Low-THC Marijuana Relieves Pain Without The High We have been hearing a lot about high THC strains - those testing around 30-35% THC - but what about the low-THC marijuana strains? Typically, these strains are balanced by a higher CBD content, which has an entirely different effect on the body. This results in unique and powerful pain-relief, as well as other health benefits, but due to the CBD content, there is no psychedelic response
Why Choose Low-THC Marijuana? While “getting high� is certainly a lovely effect from using marijuana (after all - do you know any other medication that people use just for the side-effects?), it is not the only way to benefit. LowTHC, high-CBD strains are a great alternative to relieving pain. Now, you might be wondering why someone would want to avoid the high when taking marijuana. Here are a few reasons: 1) Highly anxious individuals are prone to increased anxiety and paranoia when smoking marijuana that is high in THC. 2) THC is great for evenings and weekends, but it is not an ideal for individuals who work regular hours and need regular relief. 3) Users with low tolerance may be opposed to using THC as it can often result in feeling overwhelmed or easily puts the user to sleep.
How Does Low-THC Marijuana Work?
So how does low-THC marijuana relieve pain without the high? Similarly to THC, CBD is another powerful cannabinoid contained within the cannabis plant. The unique difference, is that CBD does not produce a “high” like you get with THC. CBD, just like THC, can interact with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors found within the human endocannabinoid system. These two main receptors, CB1 and CB2 play a variety of roles throughout the body - this is what allows marijuana to have such a diverse effect. For instance, CB1 receptors are located in the brain and are involved in essential functions including mood, memory, sleep, pain sensation and appetite. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are located within the immune system and relate to the powerful anti-inflammatory effects exhibited by cannabis. The way THC and CBD influence the body is where the difference of psychoactive effects come in. THC mimics the body’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, thereby communicating directly with them. This is what results in the psychoactive effects. CBD is unique in the sense that it communicates indirectly; instead of mimicking the body’s natural endocannabinoids, it improves them by indirectly stimulating the release of additional endocannabinoids and reducing breakdown of the existing cells.
The CBD Experience
As low-THC, high-CBD strains have no psychoactivity, there are no mind-altering effects that occur from use. Instead, these particular strains have a similar feel to relaxing herbs - think chamomile tea or lavender aromatherapy. CBD is essentially a more potent version of these, producing relaxing effects reducing stress and anxiety. The result is a clear-head and focused, calm mind. Additional effects of these lowTHC, high-CBD strains include: ● Pain relief ● Gentle upbeat mood ● Mental and physical relaxation ● Slightly sedative Much like other strains of marijuana, the more potent CBD strains can be smoked in a joint or bowl, vaped or consumed through edibles, dabs, etc.
Benefits of CBD
The location of these cannabinoid receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system is what allows the marijuana plant to have such profound effects on the body. The influence of CBD on CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the brain and immune system, allows it to result in a variety of benefits including: ● Management of anxiety and depression by influencing mood and promoting a relaxed and positive mindset. ● Suppression of seizure activity by calming neural activity or “excitedness”. ● Prevention of neurodegenerative disorders by protecting neurons in the brain. ● Reduction of nausea and vomiting by relaxing the body. ● Reduction of inflammation throughout the body, leading to lessened pain. ● Fighting tumor and cancer cells.
The variety of benefits from CBD, and the lack of high, makes it ideal for medical purposes. These particular low-THC/high-CBD strains are perfect for treating and/or managing inflammation, stress, depression, anxiety, cancer and cancer treatments, epilepsy, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, migraines and arthritis1. With the growing trend in the medical community towards low-THC strains with a heightened CBD content, many breeders are working on creating strains that feature this ratio in order to minimize the psychoactive side effects and maximize the benefits. In terms of side-effects for high CBD marijuana, a 2011 study proved that large doses resulted in zero effects on digestion, hunger, motor activity, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and even embryonic development2.
Low-THC Strains
Low-THC, high-CBD strains are not as commonly found due to the obsession with high-THC cannabis, but they do exist and are gaining in popularity. Some such strains to keep an eye out for include: 1. Blue Dream made every list of low-tolerance strains. Blue Dream is a moderate THC strain (17-24%) with a CBD content of 2%. As a slightly Sativa-dominant hybrid, Blue
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Dream results in an uplifting and focused cerebral mood with mellow and relaxing body effects. Harlequin has CBD content between 4 and 10% resulting in a relaxing, yet alert, calm. This strain has a notable 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC making it a powerful pain reliever. The low-THC content is also perfect for keeping the user focused. Cannatonic has tested as high as 17% CBD! This strain won't result in any euphoric highs, but it does leave the user feeling uplifted and relaxed. AC/DC has just 1-2% THC and up to 20% CBD, making it a powerful agent. AC/DC is extremely mellow and provides a subtle lift in mood, perfect for individuals suffering from anxiety. Harle-Tsu is an Indica-dominant strain with up to 22% CBD and less than 1% THC content. This strain is very mellow, resulting in powerful pain relief instead of a high.
You can find these strains in local or online cannabis dispensary shops. Fair Canna Care is one such online dispensary that makes it easy to buy cannabis online. They have a range of bud, edibles, distillates and shatter and are in the process of adding more low-THC options to their shop. Sources: https://www.hlbenefits.com/cbd-vs-thc/ https://herb.co/marijuana/news/high-cbd-low-thc-strain https://mic.com/articles/168503/high-cbd-low-thc-strains-the-best-marijuana-for-anxiety-pain-relaxation-orsleep#.lQY2wfHiM https://www.allbud.com/learn/story/top-10-strains-low-tolerance-consumers