CBD vs. THC a User’s Guide

With the rise of cannabis vaping over the last years, one key trend has been related to the newfound abundance of isolated cannabidiol, or CBD extracts, as a popular option for some users. Traditionally, users would consume the full mix of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD that is found in the plant, which gives the user a combination of the more “heady” effect of the THC with the more body-based impact of the CBD. However, many users have found that they enjoy having the bodily effects produced by CBD while avoiding the psychoactive effect of THC, which may not be suitable for all situations. Other people may particularly enjoy the taste of the terpenes in cannabis but may not enjoy the “high” or may not like to experience it that often. With a large amount of variety now available on the market, understanding the difference between vaping THC and CBD oil can help users to make an informed decision about which option may be preferred for a given situation or purpose. What are the differences between THC and CBD, and which one should you choose for your next vaping experience?

THC and CBD: Mind vs. Body

The main difference is that CBD does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC. To understand why we must gain a brief understanding of the chemistry behind THC and CBD use. Both THC and CBD work by interacting with the hundreds of cannabinoid receptors in the human body. As a result, the two chemicals have some overlapping health benefits, and both can be used to help treat pain, anxiety, and nausea. Moreover, both THC and CBD oil contain terpenes, allowing the user to experience the distinctive taste of cannabis regardless of their desired mental state.

However, each type reacts with different receptors, with THC interacting with receptors mainly found in the brain and CBD with the receptors throughout the rest of the body. As a result, the two have some large differences for both recreational and medicinal use. THC impacts receptors in the brain, causing the mental “high” that is associated with cannabis use. The chemical can cause some health benefits that are not found with CBD, including treatment of muscle spasms, low appetite, and insomnia.

On the other hand, CBD causes a relaxed feeling in the body without any impact on the user’s mental state. This means that there is no “high,” although the effect is often described as a “body high.” Some health benefits of CBD that are not experienced with pure THC are a reduction of seizures, depression, inflammation, and migraines.

CBD Extracts: A History

So how did CBD extracts become so popular? CBD was first isolated as an extracted oil in 1940 by chemist Roger Adams. Research into the impact of CBD oils was conducted through the 1940s and 1950s and picked up steam from several discoveries that occurred in the next decades. Specifically, in 1963, Raphael Mechoulam became the first person to describe the chemical structure of CBD, allowing scientists to understand the different ways that CBD and THC interact with cannabinoid receptors. In the 1980s, Mechoulam again was at the center of a discovery that expanded research into CBD when he was part of a team of scientists that discovered a possible connection between CBD oil and the treatment of epilepsy.

However, it was only starting with the legalization movement in the mid-2000s that CBD oil began to become popular with a wider audience, and its popularity has skyrocketed ever since. With the increasing popularity and availability of vape pens, CBD oil is now more accessible and convenient than ever. So what factors should you consider when deciding whether to use CBD oils?

Vaping for Any Situation

Most cannabis oils contain a combination with at least some amount of both CBD and THC. However, most CBD oils are required to have an amount of THC below a certain level that is not high enough to have a psychoactive impact. Therefore, CBD oils are a perfect option for users who wish to experience the body relaxation and health benefits of CBD in situations when they may not wish to experience a “high.” For example, many users may find that it is completely acceptable to consume CBD even while at work. Indeed, CBD Vaping may help some users be more productive at work, such as by helping to manage pain, anxiety, or nausea. CBD may not impact the mind in the way that THC does, but a relaxed body is a relaxed mind, and CBD can help you to achieve that.

At the end of the day, some of the time you might be in the mood to feel the mental effects of cannabis, and sometimes you may not. Sometimes you may be in a situation where you are comfortable being “high,” and sometimes, you may not. Luckily, there are options to meet your vaping needs for any type of situation that you could imagine. From summiting a difficult mountain to socializing at a nightclub to sitting in your home watching a movie, there is always a way to vape cannabis that will leave you in the right mindset to fully enjoy and excel in the next moment.

Which Option is Right for You?

THC products are perfect when you wish to relax with the mentally stimulating effects of cannabis. However, in some situations, it can be impractical or even harmful to experience these effects, while in other situations, the user may simply not feel like experiencing a “high.” In these situations, CBD takes its place as the perfect alternative, which can allow you to experience many of the benefits of cannabis use while avoiding an unwanted impact on your mental state. With the increasing availability of vape pens and every imaginable type of cannabis extract, there is truly a cannabis oil for any situation. Which one will you choose?