Benefits of CBD And THC Together: How to Combine Them Without Getting High

Long gone are the days when only the patchouli-wearing hippies got their toke on. 

Nowadays, everyone from all walks of life uses it for health benefits, not just to get high. But where do you start? This blog is a deep dive into the benefits of CBD and THC together, so you know what you’re looking for next time you go to the local dispensary.  

Let’s dive in…

What is THC?

Most scientists agree there are at least 100 various cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. Each of them has different effects on you, the user. But the two most significant cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is usually called the “bad” cannabinoid because it’s responsible for getting people high. It causes euphoric and relaxing effects when used. But with the good comes the bad. It also has some undesirable effects, like paranoia and sometimes a feeling of panic. 

What are the main effects of THC (other than the high)?

• It relieves pain
• It stimulates your appetite
• It suppresses seizures
• It reduces inflammation
• It promotes well-being and relaxation
• It suppresses nausea
• It encourages sleep
• It helps with glaucoma

What’s THC currently being used to treat?

• Cancer and those battling with chemo
• Multiple sclerosis
• Glaucoma
• AIDS
• Spinal Injuries

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is sometimes dubbed the “good” cannabinoid. This is because it’s used medicinally and doesn’t cause that psychoactive high we all associate with smoking pot. 

Many people don’t like THC’s mind-bending effects, but they want the benefits. So, CBD products are the answer. CBD has a remarkable resume. 

What are the main effects of CBD?

• It’s an antidepressant
• It protects the brain’s neurons 
• It battles psychosis 
• It suppresses seizures
• It reduces vomiting and nausea
• It’s an anti-inflammatory
• It fights cancer cells and tumors
• It’s an antioxidant 
• It eases sore muscles
• It reduces insomnia

What’s CBD currently being used to treat?

• Epilepsy and other syndromes that cause seizures
• Head traumas
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Pain management
• Depression 
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Migraines
• Mental disorders
• Anxiety

Today’s Cannabis vs. The Bud of Yesteryear

Gone are the days when a joint was a joint. 

Back in the ’60s, there was good weed or lousy weed, but that’s about it. When you smoked cannabis, you got a dose of THC and CBD. 

However, over the years, cultivators of cannabis selectively bred strains that were THC laden and all but demolished CBD. It was all about getting high, so there was no need for CBD. It resulted in today’s cannabis which is far more potent than what we (or our parents) were smoking back in the day.  

But now, since the medical marijuana field is in its heyday, CBD has been making a comeback with a vengeance. 

Today you can use cannabis in a zillion different ways and never feel the psychoactive effects of getting high. 

People aren’t just smoking it anymore. There are oils, tinctures, gummies, prescription drugs, and strains of marijuana packed with so much THC you won’t get off the couch.

What is CBD with THC Called?

It’s called the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is the theory that the whole plant and all its chemical compounds work better together. So, there is a synergy in the cannabis plant. Using the whole plant rather than splitting it apart into THC or CBD has added benefits. 

The chemical synergy of using CBD and THC is greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, taking them together creates a better effect than taking them alone.

The Benefits of CBD and THC together

Cannabis is no longer just used for its THC effects of getting high. Today people want their weed and eat it too – they want the combined effects of both cannabinoids.

Both cannabinoids have their health benefits, but when taken all together, it works best, and you can get more sophisticated results.

For example, CBD counteracts some of the paranoia and anxiety that THC can cause. THC has better sedative and muscle relaxant properties. So, by combining them, you’d get all the muscle-relaxing properties with better cognitive alertness.  

Us lay people aren’t the only ones using the benefits of CBD and THC together. A biopharmaceutical company created Sativex, a multiple sclerosis drug that has both cannabinoids in a 1:1 ratio.

In a study on patients suffering from glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, the combination of THC and CBD helped suppress cancer cell growth – much better than either cannabis compound on its own.

You don’t need a lot of THC for it to improve the efficacy of your CBD. 

There is still a lot of research being done, but the benefits of CBD and THC together are very promising.

Do you need to take CBD and THC together?

No. It’s not a must to combine them, but it’s suggested for added benefits. 

How do you Combine CBD and THC for Added Benefits?

Everyone is different, so finding the right combo will take some trial and error.

The objective is to take a measurable dose of CBD and then add as much THC as feels good for you. A 1:1 ratio is perfect for some people, but for others, a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio is better.

The best idea is to start the THC slowly and work your way up to your comfort level.

Common Ratios to Get the Benefits of CBD and THC together

CBD:THC – 1:1

This is a perfect balance, but you will def get the high effects from the THC. Less so than just pure THC because the CBD reduces the psychoactive effect. Choosing a half CBD half THC blend isn’t for a newbie who is apprehensive about getting high. Start slow. Less is more.

CBD:THC – 2:1

With twice the CBD, you’ll feel more lucid. Of course, you might still feel a bit high, but you won’t be intoxicated or couch-bound for the day. 

CBD:THC – 8:1

This is a good ratio for daytime use because you won’t feel high unless you are very sensitive to the THC. And if that is the case, it will be barely perceptible. So, it won’t interrupt your daily productivity.

CBD:THC – 20:1

With barely any THC and a large amount of CBD, this may be an excellent place to start. Especially if you’ve never used cannabis. There will be no high from the THC, but there is enough to encourage the entourage effect.

CBD:THC – 1:0

If you are subject to drug tests, this is the ratio for you because CBD doesn’t show on the tests. Unfortunately, there will be no entourage effect. 

When you go into a dispensary, ask your budtender which cannabis products have the balance you are looking for. They will help you pick products that have the CBD:THC balance you desire.  

You can also seek the help of a cannabis physician.  Risa interviewed Dr. June Chin when she took her mother who had Parkinson’s to see her.

Delivery Methods to Get all the Benefits of CBD and THC Together

• Capsules – takes a few hours to absorb and last 6-12 hours.
• Gummies and food products – while delicious, they can also take a few hours to absorb. You can take CBD oil and gummies together as long as your gummies have the right amount of THC.
• Inhalation – immediate onset and lasts 2-3 hours. Obviously, the most natural way is to roll a joint and smoke it – old school. You can add a few drops of CBD oil to your weed. 
• Vape – some studies have shown that vaping can be carcinogenic, depending on what you are vaping. So, the best way to vape is to use oil or the whole flower in its natural state, not cartridges. 
• Tinctures – CBD with THC tinctures are made by soaking the cannabis flower in alcohol. They are quick to absorb and can last 6-8 hours.
• Oils – THC and CBD oils are made by infusing the cannabis plant in a carrier oil. If you are looking for a combo, you can find a full spectrum CBD oil with THC. Full spectrum means it has all the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant and is less processed than distillates or isolates. 
• Topicals – creams and salves are good for sore muscles. 
• Sublingual drops – these get absorbed quicker than ingesting it and last about 6-8 hours.

The Final Toke

Rest assured, you don’t need to get high AF to reap the benefits of CBD and THC together. To get the full effects of the entourage effect, all you need is a little THC.  

Do note that CBD oil with THC is legal but not in all states.

How has CBD benefited you? How about THC? Tell us in the comments below.