Did you know that when combined, THC, CBD, and CBG can enhance each other’s effects? If you’re interested in getting the most out of your cannabis experience, using these cannabinoids together is something to consider. In this post, we’ll explore why this cannabinoid combo is so beneficial, diving a bit deeper into entourage effect synergy, the benefits of each cannabinoid, and what research reveals about the way they work together. We’ll also share practical tips for using THC, CBD, and CBG together.
Combining Cannabinoids: Understanding the Entourage Effect for Enhanced Effects
There’s a widely accepted theory known as the entourage effect suggesting certain cannabis plant compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work in synergy to provide enhanced effects. There’s plenty of research that supports cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBG offer unique benefits of their own, but when combined, it’s said their effects can be amplified. The term “entourage effect” was first used in a 1998 study by renowned late cannabis researcher Raphael Mecholaum and research partner Shimon Ben-Shabat after discovering several “inactive” cannabis metabolites and related molecules increased the activity of the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). They suggested this helped explain how plant-derived medicines were usually more effective than their individual components. In a 2011 review, cannabis expert, neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, and author, Ethan B Russo expanded on the entourage effect. He presented an array of various cannabinoids and terpenes believed to contribute to this cannabis plant synergy. He suggested cannabis chemovars rich in different cannabinoids and terpenes offer complementary effects that “may strengthen and broaden clinical applications” and improve the therapeutic potential of cannabis extracts predominant in THC or other cannabinoids. Several studies have explored the entourage effect since Mecholaum’s initial 1998 discovery. Today, the entourage effect is a widely-accepted theory in the cannabis industry, and most experts agree that using full-spectrum products rich in various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial cannabis compounds offers a better experience than isolated cannabinoids. And while more research is needed to make any claims, researchers in a recent review said the entourage effect “has significant implications for the medical use of cannabinoid-containing products and their prescription.”
Enhancing the Entourage Effect by Using THC, CBD, and CBG Together
With a better understanding of the entourage effect, it’s easy to see how using THC, CBD, and CBG together could enhance your overall experience. THC and CBD are the two most well-known, widely-used, and commonly occurring cannabis cannabinoids, and several studies have explored various ways they complement one another. While CBG is a lesser-known cannabinoid, it’s gained significant attention in recent years for its own potential benefits. Following is a brief breakdown of each: - THC: Produces psychoactive effects, and depending on the strain, THC percentage, and terpene profile can increase energy (typically sativa-dominant strains) or cause sedation (typically indica-dominant strains). THC is commonly used for pain relief, sleep support, increasing appetite, reducing nausea and relieving stress, anxiety, and depression, and other medical conditions. - CBD: Non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce intoxication like THC. It’s renowned for increasing relaxation, reducing inflammation, and easing anxiety. The main reasons people use CBD include stress, anxiety, inflammation, and general well-being. - CBG: Non-psychoactive, CBG is similar to CBD in that it doesn’t cause the high associated with THC. It’s known to increase energy without the stimulating properties of THC, boost mood, and increase focus and concentration. Following are a few things research has found about using THC, CBD, and CBG together:
5 Things Studies Say About Using THC, CBD, and CBG Together
Widespread medical and recreational cannabis legislation have led to a significant increase in cannabinoid research, deepening an understanding of how cannabinoids influence each other when taken together. Curious to see what cannabis science has discovered? Following are a few things a deeper exploration has found about how these cannabinoids work together.
1. Using CBD and/or CBG May Reduce THC’s Potency and Adverse Effects
While THC does contain some serious medical potential, its psychoactive effects aren’t for everyone. For some, THC can cause adverse effects like anxiety and paranoia. For medical patients interested in the benefits of THC without the high, combining it with CBD and/or CBG might help. A 2013 study was one of the first to show CBD can counter THC-induced anxiety and paranoia. In a more recent 2022 study, dose dependent CBD/THC ratios were examined to determine the effects of CBD on THC, discovering different ratios produced varied effects. It found low THC/high CBD ratios are most likely to reduce the effects of THC, while a 2:1 THC/CBD ratio enhanced intoxication compared to THC on its own, and 1:20 THC/CBD ratio reduced intoxication. Authors of a 2023 study noted that a perfect ratio of THC/CBD hasn’t been found, but a 1:1 ratio is widely considered ideal. Referred to as the “Golden Ratio,” 1:1 THC/CBD products are said to best enhance the entourage effect. While you’ll likely still feel THC intoxication in 1:1 products, CBD is said to soften any overpowering effects for a well-balanced experience. The efficacy of CBG for reducing THC psychoactive and adverse effects hasn’t been widely studied, but there is some evidence that shows CBG may have a similar dose-dependent effect to CBD. Higher CBG/THC ratios may reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, while higher THC/CBG ratios may increase psychoactivity. In a 2024 study, researchers discovered CBG significantly reduces anxiety, meaning it might reduce anxiety caused by THC when the cannabinoids are combined.
