What Are Cannabinoids? Learn About CBD and THC

You can enjoy cannabis without researching the science behind how the plant works, but many marijuana lovers become curious about their favourite herb. If you’ve dug into cannabis studies or gone in-depth at your local dispensary, you might be left wondering, what are cannabinoids? 

Cannabinoids are natural compounds that include cannabinol. Typically found in the cannabis sativa plant, cannabinoids produce many of the positive psychoactive effects you associate with marijuana flower products. Let’s explore the difference between CBD and THC, as well as how many cannabinoids there are, how cannabinoids work, and other common questions about these two natural compounds.

 

What Cannabinoids Are Most Commonly Found in a Cannabis Plant?

The marijuana plant contains more than 400 currently identified chemical compounds. Continuing research might uncover more, so this number could go up! However, only 66 of these natural compounds contain cannabinol and are part of the cannabinoid family.

You might recognize THC and CBD as two of the most common cannabinoids. These substances cause many powerful effects and potential benefits and are often singled out by cannabis dispensaries in Canada for their potent impacts. 

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana and is what causes the wonderful feeling of being high when it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. 

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, provides a calming, anti-inflammatory effect. Both CBD and THC are present in the same plant, but their properties are very different. They both interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. 

When researching what cannabinoids are, the THC vs CBD question will come up frequently. It’s important to remember that these compounds create vastly different results. Products with high THC levels will make you feel incredibly high with psychoactive effects.

Conversely, if you try a weed strain or gummy with low THC, you might not feel anything at all. Many cannabis lovers prefer high THC concentrates for this reason.

Cannabidiol makes up around 40% of standard marijuana resin, so it’s an integral part of the plant. Medical users and recreational fans prize CBD because it treats many severe forms of health conditions. You can find relief from chronic pain, anxiety, stress, seizures, and more medical benefits through CBD. Cannabinoids are excellent for complementary and integrative health.

Products with lots of CBD can create potent health benefits and effects, but when considering THC vs CBD, remember that CBD won’t get you high.

 

What Are Other Types Of Cannabinoids?

How many cannabinoids are there, anyway? With 66 cannabinoids recognized, marijuana researchers have split these compounds into different classes. Cannabinoids include: 

• Cannabinol (CBN)

• Cannabidiol (CBD)

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

• Cannabichromene (CBC)

• Cannabigerol (CBG)

• Cannabinodiol (CBDL)

• Cannabicyclol (CBL)

• Cannabielsoin (CBE)

• Cannabitriol (CBT)

Every cannabinoid has unique effects on humans and other animals. Many of these varieties are currently used for medical benefits and recreational purposes in areas where marijuana is legal.

 

How Can You Use Cannabinoids as Medical Marijuana?

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are present in all marijuana strains and products found at any online cannabis dispensary in Canada. There are many different methods to enjoy these compounds, like hemp-derived CBD products, medical cannabis products, and recreational marijuana. When exploring the difference between CBD and THC, you can try some of these methods to see which you prefer.

Cannabinoid Edibles

What are cannabinoid edibles? If you’re familiar with THC edibles like weed gummies or special brownies, you’ve already come across edibles. This category includes any food or beverage infused with extracted cannabinoids. In addition, many cannabis lovers have made their own edibles in the past decades. 

These products are also available at modern dispensaries. In addition, you can try delicious desserts and candies like chocolates and baked goods. Cannabinoid teas and other beverages are also available.

CBD Oils

One common way how cannabinoids work is in an oil emulsion. For example, CBD oils extract CBD from the marijuana plant and infuse it into a carrier oil. You can find CBD oil products for topical application and oils to consume by mouth.

Smoking

Smoking marijuana remains the most popular way to enjoy the plant. Cigarettes, joints, and blunts are common ways to make the most of cannabinoids. Many people enjoy smoking cannabis for its THC content, but you can also find strains with lots of CBD and little THC. Once you learn about cannabinoids and which ones you prefer, you can focus on those compounds when you smoke products derived from cannabis plants.

Bongs

Bongs are another option for smoking cannabis. A bong is a glass pipe that filters the smoke. Bongs are the second most popular way of smoking marijuana and are a classic choice for smoking at home with friends. As you’re exploring what cannabinoids are, a bong is a great way to continue your journey.

Vaping

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular with modern cannabis lovers. Vaporizers use a battery, mouthpiece, and juice cartridge. You can choose from various vapes, with disposable models on one end and customized vaporizers on the other. Disposable vapes are great for exploring this method and seeing if you enjoy it. If you decide that vaping is for you, you can invest in a high-quality vape or pen. Many people vape THC, but CBD vapes are also growing in popularity.

Pipes

Pipes are a traditional choice, but they still deliver a great result. You can use a classy pipe like Sherlock Holmes would use or opt for a sleek and modern glass model. Either way, smoking a cannabis pipe is a classic way to enjoy the plant. This method is perfect for both THC and CBD blends.

Choosing Your Favourite Cannabinoid

As you can see, many options exist for consuming cannabinoids. If you’re new to the cannabis lifestyle or want to expand your world with something new, take your time and experiment. There’s lots of time to try all the different methods. You might find you enjoy one style more than the others. Some users also report they prefer different methods for each cannabinoid. For example, you might like to vape your THC-heavy blends but consume CBD in an edible gummy form. 

There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the plant. However, once you uncover your favourite methods, you can regularly treat yourself to potent, beneficial cannabinoids.

However, it is crucial to note that you should seek medical expertise before adding both marijuana and CBD to your daily life. Cannabinoids can interact with other medications and other drugs. 

Lastly, be sure to know the federal law. In Canada, the THC legal landscape is constantly evolving. On the other hand, the CBD legal landscape is a bit more stable as CBD is legal with fewer restrictions than cannabis products.

 

Final Thoughts

If you plan to buy weed online, ensure you order from a trusted source that offers the specific services you need. You can get mail-order weed from Canada’s top cannabis store or get same-day service from sources like Daily Treats weed delivery. If unsure where to start, you can find the best weed delivery and cannabis dispensaries from many reliable, independent sources.

 

References

Lafaye G. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Sep; 19(3): 309–316.

Sharma P, Murthy P, and Bharath MM. Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical Implications. Iran J Psychiatry. 2012 Fall; 7(4): 149–156. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/

Karila L et al. Acute and long-term effects of cannabis use: a review. Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(25):4112-8.

Henry J. Comparing cannabis with tobacco. BMJ. 2003 May 3; 326(7396): 942–943. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570572/

Daily Marijuana. (2022, July 3). Buy Weed Online. Available at: https://www.dailymarijuana.io/

Daily Treats Delivery. (2022, July 3). BC’s Top Weed Delivery Service. Available at: https://dailytreatsdelivery.io/

WeedSmart. (2022, July 3). Canada’s Best Marijuana Dispensary | Online Dispensary Canada. Available at: https://weedsmart.cc/

BC Weed Delivery. (2022, July 3). Find the best cannabis dispensaries in British Columbia, Canada. Available at: https://bcweeddelivery.org/