The first time I tried CBD oil, I was lucky enough to find a full-spectrum product, meaning it contained a small amount of THC alongside the CBD.
The following product I tried was an isolate, meaning it had been stripped of all cannabinoids except CBD.
Which one was better? The full-spectrum oil, hands down. But why?
Some clever scientists have found that a whole plant extract, AKA full-spectrum CBD, contains all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that work synergistically to create a greater therapeutic effect often referred to as the ‘entourage effect’.
When a small amount of THC is utilised in conjunction with CBD, it can produce powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic effects, to name a few.
Interestingly, adding a small amount of THC to your daily routine could even lower the amount of CBD required to treat symptoms effectively.
Let’s see what the research says about CBD oil with THC.
What is THC, and how does it work?
THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol, or the full scientific name is Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis and is responsible for getting people high.
THC is found in low concentrations in hemp, around 0.3%, and anywhere from 10% to 30% in Marijuana plants [1].
While CBD activates the CB2 receptors to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and pain symptoms, THC binds to the CB1 receptors to produce these effects:
- Pain relief
- Sedative and sleep aid
- Eases nausea
- Increases appetite
- Treat PTSD
- Slows tumour growth
- Anticonvulsant
- Neuroprotective
How CBD and THC work better together
Both CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids that mimic the natural endocannabinoids produced by our bodies.
Endocannabinoids are lipid-signalling molecules that regulate many vital systems and functions, allowing the body to maintain homeostasis.
These endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body, as do CBD and THC.
While THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, its thought to primarily target the CB1 receptors. This is one of the reasons such a wide range of effects are produced after consumption, ranging from relaxation and sedation to paranoia and anxiety.
Conversely, CBD has a limited binding affinity and instead indirectly modifies how receptors send signals. It also influences non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels [2].
It’s believed that this is one of the main reasons CBD doesn’t cause users to become high.
“Cutting-edge science has shown that the endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in nearly all pathological conditions. Thus, it stands to reason that modulating endocannabinoid system activity may have therapeutic potential in almost all diseases affecting humans” [3]
The entourage effect: the science of combining THC and CBD oil for better results
Compelling research suggests that CBD works more effectively in combination with THC, offering more potent and balanced effects.
CBD is also believed to work better when in union with other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant.
When something is purified, isolated and extracted, it loses many potential benefits as it’s no longer in its whole, natural form.
Notably, CBD can tame the psychoactive effects of THC. A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD reduced psychological reactions in participants who had consumed THC. When given together, CBD decreased the anxiety effects of THC, making the experience more enjoyable [4].
The effects gained by utilising both CBD and THC together are dose-dependent; a 1:1 dosage of CBD-to-THC is thought to reduce the psychotropic effects of THC, and a 2:1 dosage is believed to eliminate the effects of a THC high.
Consuming CBD and THC together covers all bases; they both, directly and indirectly, bind to receptors throughout the body to offer strong pain relief, promote relaxation, and assist with sleep.
So, it’s not really a question of THC vs CBD, more along the lines of how they can be used simultaneously to produce the best effect for patients.
How to use CBD with THC
The easiest way to consume these miracle molecules together is by taking a full-spectrum CBD oil product.
Most full-spectrum oils contain 0.3% THC. This small amount of THC is nowhere near enough to cause any impairment but does induce the benefits of the entourage effect.
However, if you want to start experimenting with different ratios of CBD and THC, it’s important to understand a few things first. Whether you’re green on the scene or a regular user, using the below measures is a good place to start out [5].
2.5mg of THC is a widely recommended starting dose for beginners. This amount should provide beneficial effects without the high.
If you regularly consume THC, you may need to increase this dosage to 5mg or 10mg for very experienced users.
Because THC enhances the benefits of CBD, you may be able to reduce how much CBD you are consuming.
We always recommend starting out low and titrating the dosage slowly. For example, if you’re taking 10mg of CBD, try adding 1mg of THC and see how you feel.
Every few days, you can try increasing or decreasing the CBD or THC to see the potential effects on you.
It’s important to keep a journal of your dosages to know if CBD is working for you.
Is THC oil legal in Australia?
THC oil is legal in Australia. However, you need a prescription to access this form of medicinal cannabis.
You can make an appointment with one of the many cannabis clinics or doctors and obtain a script based on eligibility.
Accessing THC oil via the medical pathway grants access to a wide variety of formulations with varying ratios of THC or both CBD and THC.
However, other options are available if your doctor is against prescribing medicinal THC.
If you can access marijuana buds, you can easily make your own oil. But be aware that you won’t know how much THC is contained in a homemade product, so test the waters slowly if you go down this path.
Alternatively, you can look online for green market suppliers selling full-spectrum CBD oil products. This pathway gives people access to CBD anywhere from Adelaide to Airlie Beach and beyond.
Just be sure to do your due diligence and research before purchasing, and avoid importing from international websites to eliminate the risk of customs seizing the products or worse.
If you have any questions or want further information, be sure to send us an email or leave a comment below.
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