Cannabinoids work together to create the entourage effect which creates the experience you get from cannabis. There are over a hundred of them, but the main ones are THC and CBD and the balance between them is important.
THC
THC is the main driver of the entourage effect. It causes the buzz and hallucinogenic high from smoking. THC is usually what you’re looking for in a sativa – energy, creativity, staying active. Within your body, it’s more chemically active and keeps your mind moving. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxer, improves appetite and curbs nausea.
However, if you take too much THC, it can cause anxiety, anxiousness, increased heart rate or a panic attack. In severe cases, it can cause nausea and vomiting. For patients with existing issues, the psychoactive effects can trigger an episode or put them in a negative mental state.
It’s important to remember that THC by itself is not necessarily best. It works with other cannabinoids and compounds to give you a full experience.
CBD
CBD offsets and smooths-out the effects of THC. It is generally found at higher amounts in indica strains and works together with the other cannabinoids to create a calm and relaxing state. It makes it easier to sleep and leaves you more sedentary.
CBD is good for treating pain, anxiety, PTSD, seizures, and neurological issues. It’s not psychoactive, is less intoxicating than THC and a better fit for patients with psychological issues.
It’s difficult to take too much CBD because it doesn’t make you high. At most you might get tired and lethargic. In fact, you can take CBD oil to offset anxiety caused by THC.
No one element is better than another. In conjunction the cannabinoids work together to create desirable effects.