THC: The Psychoactive Cannabinoid

THC, short for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which can produce a range of effects on both the mind and body. These effects can vary significantly from person to person, but THC is well-known for its intoxicating effects that produce a “high.” For some, consuming large amounts of THC may lead to overwhelming or unpleasant sensations.
THC is found in a variety of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, edibles, extracts, and topicals. The potency of THC in these products is typically listed on the packaging, either as a percentage (%) or in milligrams per gram (mg/g). This potency rating helps consumers gauge the strength of the product they are purchasing.

CBD: The Non-Psychoactive Alternative

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the second most common cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is considered non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" commonly associated with cannabis use. However, that doesn't mean CBD is without effect. CBD still interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can influence both mental and physical experiences. While research into CBD is still ongoing, many users report incorporating CBD into their daily routines due to its potential effects. It’s commonly found in products such as oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. CBD content is also typically listed on the product packaging, either as a percentage or in milligrams per gram, allowing consumers to understand the concentration of CBD in the product.

THCA and CBDA: The Raw Form of THC and CBD

In its natural state, cannabis contains THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), which are the acidic precursors to THC and CBD, respectively. These cannabinoids are inactive in their raw form but become active when exposed to heat or oxygen in a process known as decarboxylation.

When cannabis is heated—whether by inhalation, vaping, or cooking—the THCA and CBDA convert to their active forms, THC and CBD. This process increases the potency of the cannabinoids, which is why the "total THC" or "total CBD" listed on product labels often refers to the active cannabinoid content after decarboxylation. In products like oils, capsules, and edibles, the cannabinoids have already been heated during processing, so the THCA/CBDA levels and total THC/CBD levels on the label will be the same. For flower, pre-rolls, and vapes, the second number (total THC/CBD) will be higher, since the cannabinoids are activated when heated during consumption.

The Entourage Effect

While more research is needed, it’s believed that cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with other compounds in cannabis such as terpenes, work together synergistically to produce the overall effect of the cannabis plant. This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, suggests that the combination of various compounds may produce a unique experience compared to isolated cannabinoids alone.

Whether you're seeking the psychoactive effects of THC or the more subtle influence of CBD, understanding the differences between these cannabinoids and how they interact with the body can help you choose the right product for your needs. As cannabis research continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of how cannabinoids like THC and CBD work together to create the diverse effects associated with the plant.