Knowing how each cannabinoid works on its own is quite important for your cannabis journey, but knowing how they work together is just as important. The right combination of cannabinoids can make for a more mellow, relaxing, or gentle experience. Read on to learn more about the relationship between the two most famous cannabinoids, THC and CBD, and how they work together to influence your whole experience.
How THC and CBD work together
Both THC and CBD interact with our endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors and chemicals situated throughout your brain and body. The ECS regulates a wide range of functions, including appetite, mood, pain, memory, sleep, immune responses, and more. The ECS is why cannabis can affect us in so many ways too; phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with it, thereby influencing all the functions the ECS regulates.
When THC interacts with the ECS individually, it binds to both types of cannabinoid receptors, called the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It activates both of these receptors, which sets off a series of effects touching many of those functions the ECS governs. THC also produces the intoxicating “high” that cannabis is so well known for.
Unlike THC, when CBD interacts with the ECS individually it only weakly binds to the CB1 receptor. Researchers are still examining how exactly CBD exerts influence over the ECS since it doesn’t bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the same way THC does. One theory is it prevents endocannabinoids from being broken down, but more research is needed. At any rate, CBD does not make you feel “high,” but may offer a range of therapeutic effects of its own.
When present together, THC and CBD don’t just influence the ECS individually, though — they also influence one another. This can alter the way each interacts with the ECS and the effects it produces. For example, studies suggest that THC and CBD in combination are more effective for managing chronic pain, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain, than either cannabinoid on its own. This discovery means there could be significant therapeutic potential in unlocking the mystery behind how cannabinoids work in combination with one another.
To learn more about each cannabinoid, make a quick trek to our THC guide and CBD guide for a detailed breakdown of how each influences your expedition.
What is the entourage effect, and what does that have to do with the way THC and CBD work together?
The interaction between THC and CBD and how they influence the ECS together is part of a theory called “the entourage effect.” The entourage effect describes how the compounds of cannabis all work together to create varied effects depending on which are present and in what amounts. It doesn’t just apply to THC and CBD either. It applies to the more than 100 phytocannabinoids found in the plant, along with terpenes, the aromatic and flavorful compounds also found in essential oils.
While much more research into the entourage effect is needed to understand it, it seems clear that broad-spectrum cannabis products exert a different influence over the ECS than isolates, or products that contain just a single cannabinoid. For consumers, this means trying different products that have varied combinations could produce unique effects and some may be more therapeutic than others for specific needs.
What the research says about THC and CBD in combination
Research into the entourage effect in general and THC and CBD in combination specifically is ongoing and sometimes conflicting. As a result, the results of the studies listed below don’t always line up with one another. Still, each contributes important insight into how cannabinoids affect us and work together.
CBD may lessen certain THC side effects: If you’re prone to anxiety, CBD with your THC may be a good idea. CBD is believed to dampen THC’s impact on your brain and body, so your experience is less intense and more mellow and pleasant. While a Johns Hopkins Study recently found that THC’s effects may worsen in the presence of high levels of CBD, these results cut against the conclusions of some previous studies and anecdotal evidence. It goes to show the importance of continued cannabis research.
THC and CBD in combination may improve pain management: Some of the most substantial evidence surrounding THC and CBD in combination suggests the two are more effective for pain management than either on their own. Combining THC and CBD may offer an effective method for managing pain, including chronic pain such as neuropathy.
CBD may reduce THC’s impact on motor skills and memory: Some studies in humans and animals have suggested CBD may mitigate adverse effects of THC on motor skills and memory. However, the authors of the literary review summarizing those results noted much more research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action by which this could occur.
As researchers learn more about how THC and CBD work together, it will improve our ability to determine which cannabis products will be most effective for particular use cases. In the meantime, keeping track of the products you’ve tried and the full spectrum of compounds within each is the best way to gauge which cannabis products will be most effective for you.
Tips for consuming cannabis products with THC and CBD
If you’re looking for a product that combines THC and CBD, you’ll have a lot of options to consider. These tips can help you make the best choice possible and find your new go-to purchase.
Determine your goals
Before you start considering cannabis products, take some time to think through your goals. The factors that are most important to you will depend on whether you’re looking to relax at the end of the work week, get creative with an art project, or feel a deeper appreciation of the great outdoors. Reflect on what a successful session looks like to you and keep it top of mind when visiting a cannabis dispensary to ensure you pick the best product for your needs. After all, no two consumers are alike and what is best for you might not be what’s best for the next customer.
Shop with a licensed cannabis dispensary
Always choose a licensed cannabis dispensary when looking for cannabis products. Licensed cannabis dispensaries are required to carry products that have been tested by a third-party laboratory so you can rest assured that the products you’re considering are labeled accurately. When buying cannabis products for a particular reason, you need to know what you’re getting, and a licensed cannabis dispensary provides that level of certainty and confidence.
Consider the product type
Start by narrowing down the product types that work for you. The type of cannabis product you choose will significantly influence your experience. Inhaled products like cannabis flower, concentrates, and vapes work almost immediately, and their effects peak quickly before soon tapering off. This makes them a good choice for on-the-spot relief. If you prefer long-lasting effects, though, you may instead opt for edibles, tinctures, or pills and capsules, which take a bit longer to take effect but provide enduring relief. If you’re not sure how each product type works, ask a budtender to explain them to you and they’ll be happy to fill you in.
Examine the product label
When reviewing a product label, start by identifying THC potency. This is expressed in milligrams or as a percentage of volume by weight and can give you a sense of how strong a product’s intoxicating qualities might be. Low-tolerance consumers and those new to cannabis may prefer to consider lower percentages of THC, while those with higher tolerances may opt for more potent products.
When considering how THC and CBD work together, look for the CBD content relative to THC potency — this is known as the THC-to-CBD ratio. A balanced product will have a 1:1 ratio or the same amount of THC and CBD. You can also find THC-dominant products commonly in ratios of 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, or 20:1. The higher the first number, the more THC there is in the product relative to CBD content. You can also find CBD-dominant products with the same ratios.
Finally, consider the other cannabinoids and terpenes present in the product. These are important because of the entourage effect and they can influence your overall experience. For example, significant levels of Cannabinol (CBN) may change the way you feel when consuming. Similarly, the presence of limonene in the terpene profile can have a very different effect than myrcene. The best way to know how these other compounds will influence you is to try them for yourself and keep note of your experience.
Discuss your options with a budtender
Once you’ve got a list of potential candidates you’d like to try, talk with a budtender about which might suit you best. At Boone Town, our budtenders are trained experts on our entire inventory and can help guide you to make the right purchase for your goals. Explain what your priorities are in your session and your preferences in cannabis products, as well as the products you’re considering bringing home. They can talk you through each category, from prerolls to topicals, and help you make a decision if you’re not sure which is best for you.
Try the product and note your experience
Whenever you try a new cannabis product, take note of your experience. Be sure to keep track of the full spectrum of compounds, including THC content, CBD content, minor cannabinoids, and terpene profile. This information can help you find other, similar products that you like, making it easier in the future to narrow down your options. Consider keeping a cannabis journal to track how your preferences evolve over time, so you can use it to continually inform your buying decisions.
Let Boone Town be your cannabis field guide
Cannabis is a complex plant that even our foremost researchers have yet to fully understand. But that doesn’t mean shopping for cannabis products has to make you feel like you’re lost in the wilderness. At Boone Town, we’re happy to help you blaze your own trail and find the best cannabis products for your needs. Start your cannabis adventure with us — we’re open seven days a week and ready to go.
