In the post a few months ago, we explored the effect of entourage and all its protagonists and how they, through their synergy, give therapeutic versatility to this magical plant. But one question remains in mind for many medical cannabis patients: “What is the optimal cannabinoid ratio for my needs?
The answer, like many questions in the world of medicine, is still being researched. Since tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most important chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, most research so far has focused on the relationship between these two cannabinoids.

While the ability to control cannabinoid ratios within your own medicine remains limited, the information provided here will hopefully give you an idea of ​​the future of cannabis-based therapy. Research on the benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in isolation is well established. THC demonstrates analgesic, anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory properties, while CBD possesses antipsychotic, anti-seizure and anti-anxiety properties. "Subjects reported more pleasant effects and less anxiety with the combination of CBD and THC than they felt with THC alone."
However, research on the simultaneous use of THC: CBD is less robust - its origins can be traced back to Brazil in the mid-1970s. During this study, 15-60 mg of CBD was administered in combination with 30 mg of THC and the effects were measured.

Subjects reported more pleasant effects and less anxiety with the combination of CBD and THC than they did with THC alone. Additionally, a group of scientists examined the effects of administering CBD at a dose six times that of THC. They found that 73% of the study participants reported a decrease in the sensation of "high" compared to THC alone. Long-term studies have shown that the combination of the two cannabinoids reduces users' experience of tachycardia (increased heart rate), gait instability and difficulty in exercises
of eye localization. These results support the theory that CBD works to minimize some of the negative side effects of THC. The latest research on THC: CBD ratios come from the pharmaceutical industry, particularly around GW Pharmaceuticals' Sativex, which has a 1: 1 ratio of THC to CBD. In the clinical trial phase of drug development, researchers looked at the effects of THC, CBD and combined extracts on sleep, pain control and muscle spasms. They found that THC-CBD 1: 1 extracts provided the most therapeutic relief across all categories. Combinations of THC and CBD also show therapeutic promise in a number of disease states for which limited therapeutic progress has been made to date. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), THC has been shown to delay motor deterioration and increase long-term survival.

Recent studies have built on this study to show that adding CBD in combination with THC leads to a 14% increase in motor performance and an increase in survival beyond survival rates with THC alone. In cancer, cannabis has long been credited with helping people fight the nausea associated with chemotherapy. Additionally, THC and CBD each possess cytotoxic (cell-destroying) and anti-angiogenic (preventing the development of new blood vessels) properties. These two properties are essential for fighting the spread of cancer within the body, making whole plant cannabis a viable medical option. Practical implications for medical marijuana patients At present, there is still an overwhelming trend in favor of one cannabinoid over another.

Due to its illegality, the vast majority of cannabis is grown indoors. Additionally, historical patient demand has prompted growers to favor strains with higher THC. So typical products in your local dispensary will have THC: CBD ratios of up to 20: 1 for flowers and 80: 1 for concentrates. However, given the emergence of CBD in the public consciousness, more and more people are considering cannabinoid ratios.

While the cannabinoid ratios in most cannabis can be about the same, it is the terpene content that typically creates the different qualities that we have been analyzing as the difference between Indica and Sativa for some time. It is very likely that terpenes may very well alter the properties of cannabinoids. Standardized tests are essential for the advancement of our understanding of this problem. Overall, we are still in the infancy of our understanding of the therapeutic potential of cannabis. But it's important to move forward to include whole cannabis medicine in our policy and not hold some cannabinoids in a higher estimate than others. Doing otherwise could leave many sufferers without viable medical solutions. Follow us, for our weekly updates. Source: Dr. Malik Burnett