Benefits Of CBD And THC Together
There are more than 120 phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants. In order to maintain homeostasis, or balance in your body, phytocannabinoids act on your endocannabinoid system.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the more well-researched phytocannabinoids. There are many ways to consume CBD oil and pure THC oil, and they can be taken separately or together.
It has been found, however, that taking them together – along with smaller organic compounds in cannabis known as terpenes or terpenoids – is more effective than taking CBD or THC separately.
The entourage effect occurs when phytocannabinoids interact with terpenes.
Are there any benefits of THC and CBD when consumed together, or can they be taken separately? Find out more by reading on.
What does the research say?
Phytocannabinoids and terpenes may have additional therapeutic benefits when taken together
Several conditions have been studied in conjunction with the entourage effect. According to a review of studies published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in 2011, terpenes and phytocannabinoids may help with:
pain
anxiety
inflammation
epilepsy
cancer
fungal infection
THC’s unwanted effects may be reduced by CBD
THC can cause anxiety, hunger, and sedation in some people. CBD may reduce these side effects in rats and humans, according to the same 2011 review.
Brain health may be improved by phytochemicals like terpenes and flavonoids
In 2018, researchers discovered that certain flavonoids and terpenes may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD’s therapeutic potential may be enhanced by these compounds, according to researchers.
More research is needed
At the moment, the entourage effect is only a well-supported theory about medical cannabis. It hasn’t been supported by all research.
Six common terpenes were tested both individually and combined in a 2019 study. Researchers found that adding terpenes did not alter THC’s effects on CB1 and CB2 receptors.
However, this does not mean that the entourage effect does not exist. There is just a need for more research. It is possible that terpenes interact with THC in a different way in the brain and body.
What ratio of THC to CBD is best?
Despite the fact that THC and CBD are more effective together than they are alone, it’s important to keep in mind that cannabis affects everyone differently, and everyone has different reasons for using cannabis. When you decide to take CBD oil with high THC, you do need to consider a lot of things before doing this.
A person suffering from Crohn’s disease who uses cannabis-based medicine to relieve nausea will probably have a different ideal ratio of THC to CBD than a weekend warrior who uses it to relieve muscle pain. Everyone responds differently to different dosages and ratios.
Consult your healthcare provider if you want to try cannabis oil with THC. If you take any medications, they may be able to give you a recommendation and inform you of potential drug interactions.
Additionally, both THC and CBD may cause side effects. Some people may experience fatigue, dry mouth, slow reaction times, short-term memory loss, and anxiety when exposed to THC. It is possible for CBD to cause side effects such as weight changes, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Moreover, marijuana is illegal on a federal level, but legal in some states. Check your local laws before trying a THC-containing product.
Tips for trying CBD and THC
If necessary, increase the dose from a low starting point.
If you’re a beginner or infrequent user, try 5 milligrams (mg) or less of THC.
CBD is best taken in doses between 5 and 15 mg.
Find out what works for you by experimenting with timing. When taking THC and CBD together, you may find that you get the best results. Alternatively, you may prefer to use CBD after THC.
Change the delivery method to see what works best. There are many ways in which CBD and THC can be taken, including:
capsules
gummies
food products
tinctures
topicals
vapes
The risks associated with vaping should be kept in mind. THC vape products should be avoided according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You should monitor yourself carefully if you decide to use a THC vape product. You should see your doctor if you experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, fever, and weight loss.
Is CBD still beneficial without THC?
CBD may be a better option for some people who don’t want to take THC. CBD may be beneficial on its own, according to some research.
When you want to try CBD but don’t want to take THC, look for a CBD isolate product instead of a full-spectrum CBD product. Products containing full-spectrum CBD may contain up to 0.3 percent THC and contain a wide range of cannabinoids. Although it won’t produce a high, it could still show up on a drug test.
Check the ingredients before you make a purchase to be sure what you are getting.
Takeaway
In cannabis, cannabinoids and terpenoids interact with each other and with brain receptors. “The entourage effect” is the name given to this interaction.
Evidence suggests that taking THC and CBD together is more effective than taking them separately.
The entourage effect, however, remains a theory. Before we can fully understand the potential medical benefits of cannabis, more research is needed into its chemical composition.