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What is The Difference Between CBD and THC?

Are High CBD Strains also Low in THC?

Medical marijuana has been a hot topic for several years, but cannabis has been considered an herbal remedy since ancient times. According to an article published in the journal Addiction, cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs. Chemicals in the plant react with receptors in the body to produce beneficial effects, according to the National Cancer Institute. These chemicals are called cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, are two of the compounds with which you might be familiar. Both have therapeutic benefits. What is the difference between CBD and THC? Only one of them can make you high.

What Are THC And CBD?

You may wonder, “What are THC and CBD?” Both chemicals come from the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol is produced in female marijuana plants that aren’t pollinated. Usually referred to as THC, this is the psychoactive compound that makes people feel high. It can stimulate hunger, make you feel relaxed and alter your senses.

Cannabidiol is the other primary chemical found in marijuana. CBD in cannabis is safe and non-psychotropic. Although it is structurally similar to THC in cannabis, it affects the body’s cannabinoid receptors differently. While CBD can have anti-anxiety effects, it doesn’t modify your senses the way THC does.

Every strain of marijuana has a specific ratio of CBD vs THC. The chemicals work together to provide different effects. Using plants with high THC levels can result in paranoia. CBD in cannabis can counteract that effect.

To understand how this works, you have to know how your body reacts with each chemical. The body has different types of cannabinoid receptors. The THC cannabinoid binds well with CB1 receptors. When it does, it produces feelings of hunger, happiness, and relaxation. The CDB cannabinoid doesn’t bind with CB1 receptors. Instead, it interferes with the reaction that’s caused by the interaction of THC and CB1 receptors. CBD essentially keeps the effects of THC in check. Some researchers have even found that CBD can prevent cognitive impairment that is associated with THC use.

The Endocannabinoid System

Researchers have discovered that marijuana works on the body’s endocannabinoid system. This is a complex organization of receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain and body that communicate with each other to affect many functions in the body. Some experts refer to the endocannabinoid system as a bridge that connects the brain with the body.

Your body produces its own chemicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system. One of these is anandamide, which is released when you exercise. According to an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, exercise releases chemicals that influence this system. That explains why long-distance runners often experience a runner’s high.

CBD and THC both influence the endocannabinoid system. However, THC works by binding directly to specific receptors. CBD operates mainly by affecting other chemicals that react with these receptors.

CBD Effects

According to a study published in the Journal of Molecular medicine, CBD is an antioxidant. Because many diseases are caused or exacerbated by oxidative stress, CBD can be an effective treatment for several health conditions. In this study, CBD was found to help prevent intestinal damage associated with oxidative stress in rodents.

CBD is also used to treat epilepsy and bacterial infections. One of the largest studies done on CBD’s effectiveness in treating epilepsy found that children and young adults who took a plant-derived, pure form of CBD experienced a 50-percent reduction in seizures. According to research, CBD can also inhibit pain and inflammation.

CBD can be concentrated into an oil that can be taken in a number of ways. It can be inhaled, consumed or applied topically. High-CBD strains of marijuana can also be smoked to get the beneficial effects of CBD.

THC effects

According to Westword, THC has been used as a treatment for glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. It can also minimize the side effects of chemotherapy. Because THC can make you hungry, it has been used to counteract nausea and even to treat patients with eating disorders.

CBD vs THC

What is the difference between CBD and THC? Both have medical benefits. However, only THC can make you stoned. This is one of the reasons that some people consider marijuana to be a dangerous drug. Although CBD tends to balance out the effects of THC, you don’t have to take CBD and THC together. You can still get the health benefits of CBD if you use it on its own.

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Cannabinoids For Alzheimers?

CBD for Alzheimers cbd cannabinoid system

While more clinical research has to be conducted, findings from preclinical research on the possible advantages of cannabinoids for treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease are promising. Scientists have found in cultural or animal studies indicating that cannabinoids may help inhibit the development of the disease.

Alzheimer’s is believed to be associated with a buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This buildup interferes with cell-to-cell communication and appropriate nutrient transport, finally causing the brain cell death.

