Cannabis is a global phenomenon, popular across every nation, even where there are taboos attached to it. But more often than not, people consider cannabis as a whole, whether in terms of its benefits as a medical substitute or whether thinking of it as a substance of abuse. The truth is, cannabis is a combination of multiple cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, all of which have very particular effects on the consumer. So, depending on what cannabis product you buy with an Oklahoma medical marijuana card, your experience can be extremely different.
While there are a bunch of things to consider here, multiple components to break down, our main focus in this article will be on the two major cannabinoids – CBD and THC.
Let’s discuss what these cannabinoids are, how they can affect you, and which one is preferable for your requirements.
CBD and THC: What are these cannabinoids?
CBD and THC are the two best-known cannabinoids, found in all cannabis plants. Depending on the source of cannabis, hemp plants and marijuana plants in this case, the potency of these cannabinoids may differ. It is for this reason that while hemp sourced cannabis is recreationally available in multiple states(not in Oklahoma yet), marijuana sourced cannabis can only be accessed with an Oklahoma medical marijuana card.
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the most abundantly found cannabinoid in marijuana plants. The cannabinoid directly interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors of the brain. It’s ability to bind with CB1 and CB2 is what leads to the notoriously famous high associated with cannabis.
Consumption of THC in controlled environments or the right dose can help alleviate a lot of painful symptoms of chronic ailments. It also works great as a source of relief and provides a euphoric experience when combined with other cannabinoids that are naturally present in all cannabis plants.
It is crucial to remember that recreational cannabis is derived from hemp sources which only contain 0.3% THC or less. In other words, recreational doses are incapable of levying a strong high or euphoria. In synergy with other components, it can lead to an entourage effect.
On the other hand, THC found in marijuana plants is much more potent and abundantly found but you require an Oklahoma medical marijuana card to buy it from dispensaries. Because of its potency and potential to have an intoxicating effect on users, the card is only available to patients suffering from specific ailments or those who haven’t found any relief from other prescribed routes.
Coming back to the effects of consuming THC, it all comes down to how your body reacts to a particular dose. When you start consuming high doses of THC over long periods, it can adversely affect your body.
Different parts of the brain react differently to high doses of THC.
Amygdala is the part responsible for regulating emotions, fear and anxiety. THC consumption can lead to panic and paranoia in consumers.
Basal Ganglia is the part responsible for starting a movement. THC results in a slowed reaction time in users.
The cerebellum manages the coordination and balance while THC can lead to impaired coordination.
Hippocampus is the part responsible for learning new information and THC can cause impaired memory.
Other negative effects associated with high THC consumption include altered thinking, judgement and sensation, which is the responsibility of the neocortex.
THC also leads to anti-nausea effects, increased appetite, euphoric feeling and altered pain sensitivity.
Cannabidiol
The other cannabinoid we’re looking at is CBD. Though extremely famous and more in use than any other cannabis component, we lack proof of how the cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors.
While THC is known to bind directly with CB1 and CB2, the same isn’t true for CBD. On the other hand, CBD is more closely associated with limiting the effects of THC by preventing cannabinoids from breaking down. In other words, the cannabinoid is known to have counteractive effects that can help balance out the high of THC.
If you’re consuming two products with the same THC potency but varying CBD concentration, you’re bound to experience a more euphoric experience with the lower CBD concentrate.
Amidst all of this, we still do not have enough proof to show how CBD actually works.
Keeping that aside, we have been introduced to the marvelous benefits of cannabinoids. The cannabinoid provides relief from chronic pain, inflammation, improves appetite and sleep cycle, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression without leading to a high. Even at a federal level, hemp-derived CBD has been legalized for consumption. While different states have made their own laws regarding cannabis and CBD consumption, the cannabinoid has still garnered a lot of support in recent years.
Even in states like Oklahoma, where recreational cannabis is illegal, constant petitions are being put forward to legalize its use.
Synergetic Experience
While both THC and CBD are associated with their own benefits and side effects, they work best together. CBD acts as an inhibitor and cuts down on the intoxicating effects of THC. THC, on the other hand, adds to the relief, calm and comfort that comes with CBD. When these two cannabinoids are consumed together, or with other minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, consumers experience an entourage effect. Other than the benefits of CBD and THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, Delta 8 THC, etc, are other minor cannabinoids that support the analgesic, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. Terpenes like limonene, pinene and myrcene (amongst others) also add to these benefits.
It is believed that a cannabis product with all these naturally occurring components is the most effective for any condition. However, not all potencies may work for you.
Consumers who have just started consuming cannabis must invest in low THC concentrations. They are also required to keep their doses minimal and add onto them if required.
Experienced consumers can invest in higher THC doses. However, it is crucial to remember that just looking for CBD and THC in a product isn’t enough. As a consumer who’s looking for high-quality products, dissect the ingredients list to find the other cannabinoids and terpenes involved.
Now that you know what THC and CBD are about, how they affect the body and their synergistic marvel, you can find the right products to invest in.