Have you heard of the Entourage Effect? It has nothing to do with the HBO series—in fact, it’s about the combined benefits of CBD, THC, and other compounds in cannabis. CBD and THC are often compared for their differences, but they’re actually friends, not rivals. The two compounds, which occur naturally in the cannabis plant, work together to enhance each other and shift their effects for the better. When you combine CBD with THC or other cannabinoids, you end up with an experience that’s much more than the sum of its parts.

Front view of senior farmer inspecting cannabis plants in agriculture fields.

CBD Cannabis for Wellness

CBD, which stands for “cannabidiol”, is a compound that’s present in the plant Cannabis sativa L. You may refer to that plant as “hemp” or “marijuana” (or any number of other slang terms), but botanically, it’s all one plant.

Just a few years ago, few people had heard of CBD. It started gaining popularity after health benefits of CBD were indicated in several different studies, and has only continued to rise in the ranks ever since. Smoke shops have expanded their offerings to include CBD drops, vapes, and more, and it can even be bought online.

Although CBD is easy to find, where you purchase it matters. Cannabis products can have different properties based on how they’re grown or manufactured, and the CBD products you’ll find in a dispensary are not the same as the ones you can find anywhere else.

Young woman preparing homeophatic medicine from marijuana plant.

The Difference Between Marijuana and Hemp

Although cannabis is a single plant, it can be classified as either “marijuana” or “hemp”. It’s important to understand that, while these are legal classifications, they have nothing to do with the biology of the plant itself.

Under federal law, cannabis plants containing 0.3% of THC or less are “hemp”, and are legal everywhere in the United States of America. Any more than that, and it’s “marijuana”, which is federally illegal but could be allowed under state law (depending on where it is). THC levels vary naturally in cannabis plants based on environment and genetics. This means that something as simple as a minor water shortage or heat wave could change a “marijuana” plant into “hemp”, or vice-versa.

The laws have been written this way because of THC’s ability to induce psychoactive effects like euphoria or mild visualizations. Since CBD is non-intoxicating, it cannot cause these symptoms, so it is regulated differently.

Why Your Nearest Dispensary is the Best CBD Store

If CBD comes from both hemp and cannabis sources, what’s the problem? Well, as promising as the results of CBD studies have been, there is evidence that the interaction between THC and CBD is just as important—and that THC has health benefits itself that shouldn’t be ignored.

Many of the hemp-derived CBD products on the market contain little to no THC and often have re-introduced terpenes, if there are any at all. The further the product is from the original composition of the plant, the further you are away from the Entourage Effect.

Marijuana products can contain anywhere from 0% THC to 99%, and are allowed to contain CBD within any percentage. CBD creams, lotions, edibles, and other options sold at dispensaries may have a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, a 99:1 ratio, or anything in between.

This means that shopping for your CBD at a dispensary allows you to enjoy the health benefits of THC in conjunction with your CBD. Studies on THC have indicated that it may be able to help with aches and pains, as well as sleeping through the night (though further studies are warranted, and People’s cannot make any medical recommendations).

Additionally, using THC with CBD can increase the activity of CBD in the endocannabinoid system, changing the way THC interacts with your mind—all for the better.

There’s another advantage to shopping at People’s or similar stores for their CBD: the delicious edible options. Looking to add some greens to your diet? Here are our recommendations for CBD cannabis edibles:

  • 1:1 Pomegranate CBD Relief Gummies by Plus. With an equal amount of CBD and THC, this is a great weed gummy option for those who want to benefit from both cananbinoids.
  • CBD Dark Chocolate by Kiva Confections. Each serving contains 1 milligram of THC and 5 milligrams of CBD, so this is a great edible for those who are looking for a milder experience. The low THC dosage in this bar means that it’s also great for doing some home baking—brownies, anyone?
  • 2:1 Gummies from Wyld Edibles and Wana. These CBD gummies are great for winding down in the evening, and the zingy yuzu and fresh peach flavors are a nice bonus. Delicious!

When you’re looking to select your CBD products, pop over to People’s. With a wide variety of CBD pens, tinctures, creams, and more, we’ll find the right cannabis product for your needs and lifestyle.

Our Santa Ana storefront is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable Guides from 8 AM to 10 PM every day of the week. Here at People’s, we want to make your cannabis shopping experience easy. You can buy weed online and receive free delivery in most of Orange County, place an Express Pickup order, or come in directly. Our kiosk shopping experience is easy and fast, but we’re also happy to offer you a full consultation upstairs with a product expert—just say the word.

We look forward to connecting you to great products at a great price. See you soon!

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