We all know and love THC, but in honor of National CBD Month, we’re shining the spotlight on the second most prolific cannabinoid in the cannabis plant — CBD. It may not have the same cerebral effect as its famous sibling, but CBD has a lock on therapeutic benefits. Still, why settle for one or the other? Here’s why you need to try a high-CBD strain.
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
There’s a ton of anecdotal evidence surrounding cannabis as a treatment for a number of health issues — our budtenders hear first-person accounts every day that are truly amazing. To date, the most compelling research is related to childhood epilepsy syndromes. That’s why Epidiolex, the first cannabis-derived medicine to be approved by The FDA, is even an option for those who need it most.
While more research is desperately needed, some studies support the idea that CBD has a modulating effect on the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which essentially means it runs interference on pain. Another set of studies has linked CBD to a reduction in anxiety.
From a wellness point of view, strains high in CBD can help people tackle positive change in their lives. That’s different for everyone. Maybe you need to better manage stress in your life. Maybe social anxiety poses a real challenge. Maybe you just need some decent sleep, or you want to boost focus or creativity. There can be real value in a high-CBD strain to tackle all of these wellness goals.
IT’S NON-INTOXICATING — NOT NON-PSYCHOACTIVE
While CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties, that doesn’t mean it’s non-psychoactive. It’s an important distinction, because while CBD doesn’t affect people in the same manner as THC, it does still cross the blood-brain barrier and direct affects the central nervous system, mood, and perception. Some people experience that psychoactivity as a mild kind of buzzy energy, but it can’t be compared to the cerebral effects of THC. For those interested in keeping a clear head and addressing something specific — anxiety or pain or insomnia — CBD is particularly appealing.
THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT
This is the theory that the various effects of terpenes and cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are more effective in synergy. And we can thank Rafael Mechoulam, an Israeli chemist who identified THC as the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, for the catchy name. His studies into the interactions of different cannabis compounds led to the label, which is itself an extension of whole-plant medicine. Basically, proponents of whole-plant medicine believe medicinal substances are most effective in their whole, natural state. And, honestly, that makes sense!
CONVINCED YET?
Get on the CBD train already, and reap the non-intoxicating, therapeutic benefits of this amazing cannabinoid. Opting for a full-spectrum product will open you to the advantages of the entourage effect, whether your motivation is medicinal or recreational. And quick tip — a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio is a great balance, but if you’re worried about too much THC, a 1:8 THC to CBD ratio will minimize the risk of even mild psychoactivity.
Next time you stop by The Dispensary, ask your favorite budtender to recommend a high-CBD strain. It is National CBD month, after all!