As more and more states legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational use, more and more people are asking questions about CBD and THC.
CBD and THC are two of the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis. They interact to create what’s known as the entourage effect – a term used to describe how the various compounds in cannabis work together to produce a greater effect than any of the individual compounds would have on their own. CBD and THC work together to produce several medicinal benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and anxiety reduction.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the name given to the synergistic relationship between the various compounds in cannabis. These compounds include cannabinoids like CBD and THC, terpenes, and other compounds.
When these compounds are combined, they produce a greater effect than any of the individual compounds would produce on their own. This is because the different compounds interact with one another to magnify the medicinal benefits of cannabis, providing better results.
What are the benefits of using products containing both CBD and THC together?
There are a number of benefits to using CBD or THC cannabis products. These products can provide more potent pain relief, better anxiety relief, and more effective anti-inflammatory effects (for example, cbd may help carpal tunnel syndrome.)
Products containing CBD can also help reduce THC’s psychoactive effects. This is because CBD binds to the same receptors in the brain that THC does, but it doesn’t produce the same psychoactive effects. For instance, some cannabis users prefer vaping CBD for pain relief over using a dry herb vape because they only want to experience pain relief without getting high from THC.
It’s important to remember that not all cannabis products are created equal. Some products may contain more CBD than THC, while others may have more THC than CBD. It’s important to know the ratio of CBD to THC in any product you’re considering using. On average, cannabis plants contain 12%THC and 0.15% CBD.
Terpenes and flavonoids may also be beneficial to brain health. According to a 2018 study, certain flavonoids and terpenes may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. According to the researchers, these compounds could improve CBD’s therapeutic potential.
What’s the ideal CBD to THC ratio?
A Crohn’s disease patient who uses cannabis-based medicine for nausea relief will most likely need a different THC to CBD ratio compared to those who use it for muscle pain. There is no one-size-fits-all dosage or ratio.
If you want to experiment with CBD and THC, talk to your doctor first. Keep in mind that both THC and CBD can have negative side effects. THC is psychoactive, and in some people it can cause fatigue, dry mouth, slow reaction times, short-term memory loss, and anxiety. CBD may result in side effects such as weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea.
The role of terpenes in the entourage effect
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis plants, and they play a major role in the entourage effect. Terpenes are what give cannabis its distinct taste and smell. They also interact with cannabinoids to produce different effects. For example, some terpenes can increase or decrease the psychoactive effects of THC, while others may increase CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.
- Myrcene – has sedative, calming and anti-inflammatory effects
- Limonene – can boost mood and aid digestion
- Pinene is found in pines and is an anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator (helps open airways), and aids memory retention
- Caryophyllene– provides analgesic and anti-anxiety properties as well as potentially aiding in inflammation relief
- Humulene – has anti-tumor, antibacterial, antifungal and appetite suppressant effects
- Linalool – known for its calming effect on the body to provide relaxation with some anxiety relief
Bottom line
The entourage effect is a term used to describe how the various compounds in cannabis work together to produce a greater effect than any of the individual compounds would produce on their own. CBD and THC work together to produce a number of medicinal benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and anxiety reduction.
If you’re considering using CBD or THC products for medicinal purposes, it’s important to know the ratio of CBD to THC in the product. You should also be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with using these products.
