Why Does CBD Work Better With THC?
If you’re a casual or regular CBD user, you’ve probably heard of the benefits of other cannabinoids and have wondered why CBD works better with THC. The reality is that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other marijuana compounds can work synergistically. Here’s exactly why you might want to include a bit of THC with your CBD.
Do You Need THC?
Many people may be worried about the intoxicating effects of THC and would rather stick with a CBD isolate to avoid any chance of having a bad trip. THC is normally associated with hazy, cerebral, and body-melting effects that constitute a “high.” THC may not be necessary to reap health benefits, but in some cases, it may be worthwhile to dabble in CBD:THC products.
Adding just a minute amount of THC to your daily routine can enhance the way CBD works inside your body. Some research suggests that combining CBD and THC produces a stronger analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antiemetic effects. Incorporating THC into your consumption routine can also help you use a lower dose of CBD, since THC has similar effects on the body.
Whole-Plant and Full-Spectrum Marijuana
Cannabis plants contain over 500 unique compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and omega fatty acids. Scientific studies have shown that many of these compounds have therapeutic benefits. Cannabinoids are the main compounds found in cannabis. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids found in the plant.
Two of the most important and widely available compounds in the plant are THC and CBD. Some users may only want to experience the non-intoxicating effects of CBD, while others may incorporate a bit of THC to receive added physiologic effects. When consuming whole cannabis flower or its full-spectrum derivatives, users may be getting a fuller and more complex high.
Consumers can choose from either whole-plant marijuana or hemp flowers. Marijuana flowers can contain CBD-rich and THC-rich varieties, while hemp flowers only contain about 0.3 percent THC concentration. Full-spectrum products such as tinctures, vape oils, and other concentrates contain the strain’s original chemical profile and allow users to reap all the compounds’ benefits.
CBD and THC Interactions
Besides reducing or balancing out the intoxicating effects of THC, CBD has been known to reduce THC’s sedative effects meaning you won’t feel couch-locked and lazy. CBD has also been shown to reduce the appetite-inducing effects associated with THC. The synergistic interplay between THC and CBD is known as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect has been known about since the beginning of medical cannabis research. Cannabinoids have been studied separately to determine their effects. Many cannabinoids produce similar effects, albeit, through different mechanisms of action. In theory, combining two beneficial compounds would improve the medical application of the cannabis product.
Research has also shown that combining THC with CBD can produce significantly better results on a number of medical conditions including cancer. For example, cancer and cannabinoid research suggest that using CBD with a THC-rich treatment amplified anti-proliferative effects, thereby, reducing the number of glioblastoma cancer cells available.
Finding the Right CBD:THC ratio
Medical patients, especially, can benefit from a custom dose amount and delivery method that works for their condition. Finding the right “CBD:THC ratio and dose can have a learning curve, but each subsequent attempt will help you refine your perfect amount. The ultimate goal is to find the right amount of CBD and THC without overdoing the THC part.
Luckily for cannabis consumers, a little bit of THC can go a long way. Research suggests that low doses of THC can reduce incidences of paranoia, anxiety, and other stress-producing effects of a large THC dose. Users can start off adding just 1mg of THC at a time with their normal CBD dose and slowly build up to a level that the user is comfortable with.
When purchasing products containing both CBD and THC, it’s important to look at the CBD:THC ratio. While both compounds can help reduce symptoms such as inflammation, pain, anxiety, nausea, and more, the concentration of each can significantly affect a person’s experience. Finding the right product and ratio depends on a person’s preference.
Based on scientific research and a vast amount of anecdotal evidence, CBD and THC are a complementary pair that shouldn’t be avoided. While THC can cause psycho-activity that can overwhelm some users, finding a balance of CBD and THC can be beneficial for a variety of medical conditions and used to reduce the negative side effects of THC.
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