Cannabis is a complex plant that contains hundreds of compounds. More than 120 of them are cannabinoids, the compounds responsible for the many effects you feel. CBD and THC are the two most well-known in the plant. Many people fall into the trap of trying to figure out if they need one or the other for specific effects. What if we told you that using CBD and THC together could actually be more beneficial than using one of them alone? Read on to learn more.

What Are CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are the two most abundant and well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the one everyone knows as the high-inducing cannabinoid. It’s the one that produces the euphoric effects users enjoy. 

CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, doesn’t offer the same psychoactivity. Instead, people tend to choose it as a way to alleviate anxiety or assist with falling asleep. 

The Entourage Effect

You’ll find numerous CBD and THC isolates on dispensary shelves. After all, each cannabinoid offers unique benefits. With THC, you can get pain relief, stimulate the appetite, or alleviate nausea. With CBD, you can reduce anxiety or boost your mood, all without having to worry about the euphoric effects of THC. 

Believe it or not, there’s a substantial amount of evidence out there that shows these two compounds are actually more effective if users take them together. It’s a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, and it refers to the synergy between CBD, THC, and the various other compounds in the cannabis plant. Also known as “whole-plant medicine,” the entourage effect states that cannabis products offer more diverse and more effective results than using a single cannabinoid alone.

Benefits of Using CBD and THC Together

There are a few benefits that come from using CBD and THC together. One of the most notable is that CBD may actually help to temper the high-inducing properties of THC. For those who want the benefits of the whole plant but don’t want to get too high, introducing a bit of CBD can help to negate THC’s effects.

How does this work, exactly? Well, THC binds with CB1 receptors in the body. When this happens, they can trigger the euphoric effects users feel. For those new to cannabis or who are sensitive to THC, even low doses of THC can overload the system and trigger an uncomfortable high. CBD doesn’t bind with CB receptors, but it can block them. When this happens, THC can’t bind. Fewer THC molecules interacting with receptors can lead to a mellower, more enjoyable feeling. 

What about THC with CBD? While we don’t know for sure, studies are showing that CBD may be more effective with the addition of  THC. Even small amounts of THC can enhance CBD’s effects. For those concerned about getting high, there are some high CBD low THC strains and products available that produce little to no noticeable mind-altering changes.

Obtain the Optimal Benefits from Your Cannabis Products

There are plenty of isolates on the market, and these products do have their place. If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience, however, you’ll want the whole package. Using CBD and THC together, along with the various other compounds in the cannabis plant, can provide you with the best benefits, allowing you to get the most out of your experience.