Spoiler alert! Neither
It really depends on your situation and why you are consuming cannabis. THC has gotten a bad rap as being a ‘recreational’ cannabinoid with no medical benefits, which just isn’t true. All parts of the Cannabis plant have medicinal value when consumed in the right amount, at the right time and with a clear intention.
THC and CBD are the two most popular cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, though there are many, many more that are currently being researched and have many beneficial effects on the body.
CBD does not impair your cognitive abilities, it may even enhance them by increasing energy, focus and memory. THC can impair your cognitive abilities depending on the dose. Low doses of THC, especially when accompanied with CBD, greatly reduces the occurrence of impairment. Both work together kind of like really great sisters (shout out to my sister, whom I have a dream relationship with). Let’s say I’m THC (as I am the more ‘out there’ kind of sister), and my sister is CBD (she’s the more logical one). One day, I take too much THC and am feeling the effects of a high and it’s uncomfortable for me. I call up my sister, CBD, and explain the situation and she’s all over it with bailing out some of the THC to smooth out my high and bring me back down to earth. Thanks sister CBD!
There are some situations where avoiding THC may be warranted; for example, if you are taking a pharmaceutical that may interact with THC, if you are subjected to regular drug testing or if you have a family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Otherwise, therapeutic use of both THC and CBD can be done safely and effectively.
The benefits of these cannabinoids are diverse and support many conditions within the body.
THC improves sleep with its sedating effects, relieves stress and improves appetite. CBD supports the immune system, promotes bone growth and it’s also an antioxidant, antipsychotic and anticonvulsant. The overlap benefits between the two creates a synergistic effect on the body. Both THC and CBD are analgesic, reduce anxiety, reduce nausea, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and muscle relaxant.
So which one is better? The answer is: the combination of cannabinoids that work best for you! We are all unique in our response to Cannabis and it takes dedication to the experimental phase to find the perfect product for you. Cannabis is a new way of healing. This isn’t your traditional “Dr. knows best” scenario. This new way involves YOU – your knowledge of your body, your intuition, your perspective.
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