BETTER TOGETHER: THE SYNERGY OF CBD & THC

A powerful wellness duo, CBD and THC, can be found together in some CBD products. The two cannabinoids provide well-rounded wellness benefits for the mind and body.

Now for a quick refresh, here are the basics and why the two work better together.

THC and CBD are naturally occurring in both cannabis and hemp. Cannabis contains higher levels of THC, while hemp is CBD-dominant with very low levels of THC.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found abundantly in hemp. CBD can help improve your health and wellness in many ways. It accesses cannabinoid receptors throughout the body to regulate major functions related to your mood, nervous system, and immune system to promote balance.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or Delta-9) is the psychoactive cannabinoid dominant in cannabis. Delta-9 is also in hemp, in very small amounts, under 0.3%. THC has affinity for the cannabinoid receptors located in the brain. When THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, it typically produces a “high” and has relaxing properties that reduce stress and discomfort.

Pure Hemp Botanicals CBD and THC formulas are naturally made from pure hemp. These plant compounds are widely recognized and studied for their benefits. CBD and THC provide multi-system support for various health conditions, common ailments, recurring discomforts, and mood imbalances.

During extraction, if the CBD and THC are kept together and not isolated or separated, the end formulation is more effective and beneficial for the consumer. This is due to the synergy of the cannabinoids working together to access cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and brain. The effects can help tackle issues that cause discomfort, mood imbalances, and stress. The whole plant extract is greater than the sum of its parts. If THC and CBD are separated in the extraction process, they have limited reach and are less beneficial.

Although CBD and THC work better together than alone, whole-plant formulas are not for everyone. Some people need THC diminished products and may want to minimize any potential for high-inducing effects.

Cannabinoid formulas affect everyone differently — and everyone’s wellness goals are unique.

Research has found that hemp and cannabis contain hundreds of compounds that all play a role in the plant’s ability to support your health. If cannabinoids, terpenes, or other plant compounds get filtered out in the extraction process, it diminishes some of the plant’s beneficial properties.

Whole hemp or full spectrum CBD formulas offer greater wellness support because they contain a wide array of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes.

The entourage effect is the theory that all the compounds in the hemp plant work together to deliver maximum benefits. Without Delta-9, CBD is unable to access some receptors in the brain, reducing its reach and limiting its potential.

When all plant parts are kept intact, they benefit each other; this phenomenon is what we call the entourage effect. 

A number of conditions have been studied in conjunction with the entourage effect. When comparing research and case studies, it has been found that whole-plant extracts with CBD and THC can provide benefits for:

• • Discomfort
  • Mood
  • Sleep
  • Stress
  • Appetite
  • Injuries and traumas
  • Recovery
  • Various wellness issues
  • Complex symptoms

What’s amazing is that cannabinoids are naturally produced in your body, and they are found in hemp and cannabis. Your body will produce cannabinoids to regulate various functions in your brain, nervous system, immune system, and more.

Your endocannabinoid system is a complex biological network consisting of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters), and enzymes that metabolize them.

However, sometimes the endocannabinoid system can become impaired, and symptoms and imbalances can occur. In this case, cannabinoids can help.

This network of cannabinoid receptors in the body interacts with the plant’s molecules. These receptors are where cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, THC, and more perform their functions.

Cannabinoid receptors are abundantly located in the brain, lymph tissues, and immune system cells. The cannabinoid receptors in the brain are referred to as CB1. Your CB2 receptors are in fat tissues and the immune system.

As we mentioned above, Delta-9 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid produced in hemp and cannabis. It’s what makes the consumer feel “high.” Its concentration in plants also determines whether it’s considered cannabis or hemp. Hemp can contain up to 0.3% THC by dry weight, and products made from hemp are federally legal.

The molecule is the same whether Delta-9 THC comes from hemp or cannabis. The only difference that can be felt with Delta-9 is based on the concentration or potency ingested. A 2mg dose will produce milder effects than a 10mg dose. The effects will vary greatly with THC, depending on the dose.

Someone who takes a small serving of THC may experience calming effects, whereas a high-potency serving of THC can impair your motor functions, shift your energy and mood and induce sleep.

The effects of Delta-9 are potent, uplifting, and commonly referred to as “euphoric.” Many people enjoy Delta-9 recreationally for its mood-boosting effects; however, the health benefits of THC are also very beneficial for recovery for various issues.

One study found that more people use THC for illnesses rather than getting high.

The “high” that comes from THC consumption is due to its affinity for your CB1 receptors in the brain. Your brain’s cannabinoid receptors are responsive to chemical messengers such as THC. These receptors are also directly influenced by neurotransmitters produced naturally within the brain, like dopamine or serotonin.

