Benefits of Low THC Strains

Low THC cannabis strains offer several potential benefits, particularly for individuals seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabis without the intoxicating “high” associated with higher THC levels. What are the benefits of low THC strains? Below, we’ll discuss a few of our favorites.

Top Benefits of Low THC Strains

Cannabis contains over 120 compounds known as cannabinoids. Among these, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most well-known and extensively studied. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” commonly associated with cannabis. 

In the past several decades, there’s been a drastic increase in the THC content of cannabis. Studies have found that between 1995 and 2015, there was a 212 percent increase in THC content in the marijuana flower. In other words, as Deepak Cyril D’Souza, MD, Albert E Kent Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, puts it, “The marijuana and cannabis products that your grandparents may have used are very different from what’s out there now.”

While some cannabis users enjoy high THC strains with no ill effects, this isn’t the case for everyone. Side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and impaired thinking can be exacerbated with higher THC strains.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to enjoy cannabis without the downside of an intense high. Below are just a few of the key benefits of low THC strains.

More CBD (and Other Cannabinoids)

One unfortunate downside of high THC strains is that they tend to have very little cannabidiol, or CBD. You might recognize CBD in products like oils, gummies, drinks, and other items often marketed for medical purposes: like THC, CBD is one of the most abundant and most studied cannabinoids in cannabis. But unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive, and non-euphoric. 

One of our favorite benefits of low THC strains is that they tend to emphasize a wide range of useful cannabinoids, including — but not limited to — CBD. Along with CBD, low THC strains include CBG, a cannabinoid that has natural properties that can help manage discomfort and other problems, and CBN, a slightly psychoactive cannabinoid that occurs naturally when THC ages or is exposed to heat and light during the harvesting and processing period and that may helping people fall and stay asleep.

Full Spectrum Benefits

Some proponents suggest that using cannabis products that contain CBD, THC, and other plant compounds can induce the “entourage effect.” The idea behind the entourage effect is that using all of the compounds in the cannabis plant together may offer more benefits than using them in isolation. Low THC strains allow users to enjoy full spectrum products, like Full Spectrum CBD Gummies, that contain an entourage of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other nutrients while still keeping THC content low. 

More Relaxing

A research study published by the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago found that very low doses of THC were effective at reducing anxiety in a group of study participants. In fact, the study found that low doses of THC were notably more effective than higher doses of THC, which actually increased the participants’ anxiety levels.

Feel Good, Not Stoned

Low THC strains are perfect for anyone who wants to feel good while still staying clear-headed. Low and zero THC strains offer users the best of both worlds: relaxation and balance without anxiety, paranoia, or feeling too high. Low THC strains may be right for medical users who want the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis without intense psychoactive effects, or for someone who wants to experience cannabis safely, with low levels of THC that anyone can handle. 

Cut Your Tolerance Breaks

If you’re someone who also enjoys higher THC strains, low THC strains can be a smart addition to your cannabis routine. Incorporating some lower THC strains into your regular smoking (or dabbing or edible or topical) usage can help keep your tolerance managed and may even help you prevent needing to take tolerance breaks.

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Interested in experiencing the benefits of low THC products for yourself? Check out Metta Hemp. Founded in 2017, Metta Hemp is committed to providing high-quality products, ethically grown cannabis, and kind and helpful customer service. Find our products in a store near you or shop online today. And if you have any questions, contact us today.