What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid found in marijuana,. THC is famously known for producing euphoric effects, leaving you feeling high or intoxicated. As a psychoactive compound, THC can directly affect the mind and body, influencing behavior, mood, and motor function.
So, THC is a “cannabinoid,” but what’s that? Cannabinoids refer to organic compounds that exist within cannabis plants, which can be extracted for medical and recreational use. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, can support our body’s own endocannabinoids, which regulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THC interacts with the ECS by directly binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body. This causes you to feel high.
Consuming marijuana can actually have many positive benefits, such as providing relief from tension or improving sleep. Many people choose to smoke marijuana to feel more relaxed and take a temporary escape from the stressors of everyday life. However, marijuana and THC are considered to be drugs since they can produce mind-altering effects.
Other possible side effects from THC can include:
- Headaches
- Dry or red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Impaired motor function
- Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is most commonly found in hemp. While marijuana has high levels of THC and low levels of CBD, hemp is the opposite, with high CBD and low THC content.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning no matter how much of it you consume, you shouldn’t feel high or intoxicated at all. While CBD can directly support the ECS, it does not bind to the receptors and won’t cause any psychoactive effects. CBD provides many similar benefits as THC, just without the feeling of being high. Many consumers equate the effects of CBD as a mellow, relaxing experience.
You can take CBD to alleviate discomfort and reap the following benefits:
- Improve sleep
- Relieve aches and soreness
- Boost appetite and digestion
- Enhance mood
- Increased relaxation
Most consumers tolerate CBD very well, with very few people reporting any side effects. The reported side effects are typically very minor as well and go away within just a few hours.
Some of the potential side effects of CBD are:
- Dry mouth
- Slight dizziness
- Change in appetite and mood
- Mild diarrhea
What Are the Differences Between CBD and THC?
Although CBD and THC can have many of the same benefits, the one main difference between these two cannabinoids is that THC is psychoactive while CBD is not. One of the many reasons people have switched over to taking CBD instead of THC is that they do not want to feel high or intoxicated.
With CBD, you can take it anytime, anywhere because it helps clear the head and soothes the body with minimal side effects. Because CBD does not alter your thinking, motor function, or behavior, studies show there is almost no risk of addiction.
The opposite can be said for THC since many people seek out the psychoactive effects and develop a dependence on it. Frequent users of THC may find themselves experiencing cravings and eventually withdrawal symptoms. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), almost 9% of all marijuana users will develop a dependency.
CBD has been part of a growing holistic movement to balance your body and naturally ease discomforts. Although it is still a hotly debated topic, many people turn to cannabis to help them sleep better, relieve severe discomfort, or treat nervous behaviors.
Related: CBD Flower vs THC Flower [How To Tell the Difference]
Are CBD and THC Legal?
CBD is federally legal, while THC is only allowed in some states or under certain conditions. Even though many states have legalized marijuana, the primary source of THC, it is still considered illegal by the federal government. Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug and can be subject to strict penalties under federal law, especially when transporting product across state lines.
On the other hand, CBD and hemp are completely legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill states that all hemp and hemp-derived products are legal for sale and manufacturing, as long as the final CBD product does not contain THC levels over 0.3%. Any hemp CBD flower that contains over 0.3% THC is no longer classified as hemp and is considered marijuana under federal law.
Although CBD is legal under federal law, each state may have differing policies on purchasing it. Remember to check with your state’s laws regarding CBD so that you stay compliant at all times.
What is Considered to Be a Low THC Strain?
Any cannabis flower strain with less than 1% THC content and about 10% or more CBD is considered a low THC strain. Low THC strains are typically very mild and have no psychoactive effects. These strains do not need to have high CBD levels to be considered part of this group.
Legality of Low THC Strains
As you now know, any flower strain that contains over 0.3% THC is considered marijuana and cannot be sold as a hemp flower strain. Even though 1% or less THC is generally not enough to get the average person high, it must be sold as a marijuana or else growers must destroy the crop.
What is Considered to Be a High CBD Strain?
