As recreational cannabis use becomes legal in more and more states, people are beginning to experiment with various ways to consume it. In most cases, they decide to go with full-spectrum cannabis products — that is, those containing THC, CBD, and other compounds found in the hemp plant. Furthermore, thanks to online stores such as skyhighmeds, now anyone can easily experiment with CBD and THC, and find the best solution for themselves.
However, some believe that taking CBD or THC isolates will give them a better experience. After all, they can fine-tune the potency of a given cannabinoid. But does this really mean that taking THC or CBD alone is preferable over taking a whole-plant cannabis product?
In short, it’s quite the opposite. Other compounds found in cannabis provide additional benefits, reduce unwanted effects, and improve the overall potency of your cannabis product, giving you the entourage effect.
Understanding CBD’s entourage effect is essential to appreciate how powerful it can be. Here’s a more detailed explanation of why CBD and THC work better hand-in-hand than alone:
How Does CBD Work?
As you may already know, CBD is one of the most abundant compounds found in marijuana. It is greatly praised for its medicinal properties, which have been shown to help treat various conditions. Currently, more research is being done on its potential therapeutic applications.
CBD works by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is a network of receptors and chemicals that help regulate various bodily functions, including pain, immunity, inflammation, sleep, and appetite.
How Does THC Work?
CBD alone is not intoxicating, and its effects can be categorized as mildly psychoactive. THC, on the other hand, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It’s the one that produces the “high” that people experience when they smoke or consume marijuana.
As for how THC works, it also interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system. However, it does so in a different way than CBD does. THC stimulates neurons in the reward system, releasing dopamine — a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy and euphoric.
The Entourage Effect
Now that we know how CBD and THC work, let’s talk about the entourage effect. It’s a phenomenon that occurs when different cannabinoids and compounds work together to produce a more potent effect than they would if taken separately.
This is because these compounds interact and amplify each other’s effects. For example, THC is known to increase anxiety in some users, leading to paranoia and other unwanted side effects. However, when CBD is taken alongside THC, it can help offset these symptoms and provide a more pleasant experience.
Full-Spectrum Cannabis Products Are More Effective
In light of the entourage effect, it’s no surprise that full-spectrum cannabis products are more effective than isolates. After all, they contain a wider range of cannabinoids and other compounds that work together to produce superior effects.
The additional compounds found in full-spectrum products also help reduce some unwanted side effects caused by THC. For example, terpenes — which are aromatic compounds found in cannabis — have been shown to increase the medicinal properties of CBD while reducing anxiety and paranoia caused by THC.
THC and CBD Have Complementary Effects
Besides the entourage effect, another reason CBD and THC should be taken together is that they have complementary outcomes.
For instance, THC increases appetite, while CBD can help reduce inflammation. Therefore, taking both cannabinoids together can give you the best of both worlds — increased appetite without unwanted inflammation.
CBD has also been shown to potentiate the psychoactive effects of THC. It means that it can make the high more intense and longer-lasting. However, it’s important to note that this may not be desirable for everyone as it could lead to an uncomfortable experience.
It’s best to start with a low dose and see how you react before increasing your intake.
Is CBD Still Beneficial Without THC?
It is worth noting that CBD is still beneficial on its own and can provide relief from various conditions without the psychoactive effects of THC. Typically, THC-free products are recommended for those that want to experience the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the high.
The other way around, microdosing THC isolates may provide the benefits of THC without causing intoxication. At low doses, THC activates neurons in the reward system without exceeding the brain’s threshold for dopamine release. Thus, you may be able to experience the therapeutic benefits of THC without getting high.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many reasons why CBD and THC should be taken together. While you may still be on the fence about using these compounds in tandem, now you know why people frequently choose this option.
To begin with, CBD and THC work synergistically to produce superior effects through the entourage effect. They also have complementary outcomes that can provide you with the best of both worlds.
Yet, it’s important to note that taking too much THC can lead to unwanted side effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Because of that, it’s always best to start with a low dose and gradually increase your intake until you find the perfect balance.
