"I am tring to get off of clinical meds, which I have low tolerance for and onto cannabis, which I seem to need a high dose of for sedation. I am concerned that high indica THC product would make me feel more of what I already feel."
Hi there!
Restoring activity in serotonin pathways—by increasing the serotonin available to bind the 5-HT1A receptor in the brain—is how SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are thought to alleviate anxiety and depression. Similarly, several recently published studies suggest that CBD does the same. However, CBD does so, not by increasing the serotonin available to bind 5-HT1A receptors, as SSRIs do, but by mimicking serotonin’s action at the 5-HT1A receptor; or, in scientific terms: CBD is a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. ++
In general, for anxiety and depression issues, patients take between 5mg to 20mg of CBD two to three times/day. However, if possible, adding a small to moderate amount of THC would be much more effective, especially during any acute increase of intense anxiety—2.5mg to 10mg of THC is what most patients find helpful, without unwanted side effects. However, patients should always "start low, and go slow." So, patients should not start above 2.5mg of THC. ++ If THC is available, it can be mixed with THC at varying levels. These products are expressed in ratios. ++ Ratios: In the vast majority of cases, are expressed in Parts of CBD, to every Part of THC.
drkim
So, for example, 10:1 would indicate 10CBD:1THC; 2:1 would indicate 2CBD:1THC
In general, when both CBD and THC are valuable in treating the condition, it’s a good idea to keep the milligrams of CBD relatively consistent, then manipulate the ratios to provide an appropriate amount of THC. Most choose between 5 to 20mg of CBD.
So, for example, if we wanted to keep the CBD dosage at 10mg, we would choose the ratio of the product that provides the amount of THC that is acceptable to the patient. Many patients want no perceptible psychoactivity during the day, while some psychoactivity during the evening is acceptable. In this situation, many would use a higher ratio during the day, such as
10:1, which would provide 10mg of CBD and 1mg of THC. Most patients do not perceive psychoactivity when taking 1mg, or less of THC
Then as a sleep aid, a more balanced ratio, such as 1:1, which would provide 10mg of CBD, and 10mg of THC. 10mg is considered a "standard dose." Most new patients report 10mg of THC to be moderately to extremely psychoactive. So, when starting, it’s always a good idea to start low, and go slow. In general, 2.5mgs of THC would be a good "test dose."
drkim
Ratios of between 10:1 and 30:1 are rarely psychoactive, so this ratio-range would be a good choice for most when psychoactivity is to be avoided, such as during the daytime, or if the patient prefers to avoid any psychoactivity. +
Ratios of between 4:1 and 8:1 are considered mid-range ratios. In general, products in this range would cause mild psychoactivity, noticeable anxiety relief and a boosted mood, without feeling "high". +
2:1 and 1:1 are more balanced ratios. In general, this range provides the most pain relief and is the better choice for sleep issues. +++
Oils:
- Place the oil under your tongue.
- Use your tongue to gently “paint” the tincture around your inner cheeks
- Wait 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing.
Effects should peak in about 15 minutes, and should last between 2 to 4 hours
EDIBLES:
Wait at least 1 hour to gauge efficacy. When you are on an empty stomach, peak effect is reached in about one hour. However, if you have had a large meal, especially a fatty meal, it can take up to two hours to reach peak effect. Effects should last between 4 to 10 hours.
When choosing products, make sure that the product label specifies the amount of CBD and/or THC per drop or dropper-full. Many products simply state the total amount of CBD and/or THC, which leads to unnecessary confusion. +++
drkim
When looking for a quality CBD oil, pill or vape cartridge, make sure that they:
- Use CO2 extraction
- Practice "Whole plant philosophy", which should preserve many of the lesser known cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in cannabis.
- Use organic hemp or cannabis
- Clearly labeled bottle, specifying the milligrams of CBD per dose—skip it if it only indicates the total amount of CBD in the product.
Keep in mind, that heavy use of THC will lead to the worsening of depression and anxiety.
There is no need for specialized products for senior citizens. If used judiciously, cannabis has a relatively benign side effect profile.
Some quality CBD products:
https://www.hellolift.com/products/5b57a71f02f1740001522f78/cbd-hemp-oil-capsules
https://www.hellolift.com/products/5b57b4c702f1740001523089/cured-full-spectrum-raw-oil
https://www.hellolift.com/products/5bd399485d8e87a60c6a60c3/revive-vape-pen
Some products with THC to consider:
https://www.hellomd.dev/products/5ab445285ff2ea000b4e974d/41-soft-gel-capsules
https://www.hellomd.dev/products/58068e8323698800071d25a7/calm
https://www.hellomd.dev/products/5bb3ca617fa32847af85f528/cbd-chocolate-bar
https://www.hellomd.dev/products/5bb3c9cf7fa3280a9585f51a/relax-cbd
I hope this helps!
drkim
