Can CBD Help Your Marijuana High?

Even if you are a frequent cannabis user with a focus on getting high, that doesn't mean that there is no place for CBD in your routine. CBD has many health benefits and is a fantastic solution in the wellness space. Additionally, research suggests that mixing CBD and THC is more effective than taking THC on its own. This is something called the "entourage effect." Why is this? Let's talk about CBD, the meaning of "entourage effect" and more.

How Are CBD and THC Similar?

We started right away by talking about CBD and THC, but let’s talk about the difference between the two. And not the basic difference between the two, let’s get scientific for a moment. To explain how they’re different, let’s first talk about how they are the same. CBD and THC are both compounds that stem from the cannabis plant and they both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Additionally, they even are both composed of the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

Now, How Are CBD and THC Different?

With all these similarities, what is the difference? The difference between THC and CBD lies in the arrangement of their atoms and how this causes different effects on the body. CBD is normally extracted from cannabis plants with low THC, called hemp.  THC is extracted from cannabis plants that have been bred for high THC levels, and it is therefore called marijuana.  CBD products in the U.S. that are sold legally contain less than 0.3% THC.  THC contains a main psychoactive compound and that is the feeling of a “high” or euphoria. CBD does NOT contain this psychoactive element and while this may be something that could push frequent marijuana users away, it’s important to consider that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. With more research, comes more discoveries on finding that perfect harmony of combining CBD and THC in one use. Learn more about the difference between hemp and marijuana here.

The Entourage Effect

No, we’re not talking about the hit HBO series. The “entourage effect” was first discovered by Dr. Mechoulam. In 1998, Dr. Mechoulam explained that the terpenes and phytocannabinoids combine synergistically, enhancing the therapeutic benefits. The Entourage Effect is “the theory that all the compounds in cannabis work together and when they work together, they produce a better effect than when taken alone.” As more and more breeders have begun to grow their strains of marijuana plants, they have continued to become more potent in THC, reducing the CBD content. This led to many looking back at the “entourage effect” and what was missing in the experience by leaving CBD out of the equation when ingesting THC. This is where research began to skyrocket.

In a 2011 study by the British Journal of Pharmacology, it was concluded that “selective breeding of cannabis chemotypes rich in phytocannabinoid and terpenoid content offer complementary pharmacological activities that may improve the therapeutic index of cannabis extracts containing THC.”

Some conditions that this may be beneficial for include:

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Epilepsy

Additionally, in a study conducted at the California Pacific Medical Center, it was concluded that combining THC and CBD is far more potent in anti-tumor effects on brain and breast cancer rather than each compound alone. 

CBD Can Control Your Perfect High

Mary Jane users, do we still have you reading along? ‘Cause this is important! If you’re considering mixing THC and CBD for the reasons listed above, we’ve got one more reason to add to the list. Many may consider using CBD to tame or enhance the effects of THC. For example, including CBD into your dosage can help you to reduce unwanted side effects such as hunger, anxiety, or drowsiness. On the other token, it can also help you to feel more balanced and prevent you from the feeling of getting “too high.”    There are studies that show that using some amount of CBD along with your legal medical or recreational marijuana use will extend your high, with fewer negative side-effects.

What’s the Perfect THC to CBD Ratio?

Every individual is different and therefore no two experiences may be the same for each user. For example, if you’re looking to unwind on a Saturday night, then you may be looking for a higher THC content. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing arthritis pain, then you may prefer to focus on a higher CBD content. These nuances can be discovered by asking yourself a few questions: What is my desired outcome for using THC and CBD? What am I primarily using THC and CBD for? 

From there, it is good to experience with dosage levels, consumption methods, timing, and more.

Tips for CBD and THC Dosage

When beginning to mix CBD and THC, start with a low dosage and increase as needed. For CBD, often 10-20mg a day is a starting dosage. Depending on your level of marijuana use, you'll want to adjust the THC levels accordingly. 

Another element to experiment with is different consumption methods. From gummies to topicals and flower, there are endless ways to simultaneously consume CBD and THC. Commonly, many people will choose to smoke THC with flower. However, people also frequently use edibles. Topical products target specific pain points rather than addressing mental states such as anxiety.

Conclusion

If you’re a frequent marijuana user and are looking to control your high, give the “entourage effect” a try. Combining THC and CBD may be a good option for you. Not sure where to start? Take a look at some of our CBD products and learn more in our Education Center. Enjoy!

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Can mushrooms help your marijuana high? Read here.