What are the benefits of CBD and THC together?

CBD and THC are two compounds that are often confused with each other. They affect you very differently, but having a bit of THC can actually enhance the many wonderful benefits of CBD. So what are the benefits of CBD and THC together? Surprisingly a LOT!

CBD and THC are cannabis compounds that have a special synergy that makes a major impact on your well-being when combined. As the two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, consuming a product that has both gives something called the “entourage effect.” What’s that? Let’s find out!

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains the highest amounts of CBD while having very minimal THC (0.3% or less). It’s one of the primary cannabinoids, along with THC, and can provide you with many wellness benefits.

CBD is not intoxicating, which means it shouldn’t get you high or create any euphoric or addictive effects. CBD works by directly interacting with the receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps your body regulate functions like sleep, appetite, digestion, mood, and immune response.

The ECS is in charge of your body’s overall well-being and balance. Reaching this inner balance or homeostasis can help you manage your life better, work more efficiently, and feel more at ease on a day-to-day basis.

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp and hemp-derived CBD products are completely legal for sale and production in the United States. As long as the products don’t contain over 0.3% THC, you can find CBD products at your local health food store, dispensary, or smoke shop. Anything that contains over 0.3% THC is technically illegal under federal law.

CBD BENEFITS

Here are some of the main benefits of CBD:

Promotes Better Sleep: CBD is great to take at night to feel comforted and clear-minded. You’ll practically sink into your bed, the covers acting as clouds. But CBD doesn’t only promote rest and help regulate your sleep cycle. It also promotes deep sleep, ensuring you feel well-rested and rejuvenated the next morning.

Soothe Physical Discomfort: Whether it’s aches or sore joints, CBD can significantly reduce physical discomfort and leave you feeling comforted and relaxed. CBD reduces swelling and tenderness as well.

Minimize Negative Thoughts: Studies have shown that CBD changes the way our brains interact with serotonin, reducing negative feelings like nervousness, anxiousness, anger, or sadness. You’ll be left feeling clear-minded, creative, determined, and maintain a more positive attitude.

Promote Healthy Appetite: You won’t get the “munchies” from CBD. But you will be able to regulate your appetite with CBD because it reduces the symptoms of an upset stomach or side effects of illness, including fewer stomach aches. You’ll be able to maintain your diet and healthy exercise when you’re feeling better!

WHAT IS THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the other primary cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. You’ll find the highest concentrations of THC in marijuana.

Unlike CBD, THC is intoxicating, meaning that it WILL get you high. It’s the main component in marijuana that gives you all the psychoactive side effects, including:

• Red or dry eyes

• Slower reaction times

• Impaired decision making

• Weakened memory

There’s also THC in hemp but only 0.3% or less. These trace amounts aren’t enough to get you intoxicated or experience the effects of being high. However, THC plays a much more important role when it’s combined with CBD!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD AND THC TOGETHER?

There are many benefits that come from taking both CBD and THC together. While they may have drastically different effects, they are far more powerful when consumed at the same time. Although each cannabinoid may benefit you in some way separately, they can be even greater together.

CBD can limit some of the negative side effects of THC. Some people can experience drowsiness, sedation, and anxiety after taking THC. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce some of the psychoactive side effects of THC. Combining the two allows for a stronger, more powerful product without the potent intoxicating effects of THC alone.

Having all the cannabinoids (including CBD and THC) in the same product boosts the benefits of every single cannabinoid. All of the benefits will be felt much stronger, including reduced negative thoughts, discomfort relief, and improved relaxation. This cooperation or synergy between cannabinoids is often known as the “entourage effect.”

THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

The entourage effect suggests that taking CBD and THC together makes the benefits of CBD stronger and more effective!

The interaction between the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids all contributes to the entourage effect. This synergy enhances all of the therapeutic benefits effects, thus improving the overall experience.

The entourage effect is most apparent in full spectrum CBD products, but it exists in broad spectrum as well!