THC vs. CBD: What Works Best for What 

CBD oil. Photo credit: Crystalweed Cannabis.

THC gets you high, but CBD doesn’t, so which one is the best? Does THC do everything CBD does, but with the added high? Click here to learn what works best for what.

The battle between CBD and THC is relatively new, although scientists first discovered CBD in 1940. CBD skyrocketed in popularity thanks to marketing, millennials, and the U.S. Farm Bill, which legislators passed in 2018 that legalized industrial hemp. The moment CBD became legal, companies rushed to create tinctures, gummies, oils, creams, and the list could go on. Why? Because it suggests it’s a natural remedy to ailments without the added high — and that’s easy to sell. 

Cannabis products containing THC are still widely available, both legally and illegally. So, which one works best? Below, we will explore the benefits of CBD and THC and discuss what works best for what. 

THC Products

The number of cannabis products on the market containing THC is astonishing. Gone are the days of simple buds and resin. Now, one can have vaporized pens — containing highly concentrated forms of THC — and walk down the street smokin it like it’s nothing because it doesn’t emit a smell. Smoking weed is not as taboo as it once was, with multiple states already making recreational use legal — South Dakota is one of the more recent states to change their views. 

Legalization created a sense of freedom, allowing cannabis brands to think of exciting new ways of ingesting cannabis. From a full-spectrum THC syrup to glass bongs specifically for dabbing (not the awful dance move), there is no end to the ways of consuming cannabis. Freedom of consumption allowed people to explore the cannabis they were consuming and how it affects their bodies. 

Cannabis products containing THC have the potential to provide similar health benefits to CBD products. These include, but are not limited to:

• Pain relief

• Muscle spasms

• Insomnia

• Reduced appetite

• Sickness

• Migraines

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

Interestingly, pre-acceptance of cannabis, the drug was relentlessly marketed as one that would induce anxiety, stress, and depression. Yet, the right cannabis product containing the right strain could potentially do the opposite. Of course, research is proving this true. Like with any drug, however, there are still some naysayers with old-school views. 

CBD-dominant strains with a low THC level are perfect for anxiety and stress. The lower the THC level, the less likely the body will react adversely. First-time cannabis users should always start with a CBD-dominant strain. Veteran smokers with more experience would benefit from trying a high-quality sativa strain, such as Sour Diesel.

CBD Products

As mentioned, CBD only found its fame recently, with major countries such as the U.S. and the UK legalizing hemp production and distribution. Some favor CBD products because of the lack of THC — the psychedelic, high-inducing component of cannabis. 

CBD is widely accepted because of its versatile use combined with a plethora of potential health benefits. Plus, not everyone can use cannabis products containing THC. Some people are drug tested for work, have religious beliefs, or have health conditions that THC aggravates. 

CBD is easy to purchase and consume. Most major health and wellness brands now stock a type of CBD product, hailing it to be a natural miracle. Oh, how times have changed post-2018 since the law changed. 

The most common CBD product is CBD oil. CBD oil can be full-spectrum (contains traces of THC) or broad-spectrum (contains not THC). CBD gummies are also as popular, but the higher strength CBD comes in bottles and tinctures. 

There are multiple potential health benefits associated with CBD consumption:

• Reduces seizures

• Helps with psychosis

• Reduces IBS symptoms

• Decreases inflammation

• Reduces anxiety and stress

As you can see, CBD products could do most of the things that THC products do, reports Healthline. However, the chance of having adverse effects is non-existent in CBD products.

CBD and THC are slowly becoming two highly sought-after natural remedies for multiple health conditions. Using CBD, in particular, is potentially a supportive supplement for healthy living. Although THC is not so widely accepted, there are minor differences between the two, other than the high.