The average CBD flower strain has around 12-15% CBD content. While this amount is sufficient for most people, those seeking a more potent strain for increased effects should look for strains above 15%. Any hemp flower strain that has over 15% CBD is generally considered high! Anything over 20% CBD content is extremely high but can be harder to find and is typically more expensive.
Best High CBD, Low THC Strains
The following CBD strains all have a high CBD:THC ratio and are great for enjoying the soothing and relaxing benefits.
Sour Space Candy
One of the most potent CBD strains available with very little THC is Sour Space Candy. This premium strain typically has over 15% CBD (has over 20% at Cheef Botanicals!) with less than 0.3% active THC. This CBD:THC ratio makes it one of the strongest CBD strains on the market with minimal THC content.
Sour Space Candy is also one of Cheef Botanical’s hottest selling flower strains! It has a unique sweet but sour flavor with rich, earthy undertones. People love this strain because its powerful aromas and flavors leave you feeling uplifted and energized after smoking it.
Charlotte’s Web
You might have heard of the famous Charlotte’s Web strain, named for Charlotte Figi. Charlotte Figi was a girl who suffered from many conditions, but after being treated with CBD, she miraculously recovered. The Stanley Brothers in Colorado created this new strain dedicated to her to show the wonders of CBD flower.
Charlotte’s Web is famous for being a particularly calming and relaxing strain due to its high CBD:THC ratio of 30:1. It has a delicate, sweet flavor with very mellow citrusy undertones. If you are looking for discomfort relief, this strain is a fantastic one to try.
Cherry Wine
Cherry Wine is one of Cheef Botanical’s top-shelf flower strains! Its CBD content typically ranges from 15-25%, with very minimal levels of THC. Cherry Wine is known for its uplifting and mood-elevating sensations.
With its sweet, peppery, and earthy flavors, Cherry Wine promotes strong feelings of relaxation and clears the mind for you to focus. The strain also has a skunky aroma profile that helps eliminate any feelings of doubt or worry.
Harlequin
Harlequin typically doesn’t have high CBD amounts at around 8-15% and a 5:2 CBD:THC ratio. This strain is considered marijuana, but the low CBD and THC content makes it one of the more mellow strains.
People often choose this Harlequin because it helps them stay alert while feeling calm and serene. You may feel a mild high when smoking this strain, but most people equate the sensations to a happy and uplifting experience.
Ringo’s Gift
Named for the famous Lawrence Ringo, the well-known cannabis activist, Ringo’s Gift is a cross between the ACDC and Harle-Tsu strains. It usually has 10-20% THC with a 24:1 CBD to THC ratio.
There are no sedative or euphoric effects with this strain, and most people feel a soothing sense of relaxation. When you smoke Ringo’s Gift, there is a noticeable increase in clarity and focus, making this strain extremely popular.
Suzy Q
Suzy Q is a hybrid Sativa/Indica strain that has distinct flavors and aromas. Our Suzy Q flower at Cheef Botanicals has over 17% CBD, well over the average of about 12-15%! Most people experience a heightened sense of relief and focus after smoking this strain.
Right away, you’ll notice the powerful herbal and peppery aromas of this strain. The all-natural flavors of pine and earth pack a strong punch to help you feel uplifted and focused. Suzy Q typically has 0.1% or less THC, giving it a high CBD to THC ratio.
Lifter
Lifter is another one of our best-selling strains at Cheef Botanicals. It has over 18% CBD and less than 0.1% THC, making it one of our most effective CBD flowers!
This strain was designed to provide a clear sense of energy and focus to anyone that tries it. Lifter has a robust profile of aromas and flavors, from its sweet fruity and citrusy aromas to the piney, earthy undertones. This fantastic blend of fragrances gives many people the feeling of springtime.
Final Thoughts – Low THC Strains
More and more amazing strains are being created every day, and you might find a gem hidden amongst the dozens of flower strains on the market. Low THC strains are great for experiencing mellow and peaceful sensations. Try some of the wonderful flower strains in this article and take relaxation to another level!
