Balance. It’s something we all strive for, and we make choices every day that tip the scales one way or the other. Things like deciding whether to stay late at the office, or leave early to make it home for dinner with the family; to sit at your desk to get through emails or take 30 minutes to get a workout in; to choose the buttery scone or bowl of oats to go with your latte order. It’s all a part of the human experience, something we’re all trying to navigate.
If you are suffering from decision fatigue, one less thing you have to worry about is choosing between THC and CBD. Ratio products offer a combination of the two, and have become increasingly popular with those who want to experience the benefits of both cannabinoids for what many call a balanced cannabis experience. If you’re curious about the effects of ratio products, read on to gain a basic understanding of the two most popular cannabinoids and what you can expect when consuming them together.
Wait, you keep using the word cannabinoid. What is that?
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that produce a diverse range of healing and therapeutic effects. There are two types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids are naturally produced within the human body and phytocannabinoids are found within the trichomes of the cannabis plant.
A cannabis bud covered in trichomes. A close-up of a trichome.
Images by Cornerstone Collective.
Both phyto- and endocannabinoids work with receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). which plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis within our body.
The ECS works to balance the effects of both internal and external stressors, and it would not be able to do so without the help of cannabinoids.
The two most commonly recognized receptors in the ECS are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, and CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system.
Now let’s take a look at two of the most commonly recognized cannabinoids and the effects they produce before we learn how they work together.
Tetrahydrocannabinol – more than a means to an elevated state of being.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for its elevating and uplifting effects, commonly referred to as a high. THC is typically associated with recreational cannabis use because of the feelings of euphoria that it’s able to produce. But its medicinal properties should not be overlooked.
Research shows that THC can act as an effective antidepressant. A low-dose can elevate mood and calm anxiety, and is proven to be useful in treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as severe depression and anxiety. In one particular study, THC showed significant antidepressant like effects when the participants consumed a dose of 2.5 mg – a micro-dose by community standards.
Not only can THC improve our mental-state, it’s also known to treat various physical ailments and issues. It offers relief from chronic pain, acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory – helpful for those with arthritis – and is proven to alleviate nausea and vomiting – often a side-effect of chemotherapy treatment.
It’s important to note that THC is a powerful psychoactive stimulant that can produce intoxicating effects, which can be disorienting and sometimes unpleasant. To avoid any adverse effects, start with a micro- or low-dose of THC, and if you choose to increase the dose, do it slowly. Wait at least two hours before consuming more, especially with edibles as it takes longer to feel the effects.
Another way to mitigate the chance of feeling over-stimulated from THC is to incorporate CBD into your consumption method.
Cannabidiol – healing, therapeutic, and so much more.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is appealing to many because it produces a myriad of healing and medicinal effects, but is non-intoxicating. If you want to avoid feeling high, CBD is a great option for you.
After consuming CBD, you will typically feel more relaxed and less tense.
In a study from HelloMD, 80 percent of respondents said that they found CBD to be an effective form of treatment. Those who participated in the study used CBD most commonly for insomnia, depression, anxiety, and joint pain. CBD is also proven to effectively treat such issues as: epileptic seizures, muscle convulsions and spasms, psoriasis and eczema, and inflammation.
CBD has become increasingly popular amongst those who are physically active. After a workout, a dose of CBD will help relieve aches and pains and keep your muscles from tensing up. And, since CBD is non-intoxicating, you can feel great about consuming after your early-morning workout before you head into the office. The CBD will allow your body to feel relaxed while allowing your mind to feel clear- the perfect combination for tackling the day ahead.
Better together: when THC and CBD are combined.
The harmonious combination of THC and CBD produces a unique set of benefits that cannot be achieved when consumed on their own.
Because of the way in which CBD interacts with our ECS receptors, CBD tends to elevate the positive effects of THC while minimizing the negative. By inhibiting THC’s ability to bind with our receptors, you are able to avoid any overstimulation, and instead achieve a more relaxed state-of-being. And, CBD actually slows down the breakdown of THC in the liver, therefore prolonging the medicinal effects of THC. It isn’t all one sided though. THC enhances the effects of CBD, because it binds more effectively with our CB1 receptors.
Ratio products are offered in different combinations, so you can choose from a variety of ratios to meet your specific needs:
- Lower in THC and higher in CBD, i.e. 2.5 mg THC to 25 mg of CBD. This combination will allow you to enjoy the medicinal benefits of CBD with a mild psychoactive experience from the THC.
- Equal parts THC and CBD, i.e. 5 mg of THC to 5 mg of CBD. Remember, the THC will elevate the healing effects of CBD, while the CBD will calm the elevating effects of THC. This allows for a relaxing, therapeutic experience.
We still have a long way to go in understanding the effects of both cannabinoids individually and collectively, but there is enough evidence to prove that the combination of the two are certainly effective. Both offer the benefits of alleviating chronic pain, minimizing anxiety, treating depression, and acting as an anti-inflammatory and sleep-aid. But when combined, the two are all the more powerful.
We are excited to share with you that 3Leaf will be releasing our line of Ratio Treats soon! Our Double Chocolate Cookie and Peanut Butter Cookie combine 5 mg of THC with 5 mg of CBD for a perfectly balanced cannabis experience. The various benefits of each cannabinoid listed above are contained in a delicious treat with zero cannabis taste. And yes, while these products are an indulgence on the decadent side, you can rest assured that we still use only the highest quality ingredients when crafting each premium edible. The big announcement of their release date is coming soon, so be sure to stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our newsletter.