The use of cannabinoids, however, has shown to inhibit amyloid-beta plaques and tangles to subsequently protect the health of brain cells. Specifically, studies have found tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) efficiently reduces amyloid-beta levels, and cannabidiol (CBD) modulates microglial function to avoid the buildup of tangles.

Cannabinoids also have been demonstrated in studies to have antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, which in turn might help improve the survival rate of brain cells and promote the arrival of new ones. Cannabinoids also have demonstrated to enhance glucose uptake and improve mitochondrial function to promote brain cell health. In theory, these advantages could subsequently possibly reverse cognitive deficits brought on by Alzheimer’s disease.

Just months ago a study by Israeli and German researchers found evidence that cannabinoids effectively reverse age-related memory loss. The findings indicate that cannabinoids are helpful for promoting brain health and possibly treating dementia disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Evidence also indicates that cannabinoids can help people who have Alzheimer’s disease better manage their symptoms. Cannabinoids have demonstrated to effectively reduce nocturnal motor activity and agitation, in addition to helping with psychomotor agitation, aggression, and communicating .

Plant-derived cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are similar in makeup to the body’s naturally-synthesized cannabinoids, permitting them to interact with cannabinoid receptors located in the central nervous system. There is some evidence that a lack or congestion of the body’s naturally produced cannabinoids, known as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, might be connected with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In such cases, supplementing with plant-based cannabinoids could be good for treating or preventing the disease.

Over 5 million Americans might have Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, and the disease is now rated as the sixth leading cause of death. As no cure for the disease now exists, more research into cannabinoids and their possible advantages for the disease is highly needed. More information on cannabinoids for Alzheimer’s and other conditions can be found at Cannabis Research A-Z.

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How To Choose The Right Cannabis Strain For You

how to choose the right cannabis strain

So you’ve chosen to explore the potential benefits of medical grade cannabis, but you are not sure where to start?

This post will give you some helpful tips on how you can choose the right cannabis strain for you. We’ll also suggest some appropriate strains that you can easily order online for Canada wide delivery.

Indica or Sativa?

indica-vs-sativa_cannabiscare

 

Most people who are even somewhat familiar with cannabis have heard of “Indica” and “Sativa”. You might even know about the most commonly referenced differences between the 2:

  • Sativas are known to produce an energetic effect. They are stimulating and are most commonly associated with daytime use.
  • Indica strains are said to be relaxing and calming. This makes them more commonly recommended for nighttime use.

This is the conventional wisdom, and even this little bit of knowledge can go a long way when you are trying to select a medical cannabis strain. But there is definitely a little more to it than that as well…

Tip: Think of Indicas & Sativas As Being On A Spectrum (Sort Of)

At one end are pure Indica strains, which tend to be more calming and soporific. On the other end are pure Sativas which stimulate energy and activity. Between the two lie hybrid strains, which balance the effects of each.

Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa Strains. Choose the right strain

 

The two strains aren’t opposed of course – they don’t counteract each other and they’re still very much cannabis. But they do have different cannabinoid profiles. And the cannabinoids are what matter.

The most critical of these cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

  • THC is the cannabinoid that is associated with a psychoactive and stimulating “high”.
    Sativas tend to have a higher THC to CBD ratio.
  • CBD is the increasingly famous cannabinoid that reduces nausea, combats anxiety, and even is being explored as a direct treatment for cancer!
    Indicas tend to have more CBD.

This means that…

When You Need Energy and Stimulation, Go With A Sativa

Go with a Sativa

 

Sativas possess greater levels of THC and comparatively reduced levels of CBD. Creativity is stimulated by sativas and treating depression is one of its common medicinal uses.

The cerebral, energetic ‘high’ afforded by Cannabis Sativa strains impacts both the mind and body. Sativas’ stimulating effects help with nausea (for instance brought on by chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS medicines), appetite stimulation, migraine headaches, depression, chronic discomfort and comparable symptoms.

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When You Need To Calm Down, Trust An Indica

 

Indicas, noted for their calming effects, have a comparatively higher CBD to THC ratio when compared with Sativas. With their capacity to produce relaxation, Indicas can help relieve anxiety, pain, and muscle tension.

