The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
Discover how THC and CBD work, their compositions,
their potential effects, and tips to help you choose between products.
The two cannabinoids that are most present in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
When consumed, THC and CBD affect the body and the mind in their own unique ways.
Understanding how CBD and THC work can help you choose the products that suit you best.
THC, whose scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a natural chemical compound (cannabinoid) in a cannabis plant. Moreover, it is the main compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive and intoxicating effects.
THC acts on our endocannabinoid system
THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, responsible for several aspects of our health and wellbeing (weight management, body temperature, heart rate, etc.).
This system is composed of two main parts:
Endocannabinoids function like keys that insert themselves into these receptors, transmitting messages between cells. THC, as a cannabinoid, fits inside these receptors too, temporarily replacing your natural endocannabinoids and causing various effects.
The higher the THC level of a product, the higher the risk that the consumer will feel a strong effect.
Consuming products containing THC produces the majority of the psychoactive and physical effects effects that consumers seek in the short and long term, such as relaxation or even euphoria, also described by these popular terms: being “stoned,” “high,” “baked,” or “buzzed.”
The effects of a single product can vary from one person to the next based on a multitude of factors: age, sex, weight, health, history, etc.
THC poses certain health risks and can sometimes cause undesirable short-term and long-term side effects on the body and mind.
Here is a simple overview of the potential risks associated with consuming cannabis-based products containing THC:
Varied effects:
Overdose cases:
Risks of regular consumption:
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a cannabinoid that is naturally found in hemp and cannabis flowers. Contrary to other compounds, CBD does not induce intoxicating or euphoric effects. This non-psychoactive CBD attribute is the subject of many studies, with more than 1,500 scientific findings to date2, highlighting its potential and prompting interest throughout the entire scientific community.
CBD acts on our endocannabinoid system
Like THC, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, but differently.
As a reminder, the endocannabinoid system is composed of two main parts:
Endocannabinoids connect to their receptors, facilitating communication between cells. Studies suggest that CBD inhibits an enzyme responsible for the regulation and elimination of excess endocannabinoids, and favors the proliferation of cannabinoid receptors, causing the endocannabinoid system to be more receptive and efficient.
In high doses, CBD can provide certain medical benefits, such as increased relaxation, better sleep, or muscle relaxation, for example. It can also temper the unpleasant effects of THC, such as paranoia or anxiety. It is not yet possible to demonstrate these claims with any certainty, though1. CBD is undergoing more studies so we can better understand its potential properties.
The effects of a single product can vary from one person to the next based on a multitude of factors: age, sex, weight, health, history, etc.
CBD is a psychoactive cannabinoid even if it contains little to no euphoric properties or intoxicating effects. It can still affect psychological or cognitive functions.
The THC and CBD in dried cannabis (flower, ground, and pre-rolled) do not have any notable effects unless they are “activated” by the high temperatures obtained during the combustion, vaporization, or decarboxylation of cannabis.
Use these icons to determine the degree of THC intensity in our products
Discover the dominance of the THC and CBD cannabinoids in our products with ease thanks to these icons.
It’s important to choose a cannabis product and a mode of consumption that suits one’s level of experience, state of health, and tolerance towards certain potentially unpleasant effects. For personalized tips, please do not hesitate to consult our Buying guide.
Click on the SQDC icon in the bottom right-hand corner of any page to start a conversation with one of our in-store advisors!
The duration of the effects of CBD and THC can vary depending on several factors including the mode of consumption, the administered dose, and the individual. In general, the effects can be felt for as long as 8 hours with oral or sublingual administration methods typically having a longer duration of action than inhalation methods.
People consume CBD for a variety of reasons, but these are often linked to its soothing, relaxing properties. In fact, CBD possesses little to no euphoric properties. It is more well-known for its potentially therapeutic properties and could temper the unpleasant effects of THC, such as paranoia or anxiety. In high doses, it could provide certain medical benefits such as increased relaxation, better sleep, or muscle relaxation. However, be aware that it is not yet possible to determine with any certainty that CBD presents beneficial effects when consumed. At this point in time, studies have not sufficiently proven these effects.
THC and CBD content vary from product to product. For specifics about the make-up of the products sold at the SQDC, see the product sheets in the Products section.
Yes, CBD can remain in the body for a few days to many weeks after the last use, depending on the frequency and quantity that was consumed, the metabolism of the individual, and the method of use. In general, CBD is estimated to have a half-life of 2 to 5 days for occasional use, but this can vary considerably from one person to the next.
The consumption of CBD is not generally recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or children, due to a lack of research in these areas. In addition, people who have certain medical conditions or take specific medications should consult a healthcare professional before trying CBD in order to avoid any unwanted interactions.
No, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two distinct cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. They differ both in terms of chemical structure and their effects on the human body. Certain CBD-based products, however, can contain traces of THC, depending on the method of extraction and the source plant, but also local regulations.
The consumption of THC and CBD has a distinct effect on the body. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It produces the majority of the psychoactive and physical effects. CBD, on the other hand, possesses little to no euphoric properties.
The cannabinoid concentration within the same cannabis product can vary from batch to batch. Discover why in this article.
All dried or ground flower products, pre-rolls, oils, and oil sprays now display the concentration of cannabinoids in miligrams per gram (mg/g).
For your convenience, we prepared a list of five important things to look out for.
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