Select Spectrum is our line of curated CBD and THC blends. By themselves, these hemp-derived compounds have distinct effects. THC is known for inducing euphoria and deep relaxation, while CBD is milder and non-psychoactive. However, when these cannabinoids are consumed together, they synergize to yield a desirable phenomenon known as the "Entourage Effect."
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a compound found in cannabis (hemp and marijuana) that consists of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. There are various forms of THC with nuances in effects based on the location of the double bond on their molecule. For instance, Delta-9 THC has a bond on its ninth carbon chain, and Delta-8 THC on its eighth carbon chain.
THC offers psychoactive effects because it resembles a compound our bodies make called "anandamide." Anadaminide is a chemical messenger used in our endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various functions such as emotional processes, memory, sleep, appetite, pain management, and much more. This chemical messenger binds to the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Due to THC's resemblance to anandamide, it can bind to the same receptors, offering relaxation, contentment, increased aesthetic appreciation, laughter, and other effects commonly associated with cannabis.
CBD is short for cannabidiol. Like THC, it consists of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. However, CBD is an isomer of THC, meaning it comprises the same building blocks but in a different structure.
Regarding its mechanisms and effects, CBD has a minimal binding affinity to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. However, CBD can enhance or inhibit the activation of other receptors in the human body. For instance, according to research published in 2020, CBD can improve the activity of serotonin (one of the brain's "happy chemicals") 1A receptors. However, CBD's interaction with the body changes when you add THC.
Depending on the ratio of THC to CBD (1:1 or 2:1), the effects of THC can be tempered (as with our Balance Gummies) or intensified (as with our Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares) by CBD. So whether you seek a balanced mind and body experience or something to heighten your senses, our formulations are sure to offer the optimized blend for it.
What Are the Effects of Select Spectrum Products?
Cannabis products containing THC will affect everyone a bit differently, but generally, you can expect effects such as:
- Relaxation
- Restfulness
- Laughter
- Lightened Mood
However, there is some research available that can give us insight into how varying ratios of THC to CBD tend to yield different effects. Although exciting, keep in mind that due to decades of prohibitionist attitudes and legislation, research on the effects of THC is still in its infancy.
1:1 Ratios
A 1:1 ratio means that the blend is equal parts THC and CBD. According to a
review published by
Neuropsychopharmacology in 2018, a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD may allow someone to consume higher serving sizes of THC without an increased risk of feeling overwhelmed.
2:1 Ratios
A 2:1 ratio is essentially twice the amount of THC to CBD. In one
study in 2019, subjects consumed either 8mg of THC by itself or 8mg of THC combined with 4mg of CBD. The findings showed that the psychoactive effects of the THC were more pronounced when subjects consumed the 2:1 ratio as opposed to just THC.
Interestingly enough, when subjects consumed a 1:20 ratio (8mg THC and 400mg CBD), the psychoactive effects of the THC were less pronounced.
Often, it was a commonly held belief among cannabis enthusiasts that CBD can help quell the effects of THC if the experience is too intense. But, recent findings show that it's the ratio of THC to CBD that matters more, rather than just the two cannabinoids combined.
Legality of Select Spectrum Products
People living in states such as California or Colorado might not bat an eye when they see a product labeled with "THC." However, if you're in a more prohibitive state like Texas or Georgia, you may wonder how any adult 21+ can purchase such products.
The answer pretty much lies with the 2018 Farm Bill and the state laws that followed. Essentially, in 2018, the federal government defined and legalized hemp as, basically, cannabis with a 0.3% or lower concentration of Delta-9 THC. This law also allowed for the production, sale, and purchase of containing hemp-derived cannabinoids.
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