2. A Blend of THC, CBD, and CBG Could Boost Mood
All three cannabinoids are said to have a positive impact on mood, offering potential relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. In a 2024 study, CBG displayed significant improvements in stress and anxiety. CBD has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in its potential to treat multiple anxiety disorders and produce rapid antidepressant effects, while THC shows to relieve stress in low doses. By blending these cannabinoids together in ideal doses, cannabis consumers could discover a significant boost in mood, whether looking to relieve stress, soothe anxiety, or alleviate symptoms of depression.
3. Combining THC, CBD, and CBG May Enhance Pain Relief
One of the top reasons people use medical cannabis is for pain relief. A 2021 study explored the pain-relieving potential of individual and combined effects of THC, CBD, and CBG on capsaicin (TRPV1) receptors. When these receptors are blocked, it stops them from sending pain signals to the brain, which reduces pain sensation, particularly from heat, inflammation, or nerve damage. In the study, each individual cannabinoid displayed a positive dose-dependent TRPV1 response. A combined CBD+THC+CBG 1:1:1 ratio, however, displayed enhanced potency and increased efficacy at reducing capsaicin responses. Researchers suggested that THC tolerability and efficacy may be improved when combined CBG and CBD at specific doses.
3. Potential Increase of Anti-Inflammatory Benefits When Cannabinoids are Combined
With research that supports CBG can reduce inflammation and pain, studies that show CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory potential, and evidence highlighting THC’s pain-relieving properties, combining these cannabinoids may offer enhanced support for various inflammatory conditions. A 2021 review found a combination of CBD + CBG and THC + CBD significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but THC alone did not. That said, taking CBD and CBG products together, along with THC + CBD products (or THC-dominant products) could significantly enhance an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. This could be especially beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammation or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Possible Combined Therapy for Brain Tumors
A 2021 study investigated the potential of CBG for glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain tumors. Researchers noted THC and CBD used alone or combined show potential for treatment of glioblastomas, but the psychoactive effects of THC can increase cognitive impairment in patients because of disease progression. The aim of the study was to determine if CBG could replace THC. Not only did CBG cause glioblastoma tumor cell death when used on its own, CBG and THC together reduced tumor cells to a comparable extent. CBG and CBG, however, demonstrated more efficacy than CBG with THC.
How to Use THC, CBD, and CBG Together For Maximum Effects
Combining THC, CBD, and CBG offers a powerful way to enhance the entourage effect and fine-tune cannabis use to your unique needs. Now that you have a deeper understanding about their individual benefits and how using them together can amplify each other’s effects, here's how to make the most of them:
Find Your Ideal Ratio
After identifying your goals, the first thing you want to do is find the ideal cannabinoid ratio to support them. Remember, a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD provides a balanced experience, while higher levels of CBD or CBG can counteract THC's psychoactive effects and reduce anxiety or paranoia. Start low and go slow, taking smaller doses and slowly adjusting the proportions to fine-tune the effects until you find your personal sweet spot that supports your individual needs.
Increased Daytime Relief
Whether you use cannabis during the day to increase energy, relieve anxiety, reduce stress, boost your mood, or manage pain or inflammation, combining cannabinoids is a great option for your daytime dosing needs. You might consider starting the day with a low-dose sativa-dominant THC product paired with CBG to boost mood and increase energy without sedation. Adding CBD into the mix could support inflammation and pain while taming THC’s intensity.
Enhanced Sleep Support
Combining cannabinoids could help you get a better night’s sleep. If sleep support is something you need, try an indica-dominant THC product combined with a high dose of CBD in the evening. Research suggests that while low doses of CBD are stimulating, higher doses (160–600 mg) are sedating. Adding a high dose CBD extract to THC may improve relaxation and promote deeper sleep.
Stress Relief and Better Mood
To alleviate stress, ease anxiety, and lift your mood, use a balanced THC/CBD ratio with an equal dose of CBG. CBD can soothe stress, THC may elevate mood in lower doses, and CBG could enhance both effects with its calming yet energizing effects. For even greater synergy, consider incorporating RSO into your regular cannabis wellness routine. Whether using RSO tablets or syringes, this rich oil contains a notably high concentration of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds is thought to amplify the entourage effect for even greater therapeutic efficacy. At Emerald Bay Extracts, we offer THC, CBD, and CBG RSO Tablets, which are scored to make customizing doses simple. Our RSO Syringes also come in various cannabinoids and different combinations, for a customizable approach and that offers potent, targeted relief.
Last Thoughts
Incorporating THC, CBD, and CBG into your regular cannabis routine can offer a powerful way to enhance your experience and fine-tune effects to support your specific needs. These cannabinoids work harmoniously together, increasing entourage effect potential to amplify their unique benefits for pain relief, inflammation, stress reduction, and more. By understanding how they work together, you can maximize your cannabis use—whether you’re seeking daytime energy, stress relief, decreased relief, better sleep, or support with more serious medical conditions. As always, start with low doses, adjust gradually, and explore different ratios to discover what works best for you. By using THC, CBD, and CBG together, you can elevate your cannabis experience naturally for the best possible effects.