How to get the maximum therapeutic benefit from cannabis
Written by Guest Author, Buddha Seeds Bank
The fact that cannabis has a strong medical and therapeutic potential is not new. Indeed, the question we should ask is not about if medical cannabis works? The key question is how to get the maximum therapeutic benefit from cannabis and what combination of cannabinoids is the most efficient?
Cannabinoids are the main active compounds of cannabis. There are more than 90 cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN). [1]
Unlike THC, CBD is a non-intoxicating molecule able to modulate psychotropic effects of THC [2] and it has a strong therapeutic potential. The genetics and the environment of each plant determines the way these cannabinoids are produced.
A variety is considered CBD-rich if it has at least 4% of this cannabinoid. Different scientific studies show therapeutic properties of CBD to treat illness like epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis), anxiety, autism, Crohn’s disease, chemotherapy complement, among others. [3-6] Preclinical investigations and some clinical studies have proven CBD has strong antioxidant qualities, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, nonpsychotic, anti-tumor and is neuroprotective. [7-10]
Nevertheless, the benefits of medical cannabis not only lie in CBD. THC has strong effects to alleviate the symptoms of illnesses or disorders like multiple sclerosis, asthma, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, cancer (anti-emetic), among others. [11-14]
CBD or THC? Better together
But then, at a medicinal level, what is the best, CBD or THC? Both together make the perfect couple of cannabis therapy. In fact, they work better together. CBD and THC interact to make more powerful therapeutic characteristics of each one. [15] CBD improves analgesic, anti-emetic, and anti-carcinogenic qualities of THC, and decreases psychoactivity of THC and relieves the adverse effect of THC, like anxiety and tachycardia. [16-18]
But, how can we know if THC or CBD predominates in one variety? This information is provided through the ratio of each component, as a result of chromatography study. For example, there are some varieties with ratios of THC:CBD of 1:2 or 1:0. This information will appear in the data sheet of each variety.
Nevertheless, we don’t have to misunderstand the ratio with the percentage of CBD and THC, because it belongs to the quantity of each cannabinoid existing in the plant.
Let’s explore which are the most common ratios of THC and CBD in a cannabis plant.
THC:CBD and their psychoactive and therapeutic effects
Ratio 1:0
This ratio means that there is only THC and, therefore, may produce stimulating, uncontrollable laughter, euphoria and strong psychotropic effects.
Ratio 2:1
In this case, we find double quantity of THC in comparison with CBD. The effect we obtain with this ratio is strong and at the same time sedative.
Ratio 1:1
THC and CBD are in perfect balance which leads to calm relief with psychedelic soft effects. That means a pleasant euphoria, lucid and clean effect which allows more concentration.
Many popular CBD-rich varieties contain this ratio. The percentage would reach approximately 10% of THC and CBD (it can vary between 6-12%). The GW Pharmaceuticals product Sativex® has this ratio. This medicine can be used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis to relieve the muscular stiffness.
Ratio 1:2
This time, CBD is double the THC content, and modulates psychotropic effects of THC and its side effects. [2]
Ratio 0:1
Exclusively CBD, this is without intoxicating effects.
Thanks to this information, plus the percentage of each component, we can approach the effects of the variety. From all of this, we can make 3 groups:
- Varieties in which CBD predominates
- Balance between THC and CBD
- Varieties in which THC predominates
Which ratio is better?
There is not only one variety that is the right for everyone. Cannabis therapy is a personalized medicine. To optimise therapeutic potential of cannabis, we have to find the appropriate combinations of CBD and THC that work best for each one. The sensitivity of each person to THC is a key factor to determine the appropriate ratio and the quantity of CBD.
A matter of balance
Plants that contain THC and CBD balance (ratio 1:1) have therapeutic benefits from both components. Nowadays we can find these types of varieties in many seeds banks. Buddha Seeds bank has managed to stabilize THC and CBD ratios 1:1 with more than 20% of total cannabinoids in some plants. The result is Morpheus, their newest product.
The experience with Morpheus is pleasant and introspective and reminds us to the myth of Morpheus, like to be in the arms of Morpheus, the God of dreams. Morpheus invites you to immerse yourself in a psychic trip without losing lucidity. Its psychoactive effect is moderate without renouncing rich flavors and intense aromas. Morpheus obeys the purpose of Buddha Seeds to advance in the research and genetics of varieties rich in CBD, as it did in its previous new variety Medikit.
References
[1] Andre, C. et al. “Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules”, Frontiers in Plant Science, 2016, Volume 7: 19. [journal impact factor = 4.298; cited by 124]
[2] Zuardi, A. et al. “Action of cannabidiol on the anxiety and other effects produced by delta 9-THC in normal subjects”, Psychopharmacology (Berl)., 1982, Volume 76(3):245-50. [journal impact factor = 3.875; cited by 337]
[3] Hausman-Kedem M. et al. “Efficacy of CBD-enriched medical cannabis for treatment of refractory epilepsy in children and adolescents – An observational, longitudinal study”, Brain Dev., 2018, Volume 40(7): 544-551. [journal impact factor = 1.756; cited by 7]
[4] Schleider, L. et al. “Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy”, Scientific Reports, 2019, Volume 9, Article # 200. [journal impact factor = 4.122; cited by 2]
[5] Iuvone, T. et al. “Cannabidiol: A Promising Drug for Neurodegenerative Disorders?”, CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics, 2009, Volume 15(1): 65-75. [journal impact factor = 4.019; cited by 65]
[6] Esposito, G. et al. “Cannabidiol in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Brief Overview”, Phytotherapy Research, 2012, Volume 27(5): 633-636. [journal impact factor = 3.092; cited by 47]
[7] Burnstein, S. “Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation”, Bioorg Med Chem. 2015, Volume 23(7):1377-85. [journal impact factor = 2.793; cited by 87]
[8] Harris, H. et al. “Effects of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Cisplatin-Induced Neuropathy in Mice”, Planta Med., 2016, Volume 82(13): 1169-1172. [journal impact factor = 2.342; cited by 14]
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[10] Sales, A. et al. “Cannabidiol Induces Rapid and Sustained Antidepressant-Like Effects Through Increased BDNF Signaling and Synaptogenesis in the Prefrontal Cortex”, Molecular Neurobiology, 2019, Volume 56(2): 1070–1081. [journal impact factor = 5.076; cited by 11]
[11] Kamal, B. et al. “Cannabis and the Anxiety of Fragmentation—A Systems Approach for Finding an Anxiolytic Cannabis Chemotype”, Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2018, Volume 12: Article 730. [journal impact factor = 3.566; cited by 0]
[12] Johnson, J. et al. “Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC:CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related Pain”, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 2010, Volume 39(2): 167-179. [journal impact factor = 3.249; cited by 195]
[13] Ungerleider, J. et al. “Delta-9-THC in the Treatment of Spasticity Associated with Multiple Sclerosis”, Advances in Alcohol & Substance Abuse, 1988, Volume 7(1): 39-50. [journal impact factor = 1.762; cited by 126]
[14] Sexton, M. et al. “A Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Cannabis Users: Patterns of Use and Perceived Efficacy”, Cannabinoids and Cannabis Research, 2016, Volume 1.1: Pages 131-138. [journal impact factor = N/A; cited by 38]
[15] Boggs, D. et al. “Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol”, Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018, Volume 43(1): 142–154. [journal impact factor = 7.160; cited by 22]
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