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When Is it Best to Use Medical Cannabis with a High THC to CBD?

THC has made a name for itself as the most important cannabinoid in marijuana. It is regularly relied upon for the treatment of a wide range of symptoms and conditions. But knowing just how much THC to take can be difficult. How do you know when high-THC cannabis products should be used? 

What Are The Effects of THC?

THC is responsible for producing the ‘high’ commonly associated with cannabis. By binding with CB1 receptors in the brain, THC is able to induce powerful and uplifting sensations of physical and cerebral euphoria. It is believed that THC exerts many of these effects by imitating the naturally-occurring brain chemical anandamide, a neurotransmitter sometimes referred to as the ‘bliss molecule’.

THC is also known to be an analgesic. It is capable of relieving both short-term and chronic pain. A study from 2009 determined that cannabinoids were a “useful adjunct” to current analgesic drugs and that “evidence points to significant multi-symptom relief”. 

The exact effects of THC can differ from person to person which makes determining dosage quite tricky. For instance, while some people may experience feelings of calm and relaxation after ingesting THC, many others tend to feel stimulated and energized. This difference can be attributed to a variety of contributing factors ranging from individual biochemistry to the exact strain of cannabis that the THC was extracted from. 

What Is THC Used To Treat?

THC is commonly used to treat conditions such as pain, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, nausea, and anxiety. In medical marijuana states, it is also sometimes prescribed for conditions such as glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep apnea, loss of appetite, and for symptoms arising from cancer treatment.

Why High-THC Cannabis Products?

High THC products give you an extra dose of tetrahydrocannabinol. High-THC products are essential to ensuring that you get the relief you need as quickly as possible. For instance, high-THC indica-derived cannabis products are commonly relied upon for immediate relief by those suffering from insomnia or loss of appetite. 

High-THC strains and products are also great for microdosing. Microdosing is the practice of only consuming very small amounts of cannabis in order to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids like THC without experiencing too much of the ‘high’. Moreover, microdosing allows patients to enjoy the relief of cannabis without having to inhale too much smoke or vapour. Microdosing high-THC strains makes the process even more efficient by further reducing the amount of smoke or vapor that must be inhaled.

Moreover, anecdotal and clinical data shows that people tend to build a tolerance to marijuana, and specifically to cannabinoids like THC, rather quickly. In order to reset their tolerance, patients would have to take a break from consuming cannabis. Cannabis products with elevated THC concentrations are crucial for medical cannabis patients who have built up this tolerance and who require more potent products to get the relief they need. 

It is also important to acknowledge when high-THC medical cannabis may not be a good choice for a certain patient. THC has been known to produce certain side effects such as anxiety, panic, and restlessness. These side effects are more common in people who are already predisposed to them (who may have active or underlying anxiety disorders). 

This is an especially important consideration for new or first-time medical cannabis patients. Most patients just beginning their journey into medical marijuana should start low and go slow by trying low-THC products first. Doing so can protect them from experiencing any of these unpleasant side effects.