THC and CBD are cannabis’s two most well-known cannabinoids. When explaining the two chemicals, many fall into the trap of comparison. However, there is no need for competition, as THC and CBD can be used concurrently.
But is it safe to use THC and CBD together? What are the benefits of taking THC and CBD together instead of separately?
Read this guide from Go Botanicals to learn about the benefits of using THC and CBD together.
Related: Read about Why People Take CBD
CBD vs. THC
It is good to first understand these chemical compounds before you decide if you want to use CBD and THC together. THC and CBD contain the same molecular structures, as each has two oxygen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms.
However, the atoms are arranged slightly differently in each cannabinoid, resulting in significant differences. Additionally, THC and CBD are similar to the endocannabinoids in your body, allowing them to interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
When THC and CBD react with your body’s cannabinoid receptors, it impacts the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals responsible for relaying messages throughout the body) in your brain.
Despite containing similar chemical structures, THC and CBD don’t have the same psychoactive properties. Many people assume that CBD isn’t psychoactive; however, this is not the case. CBD does have psychoactive properties, but not the same psychoactive properties as THC.
The psychoactive properties of THC make you feel “high” or make you “go on a trip.” While CBD can help relax you, it’s not a mind-altering substance like THC.
THC produces a high because it binds with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. On the other hand, CBD binds very minimally, if at all, to cannabinoid receptors.
CBD vs. THC Legality
Understanding the legal status surrounding these chemicals is essential before you stock up on THC and CBD products.
Cannabis-related laws are regularly evolving in the US. Hemp-based CBD products are legal in all 50 states to varying degrees. Recreational marijuana (THC) is legalized in 19 states, and 38 states have legalized medical marijuana (THC).
It’s vital to check your state laws before buying cannabis-based products, as you could face penalties if you purchase them in a state where THC products are not yet legal.
Read: Learn about how CBD can help Hormonal Balance
Benefits of Using THC and CBD Together
CBD and THC combined offers many benefits. Both chemicals provide pain relief, but CBD doesn’t produce the euphoric effect of THC.
CBD is especially beneficial for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Seizures
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Pain
- IBS
- Mental disorders
THC is especially beneficial for:
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasticity
- Low appetite
- Anxiety
- Pain
Neither THC nor CBD has proven to be dangerous; however, most people can tolerate CBD in large doses, but this is not always the case for THC.
Those who take too large of a dose of THC may experience coordination problems, an increased heart rate, red eyes, dry mouth, slower reaction times, anxiety, or memory loss.
However, CBD is not without its side effects. Some people experience fatigue, weight loss, appetite changes, diarrhea, or dizziness when taking CBD.
The Entourage Effect: How THC and CBD Work Together
Research indicates that consuming cannabis’s full spectrum of active compounds provides our bodies with the most benefits. In other words, the combination of hemp compounds is much better than the sum of its parts.
In addition to THC and CBD, other chemicals found in the cannabis plant include:
- CBC
- CBN
- CBG
- CBT
- Chalcones
- Flavonoids
- Terpenes
- Fatty acids
- Plant pigments
The phenomenon of these compounds working together is known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect means you’ll experience more significant benefits by consuming all of the chemicals found in the cannabis plant.
However, this isn’t the only benefit of combining THC with CBD. CBD helps counteract some of the anxiety and paranoia that comes with THC. On the other hand, THC offers better muscle relaxant and sedative properties than CBD.
"The absolute best solution to daily stress has been CBD and THC gummies. I am more relaxed and focused during the day and sleeping better at night." -Jonathan S.
However, it is not necessary to combine THC and CBD to reap the benefits of each chemical. If you don’t like feeling high or THC is illegal in your state, you can still have a great experience taking CBD-only products.
CBD and THC Pros and Cons
Pros
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Enhanced Therapeutic Effects: CBD and THC can complement each other, potentially enhancing the overall therapeutic benefits, especially for pain relief and anxiety management.
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Balanced Psychoactivity: CBD can mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC, reducing anxiety and paranoia while preserving the euphoric sensations.
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Wider Medicinal Potential: Combining CBD and THC could possibly broaden the spectrum of treatable conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and certain neurodegenerative disorders.
Cons
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Psychoactive Effects: The presence of THC can still lead to intoxication, impairing cognitive and motor functions, which may not be desirable for some users.
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Legal Issues: The legality of THC varies by location, and taking them together might lead to legal complications in areas where THC is restricted.
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Dosage Complexity: Finding the right balance of CBD and THC can be challenging, as individual responses vary, potentially leading to unpredictable effects.
In summary, while combining CBD and THC could possibly offer a broader therapeutic spectrum, it requires careful consideration of individual preferences and legal regulations. It is also best to start out with a small dosage and increasing until you find the best amount for your individual needs.
How to Combine THC and CBD
Finding the right combo of THC and CBD usually takes some experimentation. Many people prefer a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC. With a 1:1 balance, you’ll experience the high effects of THC. However, if you’re new to THC, we recommend starting with your regular dose of CBD and a smaller dose of THC.
For example, you may want to start with a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC and then slowly build up from there. At this ratio, you won’t experience any high from the THC, but you’ll still experience some beneficial entourage effects.
Then, you may want to move to an 8:1 ratio. An 8:1 ratio is unlikely to make you feel high unless you’re very sensitive to THC. But the effect will barely be noticeable so it won’t affect your daily productivity.
Many people find the 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC the sweet spot, as you’ll feel slightly high but still lucid.
Related: Learn about how the combination of CBD and Magnesium can relieve your stress!
Time to Combine THC and CBD
Combining THC and CBD can open you to a new world of benefits. By combining the two chemicals at the proper ratio, you may experience euphoria and relaxation.
Go Botanicals Balance Blend Full Spectrum Gummies are an ideal way to combine CBD with a trace amount of THC for the ultimate supplement. We created these with you in mind. They contain just enough CBD and THC to complement each other and give you that much sought after Entourage Effect. We hope you love taking them as much as we did creating them.
Still have questions? We love to talk about CBD! Contact us by using the chat function while you shop (talk to a real live person!), call us at 800.894.9688 or email us at contact@gobotanicals.com. We can't wait to hear from you!
