Whether you’re new to cannabis, just a user, or a longtime believer in its benefits, many of us don’t know much about this plant scientifically. More and more people become addicted to cannabis for the everyday sake of health and wellness. What are the benefits of this interest?
What are THC and CBD?
Both CBD and THC have the same molecular structure. Stay tuned, it will get more interesting further! The difference in how the atoms are arranged explains the different effects on your body. Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors. The interaction affects the brain release of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for passing signals between cells and play a role in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep. This is what worries us and has a huge impact on our daily life.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
Despite their similar chemical structure, CBD and THC do not have the same psychoactive effects. And mixing cbd and thc together, unfortunately doesn’t give double effect. CBD is psychoactive, but not in the same way as THC. It does not produce the typical effect associated with THC. CBD has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, and seizures. THC binds to cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. It causes a high or a feeling of euphoria. CBD binds very weakly to CB1 receptors. CBD needs THC to bind to the CB1 receptor, which in turn can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC such as euphoria or sedation.
What if you take CBD and THC Together?
CBD and THC share many of the same medical benefits. They can provide relief for several of the same conditions. However, some research suggests that taking them together — along with smaller organic compounds in the cannabis plant known as terpenes or terpenoids — is more effective than taking CBD or THC alone. This is due to the interaction of phytocannabinoids and terpenes called the Entourage Effect.
What can usually lead to the entourage effect?
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CBD
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CBDA
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Flavanoids
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Minor Cabbanooids
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Terpenes
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THCA
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THC
What are the benefits of CBD and THC Together?
A high ratio of CBD to THC has been studied to mitigate the negative psychotic effects of THC alone, reducing symptoms of paranoia and anxiety associated with what people might consider a “bad high”. This may be due to the fact that CBD is an antagonist, that is, it blocks the signals of cannabinoid receptors, as opposed to an agonist, which activates them.
One subtype of these receptors is CB1, which is widely distributed in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, as well as in the brain. They regulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. You know, this is a real treasure!
Although it regulates not only mood, but also the perception of pleasure, synaptic plasticity (important for learning and memory), as well as motor function. The other subtype is CB2, which focuses primarily on the immune and gastrointestinal systems. They are not as densely expressed in the brain as CB1 receptors. What it really boils down to is that when THC and CBD are used together, it likely increases the ability of cannabis to target different areas of the body, improves absorption of the active ingredients, and minimizes negative side effects.
Do CBD and THC need to be Consumed Together?
Dosage is extremely important as over-activation of CB1 receptors via THC can lead to temporary discomfort.
Paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, or delusions can be caused by overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system. An excess of cannabinoids fills the brain in those parts of the brain that regulate fear and related emotional responses.
However, this does not happen with CBD, which has a lower binding affinity. So taking THC and CBD in tandem with each other may be enough to provide the pain and symptom relief you need from a more anxiolytic, pain-relieving compound without overdoing it.
Different Ratios of CBD: THC and their Benefits
Low and slow is a general rule of thumb for dosing cannabis products. Understand that your method of consumption will also differ in terms of start time. It takes up to two hours for food to metabolize, while direct inhalation is almost instant.
A vaginal suppository works in 15-30 minutes, but unlike an edible one, a vaginal suppository bypasses the digestive tract and liver and is only dependent on body temperature to melt at a certain rate to be absorbed into the surrounding skin.
The suppository also allows you to use more THC without the typical psychoactive effect. Thus, it is very important to investigate the expected response time, to wait until the cannabinoids take effect.
The suppository also allows you to use more THC without the typical psychoactive effect. Thus, it is very important to research the expected response time, wait until the cannabinoids take effect, and take control of the situation before moving on to the next dose.
Some studies suggest that the golden ratio is a solid 1:1 ratio. Take the time to listen to your body though and adjust accordingly. Start with a very low THC percentage and work your way up, especially if you’re new to cannabis.
Ways of Consuming CBD and THC Together
There are many products on the market now that already combine CBD and THC. It’s easy to find foods, topicals, suppositories, tinctures, and drinks that combine CBD and THC in one product.
In addition, any product labeled as full spectrum means that the product contains all of the cannabinoids that are naturally found in the cannabis plant. Through careful research and patient consumption practice, you will be well on your way to finding what ratio makes you feel.
Conclusion
As you can see, the results of the use of two different substances are varied, despite the same molecular composition, only the purpose of use differs, whether it is for recovery and relaxation, or for a great time.
After reading our material, you have become much more savvy in this matter and are already more clearly versed in the issues of this plant and its use. But we urge you, before implementing your plans, be sure to consult with your doctor so that your vacation goes without complications.
FAQs
Does CBD Counteract THC’s Psychoactive Effect?
It appears that CBD counteracts some of the psychoactive effects of THC, although research may be inconsistent. Remarkably, the two molecules work in harmony rather than in conflict, resulting in a more enjoyable experience. Future research will determine the deeper mechanisms underlying this unique connection.
Why does CBD work better with a little THC?
The best science available makes it clear that cannabis from the whole plant is superior to individual compounds. This is because the plant’s complex mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids interact synergistically to create an “entourage effect” that enhances each other’s therapeutic effects. A study conducted at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco found that the combination of THC and CBD had a stronger antitumor effect when tested on brain and breast cancer cell lines than either compound alone. Also consider that patients with intractable cancer-related pain tolerated medications that combined THC and CBD markedly better than pure THC extract. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD “suppresses THC-induced paranoid symptoms and hippocampal-dependent memory impairment.”