When You Need To Calm Down, Choose An Indica

Cannabis Indica strains usually produce a sedative feeling, and their relaxing effects are most efficient in muscle spasm and tremor treatment, chronic discomfort, arthritic and rheumatic symptoms, anxiousness and other associated symptoms.

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A Hybrid Might Be The Right Combination

A Hybrid Cannabis Strain Might Be The Right Combination

 

Hybrids are produced when growers want to sustain the very best qualities from sativa and indica parent plants. Because hybrids are the most engineered strains, owing to their selective breeding, they can prove to be the most potent and popular strains. They are able to be the right mixture of energizing and calming, based on the ratio of sativa to indica. And some of the highest CBD plants in the world are hybrids, having been selectively bred over multiple generations to maximize CBD.

The balance of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids can help produce the best of both worlds, which is, for instance a particular blessing in treating chronic pain, a condition where both strains can be effective. Combining Sativa and Indica can help keep things clear and reduce sedative effects, whilst adding Indica to Sativa can reduce the tendency of Sativas to sometimes stimulate anxiousness. Most of the top bred and engineered strains include genes from both Sativa and Indica lines.

Get The Right Hybrid For The Right Job, Throughout Canada!

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for Anxiety

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for Anxiety

 

Chronic tension or trauma has been shown to decrease all-natural endocannabinoid production which might contribute to prolonged feelings of anxiousness. Based on 1 study, THC might decrease anxiousness by stimulating the amygdala and supplementing phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from plants) for the missing endocannabinoids.

However, if too much is consumed, THC appears to do the opposite: Higher levels of THC may decrease the efficiency of cannabinoid receptors. For this reason, people looking to counteract anxiety should choose cannabis strains with low THC levels and higher CBD levels, which have been shown to decrease anxiousness and counter the potentially anxiety-inducing effects of THC.

Choosing The Right Cannabis Strain for Pain Relief

Choosing The Right Cannabis Strain for Pain Relief

 

When it comes to cannabis for pain relief, it’s all about the cannabinoids. THC has been shown to significantly reduce pain in cancer patients by binding with pain-sensing receptors in the body. CBD reduces pain and inflammation without causing the characteristic “high” produced by THC, working in conjunction with THC and other cannabinoids to relieve pain and restore tissue.

While the desire to avoid a “high” might lead people to seek relief through CBD-only products, cannabis may provide pain relief most effectively through the use of a strain that contains a rich profile of cannabinoids, including both THC and CBD.

When It Comes To Cannabis, It’s Truly All About The Cannabinoids

Whether you’re consuming cannabis medically or recreationally, it’s all about the cannabinoids. They’re what make cannabis what it is. And knowing about cannabinoids is ultimately the key to understanding cannabis.

By now, you probably know that the two most important cannabinoids in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol/THC and cannabidiol/CBD.

CBD and THC are the most famous and prevalent cannabinoids, and they work together, and exist alongside many other cannabinoids that are far less represented within cannabis, but still may have their own effects.

THC vs CBD Molecule

 

THC:

  • Known for its psychoactive “high”
  • Can produce stimulation and creativity, but also possibly anxiety and paranoia
  • Creative and simulating rather than antipsychotic
  • Has applications in pain relief, treating depression, and stimulating appetite

CBD:

  • Calms rather than produces a psychoactive high
  • Counteracts anxiety and paranoia
  • Antipsychotic effects
  • Useful for pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and anti-spasm applications

THC is the most prevalent active component in most therapeutic strains, while CBD is the second most, but much less so. But this comparatively little ratio can noticeably influence how the cannabis impacts a patient.

While THC remains the most historically significant cannabinoid, the effects of CBD have become fare more appreciated recently, and strains exist now that contain more CBD than THC! These strains permit individuals to encounter the advantages of cannabis with out experiencing the comparatively powerful psychoactive impacts of THC.

When you understand what you need cannabinoids for, you can read the lab reports – and your supplier should have lab reports – and make the informed decision that is right for you!

Whatever Your Need, An Informed Decision Is the Best One

When you know what you need cannabis for, it’s a lot easier to choose the cannabis you need.

The best way to get the cannabis you need is to order it online from a reputable supplier that shows you the lab results on their product.

This will allow you to examine the cannabinoid content and choose a cannabis strain that is best for you.