If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you know that we’re big on CBD, the second most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. While recent research suggests that it might not be as medically active as THC—the cannabinoid associated with the cannabis plant’s “high”—that’s not to say it’s not working on our behalf.
Both anecdotally and as demonstrated by several studies, CBD helps us manage pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other chronic symptoms and conditions. And a growing crop of high CBD strains is making it easier than ever to access those health benefits. Are they right for you? This quick guide should provide you with some solid and actionable information and answers.
High CBD Strains: What Can Do They Do?
CBD—otherwise known as cannabidiol—is the second-most-common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids, as you may already know, are a family of over 100 natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. Along with terpenes—fragrant oils that give cannabis and many other plants their distinctive flavors and aromas—cannabinoids are the most important “active ingredients” in the cannabis plant.
As we mentioned earlier, CBD is associated with a number of medical benefits. The FDA recently approved the first cannabis-derived medicine—Epidiolex—which uses CBD to help treat several types of epilepsy-like seizures. And rodent-based research indicates that CBD helps block pain by modulating the endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies, reducing inflammation among other hallmarks of pain. Of course, rodents aren’t people. While CBD shows significant promise in pain management, clinicians caution that further study is needed.
Elsewhere, a high-CBD oil has been used to treat symptoms of PTSD, including insomnia and anxiety. In fact, CBD is probably most commonly used to treat anxiety. While some researchers caution there’s not enough solid evidence linking the cannabinoid to anxiety reduction, a large body of anecdotal evidence supports the claim—borne out by rodent-based studies—that CBD helps many people manage anxiety, stress, and depression.
High CBD Strains: Understanding Ratios
As we hinted earlier, one very significant characteristic of CBD is that unlike THC, it’s not intoxicating. That’s not quite the same as claiming it’s not psychoactive; while it’s true that many people don’t feel any effects from CBD, others notice a slight “buzziness” or gently energizing cerebral effect.
Of course, if you ingest a cannabis product that contains a high enough proportion of THC, you’ll feel the “high” associated with that cannabinoid. That’s one reason it’s especially important to understand the concept of ratios when it comes to cannabis strains.
Generally, cannabis products are labeled with a ratio denoting their THC content compared with their CBD content. A strain with a 20:1 ratio (20 parts THC to 1 part CBD) will be quite psychoactive. When the ratios are closer to 1:1, you’ll tend to feel a more balanced effect. And when the THC to CBD ratio reaches roughly 1:8 or greater, there will generally be little perceptible psychoactivity.
Which strain (or ratio) is right for you? Many researchers feel that THC and CBD work best in tandem. If you find the psychoactivity of THC distracting or unpleasant—for instance at the workplace—an increasing number of high CBD strains offer little to no THC.
As with all cannabis products, we recommend you try a small amount of any given strain and assess the results. With a little trial and error, it shouldn’t be challenging to find your optimal strain and optimal dose. And don’t hesitate to reach out; we’d love to be of help!
Check out our online dispensary menu to see what high-CBD strains we have in stock and order now!
