Written by Renata Filiaci, MSHW

As we all have seen, there is an abundant number of cannabinoids that exist naturally within the cannabis plant; more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified. I’ve talked about a few popular ones like CBD and THC delta 9 and ones that are becoming more mainstream like CBN, CBG, and THC delta 8, but what do we know about pairing cannabinoids together? All of the cannabinoids bind and absorb differently within the endocannabinoid system, making some cannabinoids better suited as a couple working simultaneously. As popularity grows, research is being done to further understand the therapeutic benefits of different combination formulations and doses.

Many of us have heard of some of the transmitter systems within our bodies, such as the sympathetic nervous system, which gives us our fight-or-flight response. Fewer have heard of the more recently discovered endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is amazing when you consider that the ECS is critical for almost every aspect of our moment-to-moment functioning. The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating.

The ECS comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout our brains and bodies. The “cannabinoid” receptors in the brain — the CB1 receptors — outnumber many of the other receptor types on the brain. They act like traffic cops to control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters. This is how they regulate things: by immediate feedback, turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether that is hunger, temperature, or alertness.

A second type of cannabinoid receptor, the CB2 receptor, exists mostly in our immune tissues and is critical to helping control our immune functioning, and it plays a role in modulating intestinal inflammation, contraction, and pain in inflammatory bowel conditions. CB2 receptors are particularly exciting targets of drug development because they don’t cause the high associated with cannabis that stimulating the CB1 receptors does (which is often an unwanted side effect).

Cannabidiol, CBD, is a non-psychoactive abundant cannabinoid that binds to the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC Delta 9, identified as the primary active component of cannabis, acts at the CB1 receptor to produce a wide-range of biological responses. Since CBD and THC delta 9 bind to different receptors, they present diverse therapeutic effects; pairing them together can give ample health results. Changing the ratio of CBD to THC allows for a tailor-made product that utilizes the unique effects of both CBD and THC, for a full body, clinical effect.

Is the 1:1 THC:CBD ratio the best for consuming cannabis? Anecdotal evidence indicates that this equally distributed ratio is optimal for experiencing the benefits of cannabis. The 1:1 THC:CBD ratio means that your cannabis product contains (ideally) an equal amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). For instance, if you have 10mg of THC, you will have 10mg of CBD in the same product; the 1:1 ratio may be useful for those looking to relieve chronic pain, including neuropathic (nerve) pain, use  for stress relief, insomnia treatment, reduction in the number of spasms, reduction in seizures, and as an anti-inflammatory. If you have a low tolerance to THC delta 9, this could be a good way of incorporating delta 9 as these types of products may help provide relief for certain conditions without any intoxication of the patient.

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of the over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. While research on CBG is still in its early stages, the good news is that everything scientists are finding out about the cannabinoid is promising. In fact, there is evidence to support the fact that CBG has antibacterial, antidepressant, and anticancer properties. What’s exciting is that CBG can provide many of the same benefits as THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, but without causing users to feel that familiar “high” sensation. When CBG is taken into the body, it interacts with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors — in particular, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Interestingly, CBG may also stimulate the receptors for pain, inflammation, and heat sensitivity.

While there are many great similarities between CBD and CBG, they also have some notable differences. Some of the main differences between the two cannabinoids are that CBD and CBG have varying molecular structures. What this translates to is that because the molecular structures are different, CBD and CBG will be able to bind with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors in unique ways. This allows them to have different effects within the body. Also, CBD and CBG activate receptors in different ways. For example, CBD has anti-nausea effects and binds to receptors as an activator, while CBG acts as a blocker or antagonist. Interestingly, when the two cannabinoids bind to the same place, they have opposing effects on each other, thus balancing one another out.

When CBD and CBG are taken together, they balance each other out. CBG works directly on the receptors while CBD stimulates the enzyme that produces the body’s natural endocannabinoids. To date, scientists found that CBD works better on physical issues in the body, while CBG is better suited against psychological issues. For example, even though CBG and CBD both have a positive impact on pain and sadness, CBD works best against pain while CBG acts better against sadness.

Cannabinol, or CBN, is another cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Though it has a similar effect to CBD, its origin is different, as it is the product of oxidization. When THC is exposed to heat and light, it breaks down, leaving behind CBN. CBN is a result of processes within the plant. There is no way to produce a high-CBN strain of cannabis, and the amount depends on different factors, such as the levels of THC in the flowers and its exposure to elements such as light, heat, and time. However, the two compounds, CBD, and CBN, share some similarities. They have some similar uses, as they both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but they present different effects. CBN borrows some of its properties from THC. For example, THC acts on the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors, which is what creates the high associated with cannabis. CBN also binds to the CB1 receptor, but at a much lower strength than THC. This technically makes it a psychoactive compound, and some sensitive people may notice some effects if they take CBN.

The two compounds could also have some use together in combination, though there is only early evidence to suggest this. Considering these cannabinoids bind to either the CB1 or CB2, using them together has shown promising effects. Research says, CBD and CBN in combination with one another, can help reduce anxiety and present a sedative effect. A study found that CBD and CBN had an analgesic effect in animals, reducing myofascial pain similar to chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia. Additionally, combining CBD and CBN increased this effect. The authors note that while the effect was not as strong as other cannabinoids, such as THC, the combination had the benefit of being non-intoxicating.

In summary, all cannabinoids have their place within our system. Whether you prefer a higher THC or CBD content, the cannabinoids work well in combination with one another to present individual and a mixture of effects. While more research can help identify the effects or strengthen the research behind cannabinoids, many people use the compounds anecdotally for a number of issues.