WTF is CBD, THC, and MCT?!
I know I have been promising this post for a while so I hope it lives up to your expectations (and can offer some new knowledge at the very least). My knowledge on cannabis began my freshman year of college. I was offered a marketing internship at MJIC Inc. a news, stock, and event business geared solely around cannabis. Being a freshman in college who has had some time to “experiment” this was a dream job. My work involved posting to all their social media accounts (who is surprised) with the goal to keep followers, clients, and strangers alike engaged and informed on the substance. Since marijuana was only legal in California at the time, there was a lot I didn’t know about the plant. I assumed the future in marijuana was tied to the high and euphoric effects one gets when using the drug. I didn’t even realize there was so much more behind it than the typical stoner vibe. Cannabis has so many amazing medical benefits, can produce long lasting fabrics and also can be used in skincare items.
Cannabis 101:
Cannabis has hundreds of chemical compounds. TCH and CBD are only two of these hundreds, however, TCH is the strongest with CBD being the second strongest compound. When people consume cannabis, these chemicals bind to different receptors in your body. Each one has a slightly different effect which is why there is a difference in medical and recreational use when using CBD and THC.
THC vs. CBD:
THC- Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC for short, prefers receptors in the brain. This is why it can leave users feeling high, euphoric, and oblivious to the things around them. Think “mind clearer”. It also can give people the munchies by giving them an unexpected appetite. It can increase creativity, help with digestive health problems, and reduce nausea, anxiety, and pain. This is the component most college students crave, and that most people stereotype marijuana to be. Some side effects also include dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, and memory loss. The marijuana plant, a plant in the cannabis family, has the highest amounts of THC and lower amounts of CBD.
CBD- Cannabidiol, CBD for short, prefers receptors throughout the body and actually counteracts the effects of THC. When consumed, it leaves the user feeling relaxed while providing health benefits. This is what most pharmaceutical companies are investing their money into as it helps with pain, seizers, stress, inflammation, sleep loss, epilepsy, MS, headaches, nausea and depression among a long list. CBD doesn’t leave you feeling high but instead slightly at ease making it a viable option on work days, when you are around children, if you are operating machinery and so on. The hemp plant, a plant in the cannabis family, has the highest amounts of CBD and lower amounts of THC. That is why hemp products can be found around the states since when they extract the CBD they leave behind most of the THC.
Strains:
Marijuana comes in different strains because each strain has a unique percentage of involved compounds. Sativa strains have higher THC levels while an Indica strain has higher CBD percentages. Sativas are more commonly used during the day as they have an uplifting feeling while Indicas are best for nighttime use as they can make you sleepy. While at a cannabis shop you might notice a third option called hybrid that are a mix of the two.
Forms of usage:
There are many many many (emphasis on many) different ways to get the benefits of cannabis. One of the most common is though smoking which can include joints, bongs, pipes or pens. Cannabis can also be consumed through edibles such as brownies, gummies, and cookies. Really most things you eat (or drink) can be cannabis infused. Cannabis can also be put into lotions, bath bombs, candles, shampoos, conditioners, clothing, ropes and so on. Usually these types of products are from the hemp plant as they have the highest amounts of CBD and the lowest amount of THC.
My favorite way of using cannabis, CBD to be more specific, is through oils. The brand I am currently using and love is Charlottes Web (CW Hemp). This brand has high quality products that range from capsules, oils, topicals, and even pet care. Their oils come at three different price points since each has a different MG of hemp extract per serving. Their website helps guide you to help find the one most practical for your lifestyle and needs. I have both the mint chocolate and the olive oil flavors since they are fun to experiment with while cooking. While they can just be taken alone, I prefer to add it into my food. For the mint chocolate I like using that when making energy bites, smoothies or even adding it into my coffee. For the olive oil flavor my favorite way to use it is on avocado toast, or vegan pizza. Blog posts on recipes using CBD oil will be coming soon!
Wait… your title mentioned MCT and you haven’t covered it yet.
MCT: MCT oil is not derived from cannabis but actually from many foods including coconut oil. Charlottes web uses small amounts of MCT oil, as many CBD oils do, because of the additional health benefits MCT can bring. It is a medium-chain fatty acid aka the good kind of fat. It helps you think more clearly, aid in digestion, promote weight loss or maintaining a weight, fight off infections or viruses, and improving energy levels.
I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments on this. Also I wanted to note that all the information used in this blog post was found using scientific research, using prior knowledge and my own personal experience. HOWEVER, this is a drug and it should be treated as such. I strongly encourage you to do your own research and consult a doctor before use.