In small amounts, Delta-9 may be helpful for conditions that cause mood imbalances, restlessness, and excessive worry. Because THC targets many receptors in the brain, it has calming effects that can soothe a racing mind and even induce sleepiness. High doses of THC may be helpful in cases where a patient needs more potent effects for maximum support.

Delta-9 THC affects everyone differently, and the effects vary depending on how your endocannabinoid responds to it. If it is new to you, it will take some self-discovery to find the right balance for your needs. D9 THC is potent, and its effects can be felt for hours, so start low and go slow. Try delta-9 THC at home in the evening so you can sleep it off if the dose is too strong.

Cannabidiol is abundant in hemp. CBD has many wellness benefits similar to THC, but it is non-psychoactive. CBD can be extracted from both hemp and cannabis.

CBD predominantly targets the CB2 receptors located throughout the body and does not produce mind-altering effects. CB2 receptors are densely located in the immune system, which has an inherent role in activating the body’s defense mechanisms and regulating swelling, trauma, and reducing discomfort in the body.

CBD can support your overall wellness by inducing or suppressing immune responses. It can be taken daily to manage symptoms and promote balance during your recovery process or used for stressful times. 

It takes time to notice the effects of CBD. Because it is non-psychoactive, you may not feel a big difference at first. However, CBD works subtly, and you will begin to notice gradual improvements with consistent use.

The effects of CBD vary depending on dose size and consistency. A small amount, such as 10 mg, can help improve mood and energy levels. Higher doses of 50 -100mg are usually more effective for discomfort, sleep, and complex issues. CBD alone does not cause mind-altering effects and generally won’t make you feel subdued. If you take a lot of CBD, you may feel drowsy, which is why some people prefer to take CBD at the end of the day.

Most CBD products, unless specified to be a CBD isolate, contain other plant compounds like terpenes and various cannabinoids. Full spectrum CBD has trace amounts of THC in it, and if taken in high doses, the user may experience some psychoactive effects. Formulas with CBD and THC together are more beneficial; here’s why.

Like any good partnership, THC and CBD seem to bring out the best in each other.

CBD and THC have chemical structures that are very similar to the endocannabinoids present in the human body. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that send signals to regulate many vital processes, such as your nervous system, immune system, pain response, brain functions, and more. These endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the body to maintain homeostasis.

When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it also gives CBD access to the CB1 receptor. It acts as the key to the CB1 receptor’s lock, allowing CBD to engage with the endocannabinoid receptor. This is why the two cannabinoids together improve the likelihood of symptom relief. Without THC, CBD has limited reach and cannot fully access the CB receptors.

While THC binds directly to the receptors, CBD does it indirectly. CBD affects how the receptors send signals, explaining why it doesn’t produce psychoactive effects like THC.

Since THC and CBD display chemical structures that mimic the body’s natural endocannabinoids, THC binds to the receptors present in the body and causes various physiological and psychological responses. This process regulates major functions in the body.

So whether it’s reducing discomfort, lowering stress, or promoting mood-boosting hormones, CBD and THC both play a crucial role in how your body reacts to the environment around you.

When shopping for a CBD product, it’s good to know what formulas contain Delta-9 THC. 

Some products will call out Delta-9 THC on the label, but you can also find minor amounts of THC in full spectrum products. 

Delta-9 THC products from hemp are becoming widely available online and in wellness shops, whereas cannabis-derived THC products are limited to dispensaries. 

Pure Hemp Botanicals specializes in formulating superior hemp products, and we have two powerful formulas with CBD and THC.

Pure Elevate is our natural hemp derived Delta-9 + CBD formula made specifically for those who want the strong uplifting effects of D9. Pure Elevate CBD products contain more THC than our Pure Balance full spectrum products. Pure Elevate is similar to the products you will find in a dispensary, but it is made with natural hemp extract and not cannabis. Pure Elevate is desirable for its high, uplifting effect that promotes deep relaxation and helps with discomfort.

Pure Balance full spectrum products are wonderful if you want the benefits of all the cannabinoids without mind-altering effects. Our full spectrum extract includes a full array of plant compounds and trace amounts of THC. The amount of Delta-9 in this formula is minimal, enough to promote balance, but generally not enough to cause psychoactive effects. However, if taken in high doses, the accumulation of THC may be felt. 

We understand THC is not for everyone. Some people can’t have THC, whether it be for drug test screening or personal preference. So if you fall into this category, your next best option is broad spectrum CBD. Broad spectrum leaves the THC out but includes terpenes and other cannabinoids. Remember, these whole plant extracts are more beneficial than isolated cannabinoid formulas.

If you are looking for a CBD product to help you improve your wellness, discover the benefits of Pure Hemp Botanicals CBD formulas!