, unadulterated form - flower.

What is THC?

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main compound in cannabis that gets you high when consuming cannabis. It works by interacting with your brain's endocannabinoid system, which is why it can make some feel euphoric, relaxed, or change how you perceive things. People typically consume THC by smoking, vaping, or eating edibles.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is another compound found in cannabis, but unlike THC, it doesn't provide the high effect. It's often used for its supposed health benefits, and for some that includes reducing anxiety, pain, or inflammation, without the psychoactive effects. Many people use CBD products in oils, creams, or gummies although some might experience mild side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth.

What is the difference between THC and CBD? And what are the Similarities?

In terms of similarities, both THC and CBD come from the cannabis plant and can be used for therapeutic purposes, like pain relief or stress management. They also interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, just in different ways.

The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC is psychoactive—it gets you high—while CBD doesn’t have that effect. THC directly interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain, which is what causes the euphoric or altered sensations. CBD, on the other hand, works more subtly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, often used for its potential health benefits like reducing anxiety or inflammation.

Does CBD Counteract THC?

The answer is mixed: Because each compound interacts with the body differently, and every individual has a different experience with each on their own, it is difficult to predict how combining their use will affect a particular person. While some may feel that using both in combination can have a positive effect or mellow out the intensity of the THC, others may feel that some of the less desirable effects of THC are intensified. Since the level of interaction can depend on the dosage and the individual’s response, it is best for everyone to find what works best for themselves.

CBD vs THC

The major difference between CBD and THC is that CBD is typically found in hemp plants, while marijuana plants contain high levels of THC. Since hemp is high in CBD and low in THC, the United States government federally legalized it under the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp products containing less than 0.3 percent THC from the controlled substance list. Most THC-containing marijuana plants, which also contain CBD, are found to have an average of 15-25% THC and have been considered a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance since 1970. 

While both CBD and THC interact and impact the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, they affect different brain receptors. THC produces psychoactive effects causing us to feel high, while CBD does not. 

CBD has been found to help symptoms of anxiety, depression, migraines, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and reduce inflammation without the intoxicating high of THC. On the other hand, THC (which is what is considered medical marijuana) may be helpful for glaucoma, insomnia, nausea, pain, tremors, and appetite stimulation.

Entourage Effect - Activate!

Since both THC and CBD produce positive effects when consumed, using them together makes sense. The combination of these two plants creates a situation known as “the entourage effect.” Users can get the best of both worlds by using both full-spectrum (whole plant) CBD or CBG with THC. 

If you have ever felt anxious or too high from marijuana, CBD can regulate the paranoia-inducing effects of THC and help level you out. Learning about the entourage effect made something click in my brain, and I decided to experiment on my only consenting subject.

CBD with THC

Like any good little scientist at heart, I decided to do a one-of-one experiment on myself. Approximately 60 days ago, I started adding CBD from Society and CBG from High Hopes to my regular flower from EarthMed. 

I don’t want to jump the gun and say that this experiment has been life-changing, but I am never going back to smoking regular flower. Since switching to a 1:1 THC CBD/CBG blend, I have noticed the following improvements:

• Less Pain, Especially in Joints: My knees and shoulders hurt considerably less. This is likely because of the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and CBG. Less joint pain is a top-end benefit, especially for people with arthritis or chronic pain.
• Fewer Migraines: I haven’t had a migraine since starting this THC CBD experiment on myself. Headaches have come and gone, but a full-blown, nausea-inducing, aura-viewing migraine has not. Decreasing the frequency or severity is a HUGE win for migraine sufferers.
• Improved Mood: Before this experiment, I had been slowly decreasing my dosage of the anti-depressant I started taking during COVID lockdowns. I am now fully weaned off this pharmaceutical and owe a special thanks to 1 1 THC CBD. While using CBD with THC, my mood improved considerably, even after being completely off of the medicine. 
• Lower Anxiety: I am one of those people who love smoking weed but can get anxious from it. My custom THC CBD CBG blending has alleviated the marijuana-related too high” anxiety. I can get all of the psychoactive feelings I want without any of the feelings of anxiousness. 
• More Money: Buying weed is expensive; there’s no way around it. I spend, on average, about $200 for an ounce of shake from the dispensary. As a comparison, an ounce of CBG flower is only $25. Supplementing my stash with a more affordable option has been a fantastic cost-cutting measure.

Flower isn't the only way to combine them, either. There are many topicals and tinctures that you can use to try the combination for yourself. As my one-of-one experiment with CBD THC continues, I am confident I will notice more positive results.

Do you use a 1:1 CBD THC blend when you smoke? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it!