Finding the right CBD or THC products can be tricky when you're faced with so many options promising different recreational and medical benefits.

Whether you’re just starting with cannabis products or looking for something new, knowing how to select and shop for quality, legalized CBD and THC goods will help you find those that genuinely improve your daily life.

This buyer's guide explains exactly what to look for when choosing CBD or THC products. You'll learn how to match them with your personal goals, plus get practical advice on dosing, quality, safety, and legal requirements.

Understanding CBD and THC: What’s the Difference?

CBD and THC are two of the 100+ naturally occurring compounds that come from the cannabis plant. While they have the same origin and both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain, they affect the body in completely different ways.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t make you feel “high.” This is because it engages with the ECS indirectly without strongly binding to the CB1 or CB2 receptors.

People enjoy CBD for its uplifting effects. It can improve sleep quality, provide stress relief, and promote relaxation. Many users also report better focus and mental clarity when using CBD products regularly.

What is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the "high" people experience. It does this by binding directly to the C1 receptors in the ECS, which triggers the psychoactive effects you feel.

Among other uses, THC is great for pain relief and sleep support. It also has medicinal benefits for various conditions. Recreational marijuana products typically contain higher THC levels than medicinal cannabis products.

How they work together

CBD and THC are often combined in cannabis products, and this pairing is both common and safe. Many products contain carefully balanced ratios of multiple compounds to optimize their effects.

When they are paired, CBD mellows the effects of THC's psychoactive high. This helps reduce potential side effects like anxiety, paranoia, or dizziness, which can occur when THC is used alone, especially in large doses.

Besides balancing things out, using them together can enhance their effects. For example, several studies showed that when people ingested both CBD and THC, THC reached higher levels in the blood than it would have alone, suggesting that the combination can lead to longer-lasting effects.

How to Choose CBD Products and THC Products

The process of choosing the right CBD and/or THC products for your goals requires research, properly understanding your body, patience, and, in some cases, expert medical advice. Here's a breakdown of the most important factors to consider.

Identify your wellness goals

Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve with CBD products. For example, those struggling with chronic pain might benefit more from THC's powerful analgesic effects, while those experiencing anxiety and stress may find CBD's calming properties more helpful.

That said, various studies show that both compounds can have similar effects in some areas. Pain relief is one example where both CBD and THC show effectiveness. However, THC provides greater pain relief, especially for severe or chronic conditions.

Your specific goals will determine whether you need a CBD-dominant product, a THC-dominant product, or one with a blend of both.

Learn the different types of products

Next, the type of CBD and THC products you choose will affect how quickly you feel the effects and how long they last. These are some of the main types available:

• CBD oils and tinctures absorb quickly and allow precise control over dosage.

• Edibles like chocolates and gummies take longer to work, but the desired effects last longer.

• Capsules offer convenient, consistent dosing similar to traditional supplements.

• Vapes deliver CBD or THC through inhalation, providing rapid absorption through the lungs.

• Drops work when placed under your tongue for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing.

• Topicals are creams and lotions that you apply to the skin. They are good for targeting specific spots on the body and don't produce a full-body effect or intoxication.

Learning how each product type works helps you choose the one that best fits into your routine and provides the cannabis experience you're looking for.

Understand dosing and potency

There is no universal "right" dose for CBD or THC because everyone responds differently to these compounds.

It's best to start with a very tiny amount, called a microdose, and gradually adjust it as you become more comfortable with consuming cannabis products. Microdosing THC and CBD allows you to experience benefits in small, manageable increments and works especially well for first-time users. This approach helps you avoid taking too much while you learn how your body responds and adjust the dose over time.

Check product quality and transparency

How a cannabis product is made matters. If a CBD or THC product is created poorly or with subpar extraction methods, it can be contaminated with pesticides, mold, heavy metals, or residual solvents. These impurities can reduce effectiveness while potentially harming your health.

Here's how to identify safe, high-quality products:

• Check for third-party lab results. Certificates of Analysis (COA) prove that the product has been tested for purity and contaminants.

• Confirm where the brand sourced its hemp or cannabis. Products made from organically grown hemp plants are less likely to contain pesticides, making them a better option.

• Buy from licensed dispensaries, as they follow strict standards and have strong quality assurance processes.

• Read the label carefully and avoid products with artificial flavors, unnecessary fillers, or other potentially harmful chemicals. Products with vague claims like “cures everything” or “works instantly” are another thing to watch out for.

Take legal and safety considerations into account

Cannabis laws in the United States are always changing, so you need to know what is and isn't legal before you buy or use these products.

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government considers hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal. However, states have different THC laws. As of 2025, most U.S. states have legalized medical cannabis, while more than 20 states and territories allow people to use cannabis products for recreational purposes.

Since the laws are different and ever-changing, we recommend checking your state's latest cannabis regulations through official resources like NORML’s State Laws database or the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Beyond legal compliance, safety should be your top priority. Medical patients should get advice from healthcare professionals before using CBD or THC. They will explain how these compounds may interact with some medications and recommend how to use them safely.

Choosing Based on Experience Level

How much experience you have with THC and CBD products also plays a role in determining which products to get and at what dosage.

• Beginners should start with low-dose CBD or 1:1 CBD–THC blends. These gentle formulations provide mild effects that help you ease into cannabis use. 1906 Chill Drops is a solid choice for beginners as it contains both compounds.

• Intermediate users can explore CBD–THC mixes that cause more noticeable effects. The 1906 Focus Drops are ideal for this level.

• Experienced users may prefer products with higher CBD or THC concentrations to address chronic pain or achieve deeper relaxation. The 1906 Off Duty packet and Pain Gummies both have a higher concentration of CBD and THC.

1906 has something for everyone, regardless of your level of experience. Our collections promise to match your wellness routine, goals, and lifestyle. Starting at the right level and adjusting over time lets you personalize your experience while staying safe.

Conclusion

Many factors play a role in what CBD or THC product will work best for you, and understanding how to evaluate these factors will significantly impact your results.

When you’re ready to explore, you can shop from 1906's trusted options, designed to cater to various experiences and preferences.

FAQs

What are the different types of CBD?

There are three main types of CBD:

• Full-spectrum CBD: Contains CBD and other naturally available compounds in the cannabis plants, including THC, terpene, flavonoids, and minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, and CBC). It helps cause the entourage effect.

• Broad-spectrum CBD: In this version, THC is removed from the mix. This allows people to experience some of the entourage effect without THC's psychoactive effects.

• CBD isolate: This is prepared in the lab, and the finished product is the purest form of CBD. It contains no THC or other compounds.

Which form of CBD is most effective?

The most effective form of CBD depends on what you are trying to achieve.

• Oils and tinctures tend to work quickly because they are absorbed sublingually.

• Edibles such as gummies and chocolates take longer to take effect but last longer in the body.

• Topicals, like creams and balms, are best for localized relief on muscles or joints.

What should I look for on a CBD or THC label?

Watch out for the following key details:

• How many milligrams of CBD or THC are present in the product and in individual servings.

• Recommended serving size and dosage instructions.

• Third-party lab testing results and a COA that verify the product's purity and potency.

• A clear list of ingredients with no unnecessary fillers, artificial flavors, or colors.

• Any warnings or usage instructions to help guide safe use.