While we all know that THC is the most predominant cannabinoid in the products you find at the dispensary, let’s not forget about CBD. Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is the non-intoxicating element found in cannabis products but works in tandem with THC to provide you with some amazing results.

Let’s dive more deeply into how.

Think of your body as an intricate system of traffic lights, sending signals throughout for how your everyday functions should operate. This is a simplified way of describing your body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Every mammal has an ECS which is essentially a network of neurotransmitters and receptors sending messages to all parts of your body. These receptors help maximize a person’s stress management, sleep behavior, appetite, and the list goes on.

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD work in tandem to help your body maintain a healthy endocannabinoid system. Right now, these molecules are being produced by your own body, in which case we call them endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids derived from plant material, like the ones found in the products at the Billo dispensary, are referred to as phytocannabinoids. Both work to interact with your ECS receptors to send various signals to your brain, such as…

“No need to stress out. We’re not in danger here.”
“It’s starting to get late. I think it’s time we go to sleep.”
“I’m feeling a bit hungry. Perhaps I need a snack”

Together we are stronger.

Knowing how different cannabinoids work within your ECS is important because each affects your mood and well-being in different ways.

For example, if you’re feeling a bit overworked after a tough session at the gym, THC can help stimulate your body’s CB1 receptors which can lead to muscle relaxation. Meanwhile, CBD plays a bigger role in influencing our CB2 receptors which are known to modulate your body’s inflammatory response. So, by supplementing your body with both cannabinoids at once, you’re more effectively helping your body calm and heal at the same time.

CBD has also been proven to help modulate the effects of THC in your system. Both CBD and THC bind to different areas of the CB1 receptor which can change how your ECS sends and receives signals. If you’re overly effected by how THC hits your system, CBD’s power to regulate these responses can be extremely beneficial. Many people find that CBD can help mute THC’s negative qualities like anxiety or paranoia. Reports of a more balanced, relaxing high are common among those who imbibe in a mixture of both THC and CBD at once.

When people consume the full spectrum of phytocannabinoids, they experience what most refer to as the entourage effect. All the while, THC and CBD aren’t the only factors at play here either. Getting the most complete experience from cannabis also involves a host of other minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Just think, when your budtender talks to you about the plant’s smell, taste, and intended effects, this is mostly coming by way of terpenes and flavonoids.

And CBG makes three.

Related to both THC and CBD, there’s another cannabinoid taking over some limelight at present and that’s cannabigerol, or CBG for short. While researchers are still learning about CBG, early findings suggest it can help elevate your body’s GABA levels, lending to deeper stress relief.

Consumed in tandem with THC and CBD, CBG has shown an ability to further reduce feelings of anxiety and generally acts as a mood booster. In fact, one of the nation’s leading edibles company (Wana Brands) has recently come out with a 1:1:1 ratio gummy containing 10mg each of THC, CBD, and CBG. The folks we’ve talked to about this product tout its effectiveness at producing an enjoyable, non-sedating high that’s good for social occasions and fostering creativity.

How do you determine your ideal ratio?

While it’s a choice that may require a little experimentation to get right, a general rule is that products with higher THC levels often produce more intense psychoactive effects. Whereas products with a higher ratio of CBD or CBG tend of enact the more therapeutic benefits of the plant with less intoxication. However, all these general descriptions can vary depending on person’s biological makeup, tolerance, and previous experience with cannabis. So we always encourage our customers to consider their reason for consuming cannabis and their desired outcome.

More than ever before, our understanding of the ECS and the various cannabinoids that play a role in our body’s functions is greatly expanding. This allows us to make better recommendations to those who walk through the dispensary door. Just like the Billo motto states, we want people to “Consume how you like and feel how you want.”