If you’re on this site, then there’s a very good chance you’ve heard of CBD. After all, it’s what we do. And you’re very likely to have heard of THC, too, even if it’s just a vague association with marijuana. But did you know that these two chemical compounds are related to one another? More than that, both CBD and THC have a number of things in common, including some beneficial effects on the mind and body. But they have their differences, too, which is why we’re going to take a little time today to break down CBD versus THC, and even recommend some products to help you experience each of them for yourselves!
What Is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of a group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids help to protect the plant from the elements, insect predators, and herbivorous animals, as well as attract pollinators. Your body produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. The ECS helps various systems and organs throughout the body to maintain homeostasis, or balance. CBD and other plant-based cannabinoids, when consumed, actually mimic the body’s own endocannabinoids, which can help bolster this system. This produces a variety of wellness benefits, and is the primary reason CBD has become such a popular health supplement in recent years.**
What Is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is another prominent cannabinoid. In fact, THC and CBD are the two most prominent cannabinoids, which is why we call them the “major cannabinoids.” In some cannabis plants, which are commonly referred to as marijuana, the THC content is extremely high: sometimes as great as 30%. Hemp, on the other hand, has very low concentrations of THC (by law, less than 0.3% as measured by dry weight). All of our best CBD gummies and other top-shelf CBD and THC products, by the way, are made from legal hemp.
CBD versus THC
While both CBD and THC are compounds found in the cannabis plant, THC and CBD show completely different effects on the central nervous system, not to mention the brain. The main difference is that THC produces a high while CBD does not. CBD is non-psychoactive.
On the other hand, CBD and THC can both be useful for sleep, as both can relax the mind and body.** Both cannabinoids can also be used for pain management, working in particular with the body’s CB2 receptors.** These cannabinoids can also be useful for stress, as both have calming properties that can help settle the nerves.
Here’s a reference table to break it all down:**
| Cannabinoid | Psychoactive? | Sleep Benefits? | Pain Relief? | Stress Relief? |
| CBD | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| THC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Potential Side Effects
Side effects are rare for CBD products, and generally occur when someone takes much more than the recommended dosage. CBD side effects can include dry mouth, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and drowsiness. THC side effects can be much more pronounced than those of CBD, especially if you take more than the recommended serving size. These may include dizziness, altered senses, and impaired memory, among other things. Whichever types of products you choose, make sure to adhere to the recommended serving size when you use any hemp product.
Know Your Oils: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate
CBD oil comes in a variety of strengths, whose main difference from one another is THC content. Full spectrum CBD oil is the oil that is initially extracted from the leaves, stems, and buds of the hemp plant. This rich oil includes all of the 100+ cannabinoids found in hemp, plus all terpenes, flavonoids, and healthy fatty acids. That includes up to 0.3% THC, as mandated by the 2018 US Farm Bill.
The benefit of using such a robust oil is that all of these compounds—cannabinoids and terpenes, especially—boost one another’s effects via a phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect. So, the more of these compounds there are in any given product, the greater its potency.
Still, many people aren’t comfortable with having THC in their CBD products. Broad spectrum CBD is a great alternative for these folks. This is the exact same oil as full spectrum, only the detectable amounts of THC have been filtered out (along with a few other compounds in the process). Still, broad spectrum CBD is a wonderfully rich oil that can generate the Entourage Effect.
For some folks, though, purity is the priority. And so, they have CBD isolate as an option. This form of CBD is 99% pure CBD with all other hemp compounds removed. CBD isolate does not produce the Entourage Effect.
Pick Your Products!
With our delta-9 THC products, we take the THC content right up to the legal limit for maximum effects. Let’s look at a few of our most popular THC items, along with a related CBD option.
Sleep Gummies
Looking for the best CBD for sleep? Our CBD Sleep Gummies with Melatonin deliver 50mg of calming broad spectrum CBD, along with 5mg of melatonin per serving, as well as a bevy of natural botanicals that promote rest and a proprietary blend of sleep terpenes. Lemon Dream THC Gummies contain 25mg of full spectrum CBD in every serving, plus 5mg of THC and 3mg of mellow melatonin. Both of these sleep gummies can help you fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly through the night, with the Lemon Dream gummies offering a dash of dreamy THC to the mix.**
Sleep Tinctures
Our CBD Sleep Tincture delivers a 1-2-3-4 combination of broad spectrum CBD, CBN (“the ultimate relaxation cannabinoid”), melatonin, and sleep terpenes. Sweet Dreams THC Drops offer full spectrum CBD, THC, CBN, and sleep terpenes. Both are wonderful natural sleep aids, with the difference being the added THC “bliss” in the Sweet Dreams Drops.**
Berry Gummies
Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies were the very first CBD gummies in our collection, delivering 50mg of broad spectrum CBD in every berrylicious serving—perfect for any morning wellness regimen. We’ve since added two THC-rich berry gummy options. Our Full Spectrum Mixed Berry CBD Gummies not only use full spectrum oil, but also add a microdose-friendly 3mg of THC in every serving. These are great for taking the edge off of stress, while still allowing you to maintain control. If you’re looking for more THC in your berry chews, though, our Berry Buzz THC Gummies give you the option of 5mg or even 10mg of THC in every serving for the ultimate in “chill” relaxation.**
Final Thoughts
As you’ve seen, CBD is chemically similar to THC but does not have the same psychoactive effects as its cannabinoid cousin. Fortunately, we offer plenty of options for both calming CBD wellness products and blissful THC products. Try a few items from each camp to see what’s best for you!
