CBD vs THC: Differences, Benefits, Uses

Any time you're picking out a cannabis product to use in your PAX vaporizer, it's essential to pay close attention to the CBD and THC levels. CBD and THC are two of the most popular cannabinoids around. Learning about the difference between CBD and THC makes it much easier to choose the right cannabis for your needs.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC for short, is a naturally occurring substance you can find in cannabis. THC is a type of cannabinoid, which means it binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain. It's also the chemical compound behind most of cannabis' signature effects. THC has mind-altering properties, and depending on your reaction to it, it can often make you feel giggly, happy, relaxed, sleepy, or hungry.

What is CBD?

CBD is the casual name for cannabidiol. This is another type of cannabinoid that the cannabis plant makes. Like other cannabinoids, it affects the part of the brain that regulates pain, memory, sleep, and mood. However, CBD is not psychoactive, so you won't feel intoxicated when you use it.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids, so they share a lot of similarities. You can find either for sale as dried cannabis flower, oils, gummies, resin, and other concentrates. They'll both typically show up on drug tests, and both are popular among people who use cannabis to enhance their well-being. However, these two cannabinoids are not identical.

To understand the difference between THC and CBD, let's take a quick look at the science behind these cannabinoids. THC is an endocannabinoid agonist. It binds straight to receptors in your brain and produces direct effects. CBD is an endocannabinoid antagonist and modulator. This means it creates indirect effects by altering the way your brain processes other chemicals.

What does this all mean for the casual cannabis user? The main difference is that THC has a noticeably intoxicating effect while CBD does not. While people who try THC report noticeable changes to mood and perception, those who try CBD often just mention feeling sleepy or less stressed.[4] Some research also suggests that CBD and THC have different impacts on your well-being. FDA-approved medications with CBD treat seizures while FDA-approved medications with THC treat nausea and vomiting.

The benefits of THC and CBD

THC and CBD share some benefits. Many people feel that both cannabinoids make it easier for them to relax, destress, and manage pain. They can be a nice way to enjoy your weekend or unwind before you sleep.[1] Some research suggests that taking both these cannabinoids together can result in CBD modulating some of the less-popular effects of THC.

Each cannabinoid also has its own unique perks. THC is incredibly popular because many users report that its psychoactive effects help to enhance their surroundings and lift their mood.[5] Meanwhile, CBD is useful if you want to try cannabis but do not want psychoactive effects.

Which CBD and THC ratios are best?

With most types of cannabis, you don't have to choose between just the benefits of THC or just the benefits of CBD. Instead, dried cannabis flower and many cannabis concentrates will contain both. Different ratios of THC to CBD can be useful for different people. Here are some of the most popular ratios to try:

• 20 parts CBD to 1 part THC: This is popular for new cannabis users who don't want a psychoactive experience.
• 10 parts CBD to 1 part THC: People like this ratio if they want strong CBD sensations without noticeable psychoactivity.
• 4 parts CBD to 1 part THC: Give this ratio a try if you mostly want the effects of CBD but don't mind a light sensation of psychoactivity.
• 1 part CBD to 1 part THC: Use a balanced ratio to feel the intoxicating effects of THC with the modulating impact of CBD.

Which CBD and THC ratios are best?

Since CBD slows THC's ability to bind with cannabinoid receptors, taking a high-CBD, low-THC product will mean that you feel less of the effects of THC.[3] As long as your ratio contains enough THC, you'll still feel psychoactive sensations. However, the higher level of CBD may change the way that you experience the THC. Some people say that they feel less hungry, sleepy, or anxious when they take more CBD alongside THC.

What's better for pain, CBD or THC?

Both cannabinoids are popular among people who need help managing chronic pain. Since both CBD and THC have an effect, the right option depends on your personal preferences. For those who regularly need help with pain and do not want to have altered cognition, CBD is quite useful. Meanwhile, those who enjoy psychoactive effects but also want pain management may prefer THC.[1] Don't forget that you can take both cannabinoids simultaneously, so another popular option is a product with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC.

Ultimately, both CBD and THC have their own unique benefits and uses. Each cannabinoid produces its own specific effects, and when you combine them, they can blend to create even more fantastic sensations. At PAX, we make it easy to try out all these enjoyable cannabinoids. We've got you covered.