High CBD Low THC: The Best Ratio of Cannabinoids

CBD has become one of the most popular products on the market lately. There are CBD creams, oils, smoothies, cocktails, and even pills. They come in numerous forms, which makes them quite popular. CBD provides a relaxing effect while providing relief from pain, anxiety, depression, and inflammation. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not get you high. THC, on the other hand, gives a feeling of euphoria when you take it. Therefore, many people prefer high CBD low THC products as they will help you enjoy the numerous health benefits without the high. However, small doses of THC do improve the efficacy of the product. Below is a guideline on why high CBD low THC products are a good, balanced choice.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that exist in the Cannabis Sativa plant and the human body. Those in the plants are called phytocannabinoids and number in the hundreds. The main one is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive in its neutral form, but not in its acidic form, THCA. CBD is the second most common one but is not psychotropic. CBD does not interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain the same way that THC does. This is why high CBD low THC strains do not produce an intense psychoactive high.

The human body has an endocannabinoid system that produces endocannabinoids. These occur naturally in the body and help promote homeostasis— maintaining a balance in the body’s functions. The endocannabinoids work by signaling to other cells to produce a variety of effects. The two main ones are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol.

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the over 100 compounds in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is a natural compound that comes in various forms, such as oils, creams, and edibles, to provide numerous potential benefits. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause intoxication, hence it will leave you relaxed and calm after taking it. The only CBD product that the FDA approves of and regulates is Epidiolex. This drug treats epileptic seizures from tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Dravet Syndrome (DS). Research on CBD is still in its infancy, but more is conducted every day in hopes of confirming all of its potential benefits.

High CBD Low THC Benefits

Below are some of the potential benefits of taking CBD.

Pain Relief

CBD has anti-inflammatory effects; that means it works on the endocannabinoid system to help relieve pain. According to a study conducted on 47 people with multiple sclerosis, the patients reported improvements in their pain and muscle spasms with a combination of both THC and CBD. Sativex, a drug made from THC and CBD, is used to treat multiple sclerosis pain in Canada and the United Kingdom. CBD has also been shown to have a positive effect on serotonin levels in animal studies. Low serotonin levels play a crucial role in enhancing your mood and providing pain relief.

Promoting Heart Health

CBD can reduce the risk of heart disease by alleviating hypertension, according to a study in JCI Insight in 2017. Here, nine men were given 600mg of CBD or the same dose of placebo. It was noted that those treated with CBD had lower blood pressure before and after they were exposed to stressful stimuli such as extreme cold or exercise. The heart also began pumping more effectively.

Anxiety and Depression

Many people use CBD to address their symptoms of anxiety and depression. It helps by acting on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, which helps regulate your mood and social behavior. According to one study, a pretreatment dose of CBD helped people in a public speaking event with social anxiety give a speech. CBD reduces anxiety by reducing stress, improving symptoms of PTSD, decreasing psychological effects of anxiety such as an increased heart rate, and inducing sleep.

CBD For Cancer Symptoms

There has been increasing research on CBD’s effects on cancer as its efficacy in addressing symptoms related to cancer treatment. A study on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy noted that CBD helped reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, particularly nausea. It also helped ease their pain. A study looked at the effects of THC and CBD in 177 people with cancer-related pain. Those given both compounds had a reduction in pain compared to those who only received THC. Some animal studies have also shown that CBD has anti-cancer properties as concentrated CBD induced breast cancer cells death. Another study showed that CBD reduced the spread of cancer cells in mice by killing the tumor cells. High CBD low THC combinations seems to be the most effective. However, most of the significant studies have been on animals and still need more evidence before being medically advisable. 

Neuroprotective

CBD may be able to help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. This happens due to the interaction of CBD with the ECS. It may also help reduce inflammation that can worsen the symptoms. CBD may also help prevent free radical damage and protect the brain cells while regenerating others.

Acne Treatment

A study found that CBD prevented the human sebaceous gland from creating too much sebum, excessive amounts of which can lead to acne. Also, since CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect, the inflammatory cytokines were prevented from activating, potentially reducing acne.

What Is THC?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary active component in the cannabis plant. Its chemical makeup, C₂₁H₃₀O₂, is similar to that of CBD, but it will make you high.

Effects of THC

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC stimulates the brain cells to release dopamine, hence creating a euphoric effect. It also interferes with how information is processed in the brain, interfering with creation of new memories.

The psychotropic effects of THC usually take 10 to 30 minutes to kick in and last for around 2 hours. Some of the side effects of THC include sedation, anxiety, joy, and memory recall issues.

High CBD Low THC Sources

Cannabis is a herbaceous plant that is classified into two forms, Indica and Sativa. Hemp belongs to the Cannabis Sativa species, while marijuana can be a member of both species. However, marijuana and hemp are not the same. CBD can be sourced from hemp and marijuana. However, there are differences between CBD from marijuana and that from hemp.

CBD From Marijuana (High THC)

Marijuana is harvested for its psychoactive and euphoric properties. As opposed to hemp, marijuana is not used as a food source or in textile making. It is instead cultivated for its flowers that have an abundance of cannabinoids. It has higher THC content than hemp, with 30% THC per dry weight. You can get THC content ranging from 5-30% in CBD from marijuana.

Marijuana is still federally illegal in the USA, though some states are legalizing it for medical and recreational use.

CBD From Hemp

The 2018 Farm Bill revolutionized the US hemp industry as it legalized the cultivation of hemp. Hemp is cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC; hence it will not have intoxicating effects. Hemp was excluded from the Controlled Substances Act with the introduction of the 2018 Farm Bill.

Hemp has been used for centuries to make commercial products such as ropes, food, paper, textiles, biofuel, and insulation. It is also quite regenerative, as it can survive lengthy periods without water or fertilizer and is naturally resistant to pests.

Why Choose High CBD Low THC Products

In most states, CBD with over 0.3% THC is illegal; therefore, always ensure that you get products with low THC levels. High CBD strains will help relieve pain, anxiety, depression, and other issues, as seen above.

When taking high CBD low THC products, it is advised to always proceed with caution. Start slow, and take minimal doses. While doing so, monitor how your body behaves and the effects you experience. With time, you can adjust the dosage. If you are feeling any intoxicating effects, there is a likelihood that the product has more THC. If this is the case, avoid driving until the effects subside. Also, ensure that you buy from a reputable company like Tanasi. Quality producers will label everything clearly so you know exactly what you’re buying.

Ensure that the product has also undergone third-party testing to ensure that it is safe for the human body. If you plan to try high CBD low THC products, talk to your doctor for advice on the best way forward, especially if you are on other medication or are breastfeeding.