One of the most exciting aspects of medicinal marijuana is the vast amount of knowledge still waiting to be discovered. Researchers are constantly learning more about the potential health benefits of cannabis, identifying new ways that this unassuming green plant has the power to change lives for the better.
We now know that cannabis plants contain more than 120 phytocannabinoids (or cannabinoids). They are naturally produced and capable of interacting with receptors within your body’s internal endocannabinoid system. Through these interactions, cannabis demonstrates its potential of positive effects, both physical and mental.
The Benefit of Taking THC and CBD Together
Even though there are dozens of cannabinoids, the two best-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), there are others like THCa which are also critical to the entourage effect, as are all of the other various cannabinoids. Patients can enjoy THC and CBD in a variety of combinations, opting to consume cannabis strains that deliver them together or choosing products that keep them separate. For most patients, their medical marijuana goals and personal preferences for side effects are what guides the decision-making process when it comes to cannabinoids.
However, an increasing amount of scientific research now suggests that taking these cannabis compounds together – in addition to complementary compounds called terpenes or terpenoids – may be the most effective option. It is believed that the increased efficacy could be the result of an interaction between the plant’s phytocannabinoids and terpenes, known as “the entourage effect.”
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a theory that the various compounds contained within cannabis have the ability to work together and are specifically able to work better when consumed together. For medical marijuana patients, this could mean that blended THC and CBD products could be the key to unlocking exceptional results.
Think of the entourage effect in this way: when you consume cannabis, your body is taking in hundreds of various compounds, from cannabinoids and terpenes to dozens of others. Each of these cannabis compounds brings its own benefits and effects, which can also be affected by the other compounds that are present. Products containing all of these different compounds are referred to as “full-spectrum cannabis”.
Consider your natural behavior when you attend a small, intimate gathering versus a large, crowded party – the odds are good that your mood and personality can shift, depending on who is there, right? That’s an excellent way to wrap your mind around the science of the entourage effect.
What Does Research Say About the Advantages of Leveraging THC and CBD Ratios?
So, does this mean that you should immediately make the switch to taking CBD and THC together? First, let’s take a closer look at what we’ve learned from research so far.
Phytocannabinoids and terpenes may work synergistically to deliver added therapeutic benefits.
Scientists have examined a variety of medical conditions to understand if – and how – they may be affected by the cannabis entourage effect. In the British Journal of Pharmacology, a review of studies found that the following conditions may benefit from the entourage effect:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Fungal infections
- Cancer
CBD could help reduce unwanted side effects of THC.
For some patients, the psychoactive effects of THC are an unwelcome part of their cannabis journey. Every individual is unique, but some experience side effects such as hunger, sedation, and even anxiety after consuming THC. But the same series of studies noted above suggests that using CBD in conjunction with THC could help reduce adverse effects, maximizing the benefits.
Certain phytochemicals could support brain health.
When you select cannabis products that are rich in blended compounds, you aren’t just getting a combination of THC and CBD. In addition, you’re consuming a variety of phytochemicals such as flavonoids and terpenes, which recent research shows could be beneficial to brain health and help reduce inflammation. Plus, when enjoyed in tandem with CBD, these compounds may also increase CBD’s potential for therapeutic effects.
There’s still a lot to learn.
As exciting as it is to hear about the entourage effect, more research is needed to understand better how CBD and THC work together. Ideally, we would know more about how the cannabinoids affect the body’s cannabinoid receptors and whether the key interactions are taking place in the central nervous system or elsewhere.
Like most aspects of the world of cannabis, scientists are hard at work uncovering the data to back up what so many patients already know: medical cannabis has the power to change lives.
What is the Best THC to CBD Ratio?
Although the research shows that the CBD and THC found in cannabis may work better together than apart, using CBD and THC is still a highly personal decision. Because everyone experiences cannabis so differently and has their own specific goals for their medical marijuana journey, there’s no single THC to CBD ratio that’s right for everyone.
For example, if you consume marijuana to relieve a digestive issue, your goals will be far different from those aiming to reduce anxiety. Keeping this in mind, you can take a smarter approach to find a ratio that’s suited to you.
Finding the Right THC to CBD Ratio for You
For anyone just starting out with cannabis, a brief conversation with a healthcare provider can help avoid unwanted drug interactions or adverse effects. You can then work closely with a knowledgeable dispensary staff member to find the best ratio of CBD to THC for your needs and goals.
Tips for finding a CBD and THC combination that suits your needs
Here are a few tips for finding the best THC: CBD ratio for you:
- Start low and go slow. Anytime you’re making a change to your cannabis lifestyle, it’s always a good idea to take small steps and be patient.
- Take timing into consideration. For some patients, a cannabis product that delivers CBD and THC at the same time is ideal. Others find that separating the two (for example, consuming a CBD-rich cannabis extract after THC), is preferred.
- Experiment with varying delivery methods. There are many different ways to consume THC or CBD, including edibles/food products, capsules, topicals, vapes, and tinctures. You may discover that certain products are better suited to your lifestyle.
Find Products With Different THC to CBD Ratios at FLUENT
Ultimately, deciding if and how to consume CBD and THC together is an individual choice – one that you’ll make based on your unique goals and preferences. But regardless of how medical cannabis fits into your life, choosing the right provider is key – quality makes a world of difference in shaping an ideal cannabis experience.
Don’t settle for the subpar marijuana and CBD products often sold in other Florida dispensaries, especially not when your health and happiness is on the line. Instead, turn to FLUENT and expect more from your dispensary and from your cannabis products.
We believe that every patient has the right to access quality cannabis and its healing potential, which is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to staying at the forefront of research, new products, and ongoing advancements in the industry. Here, you won’t just find the best cannabis products in the state; you’ll discover a compassionate team ready to help you navigate your wellness journey with ease.
Learn more about the potential advantages of blended CBD and THC cannabis, as well as which products might be right for you, by visiting the FLUENT Cannabis Care dispensary nearest you.
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