University of New Mexico Releases Important THC vs CBD Study Results
Image credit: University of New Mexico
In what always felt like a contrived effort for acceptance, the CBD wing of the cannabis industry became ‘the story’ in 2018, while the THC wing held serve. Perhaps because CBD is considered non-psychoactive it is more palatable for mainstream America to digest than THC? CBD has been pushed as a ‘cure-all’ for everything from inflammation to migraines and even epilepsy, while from a medical perspective, the THC component has unfortunately been ignored. A startling new report issued by the University of New Mexico, however, dares to challenge that status quo.
The title of the report is, The Association between Cannabis Product Characteristics and Symptom Relief, but the headline that accompanied the study’s press release summarizes the study thusly, “notorious psychoactive chemical THC more important for therapeutic effects in cannabis than previously known.”
This is knowledge that some of us have known all along, that THC facilitates CBD and vice versa, but it is just now surfacing mainstream. For example in a recent interview with Forbes magazine, Dr. Ethan Russo, a world renowned authority on the medical use of cannabis stated the following in regards to research he has done with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients:
“A severe price may be paid if cannabis-based medicines are devoid of THC. It is clear from the above [information provided] that THC has a major role to play in both symptomatic treatment of dementia and quite possibly in preventative benefit. The dangers of THC have been vastly exaggerated by alarmist politicians and the press, particularly in such contexts where alternatives have been extremely disappointing and are actually much more problematic. Very small doses of THC are required and their benefits outweigh any risks by healthy measures.”
To see this same knowledge also published as scientific data by a reputable source at the UNM is a welcomed tide shift. It is these types of resources that the cannabis industry needs more of. We need to be able to cite science when we are counseling our customers, not just personal experience. I’m happy your dog loves its CBD treats and its hip pain has disappeared, but an anecdote isn’t medicine.
Not All CBD is Worthy
This is something else the report touched upon that we have been parroting for years – poorly sourced CBD. When Coke announced they were considering a CBD soda, it sent up a big red flag. Where would Coke source CBD from? China? It’s a frightening question. Since the UNM study was conducted in conjunction with a mobile app called Releaf, its CEO Franco Brockelman was quoted in the press release with an insightful comment I thought should be shared.
“We believe this study is very timely with the recent passing of the Farm Bill and the number of CBD products that are now flooding the market that are, frankly, poor quality and making inaccurate claims. This study helps validate the medical importance of THC along with CBD, and the need for more conclusive research to be done, which we look forward to contributing to.”
That pretty much sums it up. If you are looking for top quality CBD and THC, stop by your neighborhood pot shop and dispensary in West Seattle, Canna West, and we will help you find the best solution for your needs. That solution will likely involve some THC, even in small amounts. Why? I’d suggest reading the UNM study. It is deep.
