The Real Difference Between THC, CBD and CBN

January 12th, 2012 // 7:06 am @ Herb Diesel // No Comments

Surely all medical marijuana patients have heard of THC and nearly all can tell you about its effects. Did you know that THC isn’t the only useful cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. In fact, there are many many others but the 3 most important to medical marijuana patients are THC, CBD and CBN. In this article we will go into detail on how each offers its own unique properties and effects.

THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is a well known psychoactive cannabinoid and is responsible for the majority of the effects that you get from marijuana consumption. Ultimately THC is what gets you “High.”
The more THC you consume the stronger effects you will get.
THC mostly has a wide range of cerebral effects, which can make you feel happy, euphoric, energetic, anxious, paranoid or even nervous.
Medicinally THC has been shown to have anti-depressant effects and even relieves pain and insomnia. It also induces relaxation and stimulates the appetite, which has shown to be useful with cancer and anorexia patients.
Most cured cannabis buds you buy at dispensaries range from 12%-21% THC content and if grown properly can reach even higher levels.
WARNING! Patients with high anxiety or those who suffer from schizophrenia should avoid strains with extremely high levels of THC.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which is known for changing the effects of consumed THC.
CBD increases the happy, euphoric and cerebral effects of THC while decreasing paranoia, anxiety and nervousness.
This cannabinoid is almost always in much lower concentrations than THC in most cannabis plants, usually less than 1%. In rare strains CBD concentrations can outweigh THC levels.
Medicinally CBD has been shown to relieve anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, inflammation and convulsions. So it is great for patients with MS, fibromyalgia and epilepsy.
During a study when CBD was combined with THC and injected into breast and brain tumors, it was shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is a psychoactive cannabinoid, but is only 10% of the strength of THC.
The effects of CBN have shown to make you feel more dizzy, groggy, disoriented and has also been shown to lower your heart rate.
CBN is essentially THC that has been partially broken down either by oxidization while in storage, during the curing process, in a concentration process or even when your body metabolizes recently consumed THC.
Increased amounts of CBN has been associated with increased “bad feelings” like anxiety, paranoia and nervousness.
High amounts of CBN can be avoided with proper curing and storing of dried cannabis in a cool, dry area inside an airtight container.

What does all of this mean for medical marijuana patients?

With lab testing, Alameda Wellness is beginning to test and display the percentages of these cannabinoids from our own medical marijuana strains. Now that you know that the effects you feel from your medicinal marijuana goes much deeper than whether it is a Indica or a Sativa, here are a few pointers to help you figure out which types of strains are right for you in regards to THC and CBD.

High THC and High CBD levels together will give you a very strong mental high while making your body feel relaxed and heavy.
High THC and Low CBD levels will give you a strong cerebral high while your body becomes more energetic.
Low THC and High CBD levels makes your body very relaxed and dulls your mind. Couch-lock anyone? You shouldn’t feel as “high” when compared to strains with higher THC levels.

Please note that the author of this article is not a doctor. You should only consume medical marijuana with the recommendation of your doctor.