@Tstat SWIM had to participate in a 4 hour training with exam in order to assist patients in certifying them in SWIM's state medical MJ program for medical provider recommendation. The program participated in was Thomas Jefferson University's Lambert Center for the study of medical cannabis and hemp. It took much longer than 4 hours btw -- completed over three days it was more like 6-7 hours with the examination and all the video CME's.
Anyways... any meaningful research (and it is definitely lacking due to it remaining a CI substance), research states that CBD does not really have a significant therapeutic value without THC as well. It does not need to be a 1:1 ratio, however some resources indicate that even in very small percentage of THC it is beneficial in combination with CBD versus nothing. The relationship of our body's endocannabinoid system show that both compounds play a synergistic role in their effect. The two primary methods of action are via our CB1 receptor within the brain and our CB2 receptor site within the GI tract and immune system. CBD has limited binding ability to these receptor sites (whereas THC has a high binding affinity for these receptors), however CBD does have an indirect method of action. For these reason and many others, the two substances should work together to provide a therapeutic result for the user.
You may see many products advertised as "CBD" when in reality they are "hemp oil" with no significant THC content. Some true CBD products have the maximum legal non-prescription THC content of 0.3% or 0.2% (depending upon who you ask). If you are buying non-prescription CBD therapies, be sure that you are getting this maximum allowed THC to increase the therapeutic value. Otherwise, just save your money. If you have access to medical marijuana that is going to be your best source, not only because you're able to get a product with a better CBD to THC ratio, but also because the product it self is more regulated and tested. You know exactly what you're buying and what is contained. Over the counter CBD therapies are not
really regulated or tested. Same goes for over the counter vitamins; a recent study showed that 35% of vitamin products on the shelves did not accurately list their vitamin content. The FDA allows vitamin products to be 80% accurate and many do not even meet that criteria. CBD is going to be same...and likely worse since it's so expensive! If you're able to purchase thru a medical dispensary you're going to be much better off in my opinion.
View attachment 4305337