THC & CBD: A Powerful Combination
Finding your favorite strains and products through experimentation is part of the process. There are hundreds of pharmacologically active cannabinoids and terpenoids found in cannabis; however, two of the most important to know and understand are THC and CBD and the ratio of the two.
CBD (Cannabidoil)
CBD is an important cannabinoid to look for in products as it has many medical benefits on its own, and it also works in harmony with THC for optimum results. CBD is known to potentiate the pain-killing effects of THC while mitigating the psychoactivity or undesirable side effects some people may experience from THC.
CBD itself is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-anxiety, anti-emetic, anti-epileptic, and anti-inflammatory. It has been shown in animal models to reduce the risk of artery blockage (anti-ischemic), inhibit cell growth in blockage (anti-ischemic), inhibit cell growth in tumors/cancer cells (anti-proliferative), and promote bone growth. CBD assists in modulating the function of the immune system and protects the nervous system from degeneration as a neuroprotective.
Scientists researching the special relationship between THC and CBD have found that CBD in combination with THC is far more effective than CBD alone. They found that 73% of study participants reported increased pain relief and decreased feeling of being “high” when compared to consuming THC alone. “Subjects reported more pleasurable effects and less anxiety with the combination of CBD and THC than they felt with THC alone.” This is good news for new patients nervous about experiencing negative side effects. These patients may choose to try products with higher percentages of CBD and slowly increase THC content.
