Author: Dr. Jean Talleyrand
As a physician who has guided thousands of patients through cannabis therapy, I often see a recurring pattern. Patients walk into a dispensary and instinctively ask for the highest THC percentage available, assuming that "stronger" equals "better." However, if you are strictly chasing high THC numbers, you are likely missing out on the actual medicine. By overlooking cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, you may be bypassing the compounds responsible for sustained pain management, neuroprotection, and mental clarity.
Why We Lost the Balance
To understand why our current market is primarily flooded with THC products, we must look at history. Over decades of underground breeding, the genetic diversity of the plant was bottlenecked. Even in the state-run dispensary channel, THC has been the main focus. Growers inadvertently bred the "brakes" off the plant—reducing CBD and other modulating compounds—to create a "gas pedal-only" experience focused solely on the high. Today, we are finally relearning that THC does not work best in isolation.
Seniors and the THC Trap
This shift toward maximum THC has been particularly detrimental to one of the fastest-growing demographics in cannabis: seniors. One in ten seniors has used cannabis in the past year, primarily to manage chronic pain and arthritis rather than to seek intoxication. Yet, the industry is largely built for the recreational 25-year-old looking for fun, not the 65-year-old patient looking to reduce joint pain.
For older adults, THC-dominant products (Type I chemovars) may present more risks than benefits. Aging bodies metabolize drugs differently, and high doses of THC can lead to confusion, paranoia, and dizziness, significantly increasing the risk of falls. In my practice, I find that seniors rarely want the "couch-lock" or intense psychoactivity associated with modern dispensary flowers.
The Science of "Functional" Cannabis: CBD and CBG
The reason THC-dominant products may lead to brain fog or anxiety is physiological: THC binds directly to the CB1 receptors in your brain. To create a functional, therapeutic routine, I recommend reintroducing the minor cannabinoids that modern breeding left behind.
• CBD (The Modulator): Think of CBD as a seatbelt. It does not bind directly to the brain's receptors to get you high; instead, it changes the shape of the receptor so THC binds less aggressively. This effectively smooths out the psychoactive edge while contributing powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
• CBG (The Mother Cannabinoid): CBG is the precursor from which THC and CBD develop. In my clinical observation, CBG is distinct because it promotes alertness and focus. While THC can be sedating, CBG offers neuroprotective benefits and is increasingly used for gut inflammation and cognitive function.
The "Entourage Effect": Synergy Over Strength
Long-time smokers intuitively understand that a full-spectrum flower feels different than a pure THC distillate vape. This is the "Entourage Effect"—the concept that cannabis compounds work synergistically. When combined, CBD prevents CBG from overstimulating you, while CBG prevents CBD from making you too sleepy. Together, they amplify the pain-relieving properties of THC without requiring you to consume massive, intoxicating doses. Epilepsy research has shown that whole-plant extracts containing multiple cannabinoids consistently outperform isolated compounds, often requiring lower doses to achieve better results.
A Doctor’s Recommendation: The PhytoRX Solution
For seniors and patients who smoke cannabis flower but suffer from anxiety or morning grogginess, I recommend supplementing with a consistent background dose of CBD and CBG. However, oral delivery can be tricky. Traditional edibles (gummies) often contain sugar and are slow to absorb, while smoking is often harsh on older lungs.
This is where formulation technology becomes vital. I have directed my patients toward water-compatible emulsions for their reliability and ease of use. A product I frequently recommend is PhytoRX. It utilizes a pump system that delivers a precise ratio of 50mg CBD and 25mg CBG per serving.
Because it uses a water-compatible emulsion, it allows rapid absorption to achieve quick and consistent symptom relief. You can simply pump it into your morning tea or juice, making it easy to use without any compromises.
A Doctor’s Note on Dosage and Safety
If you are adding CBD and CBG to a high-THC regimen, start low and go slow. Track your symptoms. You may find that as you increase your intake of these minor cannabinoids, you naturally feel the need to consume less THC to get the same relief.
• Start: Try 25–50 mg of CBD/CBG daily, which equals 1 pump of PhytoRX. Patients can gradually titrate up to double pumps twice a day (4 pumps total).
• Monitor: Watch for reduced anxiety and improved mental clarity.
• Safety: If you take blood thinners or anti-seizure medication, consult your physician, as cannabinoids can interact with liver enzymes used to process these drugs.
This establishes a therapeutic baseline of CBD and CBG in your system, reducing inflammation and anxiety before you even consider consuming THC. For seniors, this offers the "Goldilocks" solution: the medical benefits of cannabis without the high risks of intoxication.
The Path Forward
The future of cannabis medicine isn't about getting as high as possible; it is about getting as healthy as possible. By embracing the full spectrum of the plant—specifically CBD and CBG—you aren't just consuming smarter; you are finally accessing the complete medicine nature intended.