CBD vs. THC, What's the difference?


The typical consumer only knows cannabis as ‘weed’ and not much else. Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is jam-packed with organic compounds. The two most popular cannabinoids are known as THC and CBD. So what exactly is the difference?

What Is CBD?

CBD or Cannabinol is one of over hundreds of previously-identified canna-compounds found in mature cannabis plants. Unlike Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol or  THC, Cannabinol is non-psychoactive. Considering cannabis and their compounds, THC, and CBD are both viewed as the Yin and Yang of cannabis: Both THC and CBD are known and respected and have the ability to counteract one another. That's right: CBD has been proven to counteract the psychoactivity of THC. CBD works with the ECS, or Endocannabinoid System of our bodies. Philosophically, virtually everyone has the ability to receive the health benefits of CBD thanks to the Endocannabinoid System. This system allows cannabinoids such as CBD to attach to our CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain as well as throughout the body.

What Is THC?

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol often referred to simply as 'THC,' is one of over 100 Cannabis compounds(or 'cannacompounds') found in mature Cannabis plants. THC is recognized as the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that provides the 'high' recreational, and some medicinal tokers are searching for. Historically, THC dates back as far as CBD being used as a medicine of the times. A more modern timeline of Cannabis and THC point towards the 1970s with government agencies studying the effects of Cannabis and THC at the time. I would not be until the 1990s with THC levels would virtually quintuple due to the crossbreeding of THC-centric strains with, yes, you guessed it: other and stronger THC-centric strains. Nevertheless, understanding just how THC works in conjunction with our bodies is tantamount for current and prospective indulgers.

Benefits of THC

Similar to other discovered and researched Cannabis compounds, THC has a list of verifiable goods for our bodies. THC has been recognized by a slew of private research studies that have concluded THC can be beneficial as an anticarcinogen, or 'cancer-reverser.' THC has also been known to help combat:


  • Glaucoma

  • Multiple Sclerosis 

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

  • Promote an active metabolism

  • Osteoporosis

  • Arthritis

Benefits of CBD

Just like THC, CBD has its own catalog of health benefits on the human (as well as some animal's) body, if not more. Cannabinol has a strong potential to treat a slew of conditions such as PTSD, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis as well as assist in the fight against depression and anxiety. Moreover, CBD can help with epileptic episodes and a handful of neurological disorders. CBD has also been credited as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticarcinogen, blood sugar regulator, and a neuroprotectant. This can assist in warding off complications associated with Dementia and Alzheimer's by increasing the neurological longevity of the brain. 

What is Medicinal THC?

Medicinal THC is a term given to THC-laden cannabis that has been examined and passed a multi-point inspection by a government-approved health agency for patients. Medicinal THC is for patients, not consumers. This means that only individuals who possess a Medical Marijuana card can purchase medicinal THC. If you do not possess the necessary card, you can only purchase recreational cannabis.

Is Medicinal CBD a Real Thing?

Similar to THC, CBD is available in medicinal form. Patients must also possess a Medical Marijuana card to obtain medicinal CBD. With CBD continuing to become widespread, many individuals are trying to understand the difference between recreational and medicinal CBD. Similar to medicinal THC, medical-grade CBD is examined and passes an intense inspection. Additionally, the cannabis is grown to include high amounts of CBD.