CBD, THC, and CBN – What’s the Difference?
June 26th, 2020The cannabis plant has over 130 known compounds, called cannabinoids. Each cannabinoid has unique medicinal benefits and effects.
THC is associated with the ‘high’ in cannabis, effects can include feelings of euphoria and the munchies.
CBD doesn’t get you ‘high,’ effects can include feelings of relaxation and well-being. CBD and THC work together and balance each other out.
CBN is another compound in cannabis, with effects in between CBD and THC. CBN is an antioxidant, can help kill pain and inflammation without harming your kidneys.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is probably the most researched cannabinoid. It is known for inducing the
‘high’ associated with cannabis consumption, and is effective in treating a number
of conditions. THC can produce strong feelings of euphoria and overall well-being.
Medical applications: PTSD, glaucoma, cancer, ADHD, anorexia, HIV/AIDS
Reduces: inflammation, anxiety, spasms and convulsions, vomiting and
nausea, pain, spread of certain cancers, nerve damage, free radicals in the
bloodstream (antioxidant)
Promotes: appetite, growth of new nerve tissue, oxygen intake and breathing
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THC-A)
THC-A is the acid form of THC, and can be found in the trichomes of the cannabis
plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. As
marijuana dries, THC-A slowly converts to THC.
Medical applications: prostate cancer, arthritis, lupus
Reduces: tumors, pain, nausea, insomnia, muscle spasms, inflammation
Promotes: appetite, cell growth
Raw cannabis contains high amounts of THC-A. Suggestion: juice cannabis
leaves with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritionally-dense, very potent
medicine without the psychoactive effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is considered to be “non-psychoactive,” and it reduces the euphoric effects of
THC. Like THC, a significant amount of research has been conducted on CBD. Its
lack of psychoactivity makes it ideal in treating children, the elderly, and patients
that prefer to remain clear headed and focused.
Medical applications: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, PTSD,
insomnia, AIDS, arthritis, depression, Crohn’s disease, eating disorders,
glaucoma, epilepsy and seizure disorders, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis
Reduces: spread of certain cancers and tumors, inflammation, anxiety
If you’re looking for the medicines with high CBD content, you have many
delivery options to choose from: tinctures, capsules, oil applicators, vape
cartridges and other extracts, flowers, and edibles.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is, just like aspirin, a non-narcotic analgesic (pain-killer), but 3 times as
strong. CBN is mildly psychoactive, calming, and is a stronger sedative than other
cannabinoids. CBN forms when THC has been exposed to oxygen and heat, thus
high levels of CBN can be a sign of older cannabis.
Medical applications: tension headaches
Reduces: pain, inflammation, convulsions and spasms, insomnia, nausea, free
radicals in the bloodstream (antioxidant)
Don’t throw out your old cannabis! If you store flowers in a cool, dry place, you
can consume them several months later for the medicinal benefits of CBN.
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBD-A)
CBD-A is the acid form of CBD, similar to THC-A and THC. Like CBD, CBD-A is
not psychoactive. While there hasn’t been much research done on CBD-A yet,
the research that has been done is quite promising.
Medical applications: cancer
Reduces: cancer cell growth, bacterial growth, inflammation, nausea
and vomiting
Other cannabinoids of interest include Cannabigerol (CBG),
Cannabichromene (CBC), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv). Preliminary
research shows that these cannabinoids all have therapeutic values as well.
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