The sheer volume of different types of cannabis products can be overwhelming, especially for someone who is relatively new to cannabis, so we’re providing a guiding hand of the considerations when choosing the right cannabis product for you.
What is the Right CBD Product for Me?
Choosing the best CBD product for takes several factors. Consider the following when deciding the best CBD product for you:
- What are you treating for? (do you need targeted or whole body relief?)
- Preferred delivery method (onset time and duration)
- The potency you want
- Ratio you need
- Psychoactivity involved
How Does CBD & THC Affect the Body?
Bioavailability refers to the absorption of cannabinoids in the body. This absorption varies by body site and delivery method (i.e., topical, sublingual, ingestion, inhaling). Inhaling 10 mg of CBD through a vape is not equal to ingesting 10 mg of CBD in a tincture. While smoking is an effective delivery method for many, the heat can burn cannabinoids and other phytonutrients, reducing their availability. Some cannabinoids are also lost to side stream smoke. Any smoke in the air obviously doesn’t make it to the cannabinoid receptors. Tinctures administered under the tongue (sublingually) ensure that every milligram of cannabinoid will be absorbed; nothing is lost to heat or smoke. This distinction between smoked and eaten products can seem minor at first glance, but psychoactive cannabinoids like THC can vary quite dramatically under these circumstances. Orally administered THC reaches the stomach and then the liver. The liver turns THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which reaches the brain more easily. So edible products take longer to have any impact, last longer, and create higher peak experiences than smoked or vaporized ones. Topicals, which include anything placed on the skin like balms and body oils, can create a big impact or a small one depending upon how they are made. Those that focus on natural lipids like the ones found in coconut oil can pass through the skin easily and have a dramatic impact right on the site of contact without ever reaching the brain directly.
Cannabis Entourage Effect
Different ailments and conditions need different cannabinoids for maximum efficacy. CBD is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory agents found in nature and THC is one of the strongest natural analgesics (painkillers). Combined, these compounds interact to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects; the “entourage effect” refers to this concept that cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes work together to maximize benefits in the body. Different ratios of cannabinoids have the potential to interact with different terpenes to create novel effects on body and mind.
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What is the Right CBD to THC Ratio?
Each person’s body and endocannabinoid system are unique, with different needs and receptors. We believe cannabis should not be one size fits all. We also believe – thanks to research – that optimal therapeutic efficacy requires a ratio of both CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, and THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Papa & Barkley offers a suite of products in different ratios, allowing you to select the best ratio for you and your therapeutic needs.
You can find the ratio of THC to CBD on the product label. The larger the amount of THC to CBD, the more THC-rich the product is and vice versa.
A 3:1 THC to CBD ratio is a good starting point for most people seeking pain relief. A ratio of 1:1 is a balanced holistic approach and 1:3 is often ideal for chronic inflammation and other conditions.
Will CBD Get Me High?
Will these products get me “high,” or do they cause psychoactivity? Psychoactivity is an important consideration when selecting a product. While psychoactivity is therapeutic and, for example, an important factor for those seeking restful sleep, we recognize psychoactivity can be inhibiting during the work day.
In much the same way that drinking a bottle of NyQuil might make you feel “high,” consuming too much cannabis can cause major dysphoria. When taken responsibly, you can avoid unintended psychoactivity.
Helpful Tips for Dosing With CBD:
- Use a topical for localized effect and to avoid psychoactivity
- If ingesting or smoking, start with a small dose and increase the dosage by 5 mg increments. Note the onset time and if you are getting the desired effect.
- Use CBD to counteract any unintended psychoactivity.
- Look for products with THCa or lower ratios of THC to minimize psychoactivity.
CBD Balms, Body Oils & Soaks
No psychoactivity. Topicals provide localized relief where applied on the skin; they do not penetrate all layers of the skin to enter the bloodstream, so cannot have a psychoactive effect.[/vc_column_text]
CBD Patches
A THC-rich transdermal patch penetrates all layers of the skin to enter the bloodstream, which can cause a psychoactive effect, but also enables the product to provide full body relief. Patches release slowly, so they can deliver the full cannabinoid content over the course of 12 hours.
CBD & THC Tinctures
Potential psychoactive effect with a THC-rich ratio; tinctures and capsules enter the bloodstream when they are metabolized. THCa tincture should not cause psychoactivity. Tinctures/capsules provide full body relief.