How THC and CBD Work in the Body
Understanding the Two Most Well-Known Cannabinoids
When people talk about cannabis, the first two compounds that usually come up are THC and CBD. These are the most studied and best-known cannabinoids in the plant, each with unique effects and medical benefits. While they come from the same source, they interact with your body in very different ways.
At Greener Healing Ways, we believe that understanding these differences helps patients make informed choices and find the right balance for their care.
🌿 What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are active compounds that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — the network that helps regulate mood, pain, appetite, memory, and inflammation.
The two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis are:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Both offer therapeutic effects, but the way they work — and how they make you feel — can vary widely.
🌺 THC: The Psychoactive Powerhouse
What it does
THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system. These receptors influence mood, coordination, memory, and perception. By attaching to them, THC can alter how you feel, think, and experience pain.
Medical uses
THC is known to:
Reduce chronic pain
Increase appetite (helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with weight loss)
Relieve nausea and vomiting
Promote relaxation and sleep
Ease muscle spasms
Possible side effects
Because THC is psychoactive, some people may experience:
Short-term memory changes
Dry mouth or red eyes
Increased heart rate
Anxiety or dizziness (usually from high doses)
When used carefully under medical guidance, these effects are manageable, and many patients find significant relief from THC-dominant products.
🌸 CBD: The Calming Balancer
What it does
Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. Instead, it works indirectly within the ECS, helping balance receptor activity and extending the effects of your body’s natural endocannabinoids. It also interacts with other systems such as serotonin and dopamine pathways, which influence mood and anxiety.
Medical uses
CBD is often used to:
Reduce inflammation and pain
Calm anxiety and stress
Support neurological health
Improve sleep quality
Ease seizures (as in the FDA-approved medication Epidiolex)
Tolerability
CBD is non-intoxicating and well-tolerated by most patients. It can, however, interact with certain medications, so medical supervision is always recommended.
⚖️ The Perfect Partnership: THC + CBD
When THC and CBD are used together, they can balance and enhance each other’s effects — a phenomenon called the entourage effect.
CBD can help soften the psychoactive effects of THC, reducing anxiety or discomfort.
THC can strengthen the pain-relieving power of CBD.
Finding the right THC-to-CBD ratio depends on your goals and tolerance. Some patients benefit from high-CBD, low-THC formulations for anxiety and inflammation, while others prefer balanced ratios for pain and sleep.
💊 Delivery Matters
Different methods of consumption can influence how THC and CBD affect your body:
Inhalation – Fast onset, shorter duration
Tinctures – Moderate onset, flexible dosing
Edibles or capsules – Slower onset, longer-lasting relief
Topicals – Localized relief for pain and inflammation
Our medical team helps patients choose the safest, most effective method for their needs.
🌈 Choosing What Works for You
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cannabis medicine. Understanding how THC and CBD work helps you select the right product, dose, and method to fit your health goals. Under professional guidance, this combination can support the body’s natural balance and offer safe, effective relief for many conditions.