Understanding Cannabinoids: An Introduction to THC & CBD 

You’ve likely come across the terms THC and CBD while browsing cannabis products. And while you can happily vape cannabis without understanding these terms, at Airo we believe that education is a key part of building a supportive cannabis routine. 

You don’t need a Bachelor’s in Chemistry to understand the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis, and how they affect you – just 10 minutes to read through this blog. Let’s break it down. 

An Introduction to Cannabinoids

The remarkable cannabis plant houses thousands of chemical compounds. Among these are cannabinoids, compounds that are exclusive to the cannabis plant and interact with your endocannabinoid system. 

The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD, although they’re far from the only. In fact, the cannabis plant is thought to produce over 100 cannabinoids, based on the plant’s lineage and growing conditions. THC is the most common cannabinoid, but CBD is not far behind.

It may not always be that way – many growers are experimenting with growing plants that are dominant in other cannabinoids, like CBG and CBC. In 10 years, who knows how many cannabinoid options will be available for you to build a customized routine with? But in the meantime, THC and CBD are the two most common cannabinoids you’ll see when shopping for weed products. 

Your Endocannabinoid System 

Cannabis creates certain effects in your body for one reason: your endocannabinoid system. If you haven’t heard of this system before, you’re not alone. The ECS was only acknowledged in the late 1990s, and stigma against weed has kept it largely out of the knowledge of mainstream medicine, although this is changing. 

Your endocannabinoid system is a master regulatory system that has receptors on every organ in your body, and plays a role in almost all of your biological functions. We’re talking sleep, appetite, moods, memory formation, hormone regulation, pain, recovery – the list goes on, 

You may notice some overlap between what your ECS regulates, and what cannabis may help with (like appetite stimulation, falling and staying asleep, and dealing with chronic pain) – no coincidence there. 

The ECS is fascinating to scientists because it’s like your fingerprint – completely unique to you. The variety in ECS between people is the main reason that the same cannabis strain or product will affect people differently. 

But wait – why do we have an endocannabinoid system at all? 

All mammals have one, and it’s because your brain actually produces cannabinoid-like molecules all your life. Endocannabinoids like anandamide play as important of a role as molecules like serotonin and dopamine. Having a dysregulated ECS is now thought to have a ripple effect in your health. Some researchers are now classifying previously bewildering ailments as ECS dysregulation, like endometriosis, PCOS, and migraine problems. 

What is THC? 

THC, or tetra-hydro-cannabinol, is the most common cannabinoid found in today’s cannabis products. While THC is best known for the intoxicating effects that get you high, this cannabinoid does so much more than that. THC has been extensively researched in the past decade, and found to have many positive effects in your body, including: 

• Euphoria and mood-boosting properties  
• Pain relief 
• Anti-nausea 
• Anti-inflammation 
• Antioxidant
• Neuroprotective 

With so much to offer and so many consumption options, it’s no wonder that THC is becoming so popular. Two of the most popular ways to consume cannabis are vaping and edibles. Vaping allows you to get the rapid effects of inhalation, in a completely smoke-free delivery method, while edibles are discreet and deliver long-lasting effects 

The most common form of THC in cannabis is delta-9 THC, although there are other similar molecules. THC is not federally legal but is legal in many states for recreational and medicinal use. 

What is CBD? 

CBD, cannabidiol, is the cannabinoid found most in hemp plants, although many strains of cannabis have natural levels of CBD. CBD is a federally legal compound. This cannabinoid first made headlines for its powerful anti-convulsant properties, which made it of interest in treating people with seizure diseases – but it can do so much more. 

CBD is less commonly found in dispensaries due to the popularity of THC, but there are still strains, vapes, and edibles that have CBD. Adding this cannabinoid to your cannabis routine can have many positive effects (such as reducing inflammation and pain) but with the added benefit of balancing the effects of THC.

High doses of THC can have negative side effects, like anxiety, paranoia, racing mind, and cotton mouth. Adding CBD to your consumption is thought to bring balance to your cannabis experience and mitigate some of the potentially negative side effects of THC. However, at least one study found that CBD in edibles may actually increase the strength of the THC dose. Since everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique, you may want to try different ratios of THC and CBD to see how they affect you. 

How THC and CBD overlap 

THC and CBD have many overlapping benefits, although they feel very different in your body. Both compounds are known for: 

• Pain relief 
• Nausea relief 
• Migraine relief 
• Reducing anxiety and depression (although this is dose-dependant in THC) 
• Reducing inflammation 
• Makes it easier to fall asleep 
• Antioxidant properties 

How are THC and CBD different? 

The biggest difference between THC and CBD is your experience – CBD will not get you high. It still has an impact on your endocannabinoid system, but if you’re looking for mood-boosting euphoria, only THC will deliver that. 

Now that you understand the basic effects of THC and CBD, it’s time to try them out! Shop Airo’s lineup of AiroPods for a delicious variety of strains with THC and check out our Oria gummies for CBD and other cannabinoid options at a dispensary near you.