When you talk about cannabis, most people assume you’re talking about marijuana. Although many strains are jam-packed with THC, there are some strains that weigh much heavier on the side of CBD, producing little or no high while providing all the benefits of CBD.
Now that the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of CBD are coming to the forefront of the conversation, high CBD strains of cannabis are more prevalent. Like all strains, they still include all cannabinoid elements that you’d expect to find, but focus on drawing out more abundant CBD.
Strains high in CBD are popular among people who want to avoid the high associated with THC. Since CBD is a more relaxing agent, high CBD strains may be a good option for treatment of anxiety and panic attacks,
Indica vs. Sativa (vs. Hybrid)
Strains of cannabis are equivalent to breeds of any species: they all come from the same plant but have different qualities. The three categories that most growers and cultivators break their strains into are
Indica strains have garnered a reputation for being relaxing, while
The Entourage Effect
There are over 100 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, but THC and CBD have become the leaders of the pack. They each have plenty of their own individual qualities but, together, they produce a better effect.
This is known as the “entourage effect.” When both (or all) cannabinoids are introduced to the body together, they’re able to produce a greater result than they would on their own.
Synergy between the two cannabinoids has inspired even high CBD strains to retain the THC content. Some high CBD strains will have a distinctly robust amount of CBD against THC and some of them will have an even ratio. Even with substantial amounts of THC, CBD’s properties will produce the desired effects, with arguably more strength.
Some studies even suggest that THC can lead to psychological damage (e.g. anxiety and paranoia) that CBD can mitigate. Though more research remains to be done on their individual effects, it seems the power of their relationship is generally agreed upon.
High CBD Strains
When it comes to CBD-dominant strains, they come in all types. Hemp is touted with having a high CBD potency and only 0.3% THC content at the most. Other strains of cannabis and marijuana will have CBD, and you will likely witness some of its benefits, but it will also produce a high. High CBD strains give those who don’t want to or can’t tolerate THC the opportunity to receive CBD’s benefits.
Buyers can make informed decisions on how they want to feel when choosing their strains of cannabis. Much of the time at dispensaries, the strains are categorized by type and broken down further into CBD
Charlotte’s Web
Widely known for being the first of its kind and solidifying CBD’s potency against seizures, Charlotte’s Web is now one of the most popular high CBD strains on the market.
The story goes that seven brothers were inspired by one little girl who was experiencing frequent, intense seizures. Having exhausted all other traditional options, her parents turned to medical marijuana. Even doctors initially had reservations about providing a 5-year-old child with a medical marijuana card, but the two doctors who made it happen witnessed powerful results.
Now her namesake, Charlotte’s Web ended up being the only thing that was able to save a young child from dangerous daily seizures. Because of this incredible story, it’s become one of the most trusted CBD strains available.
Charlotte’s Web is currently only distributed as oil, making it accessible to children and adults alike. With a 30:1 ratio of CBD to THC, it could be a truly a powerful antidote to a range of afflictions from seizures to general anxiety.
Harlequin
Much like Charlotte’s Web, Harlequin is a strain of cannabis bred with peak medicinal value in mind. Master cannabis cultivator Wade Laughter has been in the business of providing high-grade high-CBD strains of cannabis for nearly two decades and is credited with its cultivation along with a handful of other high CBD strains.
Harlequin has a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio. Though the roughly 7% THC content has the capacity to produce a slightly uplifting high, it’s relatively mild. This strain is a popular option for combatting anxiety and pain management.
AC/DC
You won’t be thunderstruck by this strain! Also created in the House of Harlequin, AC/DC is a powerful CBD-rich strain. With a ratio of 20:1, the THC is virtually swept away by the CBD.
Like the other strains with impressively high CBD content, AC/DC does well against anxiety, chronic pain, nausea, and seizures. House of Harlequin also marks it as a good relief from the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
Stephen Hawking Kush
Named after the famous physicist, this strain is an
Joined by others like Tesla, Heisenberg, and Cosmos as part of a series of strains aptly named “Great Minds,” it’s considered an indica. Though it does have a decent amount of THC content, it was grown specifically to enhance the content of CBD.
This strain is popular for the relief of anxiety, nausea, generalized pain, and even muscular dystrophy.
Harle-Tsu
Another offshoot of House of Harlequin’s menu, this strain is a hybrid sourced from the CBD-rich Harlequin and Sour Tsunami. Its CBD content gives it the bulk of its properties, while the THC is more or less dormant at less than 1%.
This low-THC, high-CBD strain is said to be ideal for relaxation, easing muscle tension, and focus.
Sweet and Sour Widow
This strain offers your standard split down the middle. Aptly named for having equal parts of both ends of the spectrum, Sweet and Sour Widow is a derivative of White Widow with a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio.
Whereas White Widow is said to give a long-lasting euphoric high, Sweet and Sour Widow is much more inclined to relax the body while still uplifting your mood. Again, it does contain THC, but the high content of CBD provides the calming benefits of CBD.
Final Thoughts
THC has long been the focal point of cannabis, but the emerging understanding of CBD has changed that. There is still a vast amount of research to be done on CBD, but even the marginal amount that’s been done has proven it has tremendous potential.
The boom of high CBD strains has proven that people are welcoming of what it has to offer and hoping to get as much as possible. There are many high CBD strains to try and surely more to come. Knowing what you want to use it for will help narrow down the options. There’s something for everyone, from those who want a bit of the THC lift to those who want a hefty dose of CBD with no high.
Sources Used:
- Does Cannabidiol Protect Against Adverse Psychological Effects of THC?
- Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis.
- Marijuana stops child’s severe seizures
- Cannabis and anxiety: a critical review of the evidence
- OUR FIELD IS THE SCIENCE OF BOTANICS
- White Widow Cannabis Strain
