Can You Mix Marijuana and CBD Products?

Different grades of CBD oil and its molecular compound

The acceptance of marijuana, hemp, and products derived from both have come a long way in the past decade. Avid users of these products have touted their many benefits for years. In fact, a recent survey showed that more than 45% of US adults have tried marijuana at least once, and 1 in 8 are avid users. Unfortunately, the federal government has been waging a “war on drugs” over the last few decades, and marijuana got swept up in the chaos. As a result, the cannabis plant family has labeled an illegal Schedule 1 substance that law-abiding citizens have not been able to benefit from for decades. However, popular opinion in America has changed in recent years. Our acknowledgment of the health benefits of cannabinoids and the harmless nature of marijuana, in general, has pushed states to legalize the use of marijuana and hemp products. Every year, more and more states follow suit and legalize both the medical and recreational use of cannabis plants.

Legal Status of Marijuana and Hemp

All hemp-based products became federally legal when the 2018 Farm Bill became law. Since then, all products derived from hemp that carry no more than .3% THC are legal to produce and sell throughout the United States. The legalization of marijuana, however, is a little more complicated.

Federal Legalization

Growing, transporting, and using marijuana remains federally illegal as of the posting of this blog. The federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act. Although this is currently the federal government’s stance, there has been a trend toward legalization on a national level – despite a few reversals of that trend.

  • In 2009, the Obama Administration sent federal prosecutors a memo that encouraged them to not prosecute medical marijuana distributors who were allowed to do so under state law.
  • In 2013, the US Department of Justice updated their policy to enforce federal marijuana laws by deferring the prosecution to the individual state.
  • In 2018, the Attorney General’s office reversed the policy trend. They allowed federal prosecutors to decide whether they should prosecute marijuana crimes based on the evidence instead of leaving it up to each state.
  • In December 2020, the House of Representatives passed the MORE act, decriminalizing marijuana on a federal level. This bill was initially thought to not have enough support from the Senate. However, recent changes in the Senate’s makeup may allow the act to be passed in the foreseeable future.

State Legalization

In 2012, Colorado became the first state to make cannabis use fully legal for medical and recreational purposes. Since then, there has been a sharp increase in the number of states legalizing cannabis on some level. Because of marijuana’s growing popularity – and the fact that Colorado’s government has made over $7.79 billion in cannabis sales in the eight years since its legalization – the state legalization trend continues.

As of the posting of this blog, 15 states have legalized the use of cannabis for recreational purposes for adults over the age of 21. As recently as 2020, New Jersey, Vermont, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota have also adopted legalization for recreational use.

Because of its purported health benefits, many states legalized marijuana for medical use years ago. As a matter of fact, Oregon and Washington began to allow medical marijuana use way back in 1998. Since that time, a total of 36 states have legalized medical marijuana use. Therefore, there are only a handful of states left that still consider marijuana to be wholly illegal.

All hemp-based products became federally legal when the 2018 Farm Bill became law. The legalization of marijuana, however, is a little more complicated.

Mixing Marijuana and CBD Products

It is clear from the skyrocketing sales of CBD and marijuana products that users are clamoring for the many wellness benefits of both. Increasingly, people want to know whether or not it is a good idea to take these products in combination with one another. Recent research seems to support the idea that there are significant benefits to combining the two substances.

First, you need to understand that CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – one of the most available substances in marijuana – are both cannabinoids. These substances work within the body to produce several holistic wellness benefits. Although each of these substances is helpful on its own, research shows that combining them has a much more significant effect. In fact, the name for this is “The Entourage Effect.”

CBD also works to lessen some of THC’s less desirable effects. Some users of THC experience sedation, hunger, anxiety, and paranoia. Research shows that CBD helps reduce these adverse effects. Medicinal users who require high THC concentrations may experience an unmanageable or debilitating “high” from its use. CBD tends to lessen the psychoactive effects of THC as well. The overall consensus is that a one to one ratio of CBD to THC produces the most significant benefits with the lowest amount of unwanted side effects.

We Have the CBD You Need!

If you are new to CBD or a long time enthusiast, we at the Hemp Doctor, America’s Premier Hemp & CBD Dispensary, have what you need to get the most out of your wellness regimen. Our extensive inventory includes tinctures, softgels, and edibles, among many other variations, and most are offered in full-spectrum (fits up to .3% THC) and broad-spectrum (THC-free) forms. This way, you have a choice of getting the full “The Entourage Effect” by using our full-spectrum products, combining our broad-spectrum products with your favorite variety of marijuana, or any combination of the three.

If you intend to combine CBD products with your marijuana use, may we suggest our wide assortment of Hemp Flower and Prerolls? These delicious varieties of hemp flowers can deliver all of the goodness of CBD while you simultaneously enjoy your favorite smoke.

Feel free to shop anytime at our online store. And if you have questions, our knowledgeable staff is available to take your phone call, or you can contact us online. We look forward to serving your CBD needs today!