30:1 CBD:THC Troche – A New Option for Patients
In partnership with Thomas Jefferson University, Ethos has developed a product featuring an innovative 30:1 CBD-to-THC ratio. Our processing and medical professional teams collaborated to create a blend grounded in research. The 30:1 troche from our huny brand is currently being assessed in a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. This trial enrolls adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders who have never previously used cannabis products. The main objectives are to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the troche in reducing anxiety symptoms. Dr. Brooke, Ethos Chief Medical Consultant, explains that this trial reflects a shift toward precision medicine in cannabinoid therapeutics:
What we are almost always missing in any observational study to date about cannabis is what exact product (formulation, composition) the participant used and in what doses. This allows us to ask specifically, for a defined diagnosis, does a specific formulation of cannabis effectively help relieve these symptoms, and what impact does it have on other medication use, as well as what side effects people may develop. This is exactly what we need more of in cannabinoid-based research.
Understanding the Balance of CBD and THC
A 30:1 CBD:THC troche is a type of cannabis product created to relieve symptoms while lowering the chance of feeling intoxicated or “high.” Research suggests this ratio may help with anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and some neurological disorders, making it an option for those seeking relief without strong psychoactive effects. Dr. Brooke notes the motivation behind choosing a 30:1 formulation for the study:
The data strongly supports higher doses of CBD as effective for reducing anxiety rather than higher THC concentrations – while most adults use high THC for relief of anxiety, this goes against the scientific consensus of what is likely more helpful with less side effects. Unfortunately, on the marketplace, there is very little to no access to products that have this level of CBD with low-dose THC, so with wonderful collaboration from Ethos, we were happy to have a novel product that we could study for anxiety.
CBD and THC have different and sometimes complementary effects in the body. CBD affects the body’s endocannabinoid system in several ways, which may reduce anxiety and inflammation. It also increases levels of anandamide, a natural compound linked to lower anxiety.
Low-dose THC, when combined with high-dose CBD, may improve pain relief. CBD may also reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. This combination is referred to as the “entourage effect.“
Why We Developed the 30:1 Troches
The 30:1 CBD:THC ratio may benefit people sensitive to THC or new to cannabis, providing some benefits without causing a “high.” Troches dissolve under the tongue and absorb quickly, helping those unable to swallow or use inhaled products. This method provides steady effects and flexible dosing throughout the day. With the multi-symptom potential of this ratio, the clinical trial being conducted also examines secondary endpoint data, such as sleep, quality of life, and other medications used, without being burdensome to patients.
Potential Uses of the 30:1 Troche:
- Anxiety and PTSD: Studies have shown that high-CBD, low-THC combinations may reduce generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
- Chronic Pain and Inflammation: CBD-dominant products may help manage neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, with low-dose THC increasing effectiveness while remaining tolerable.
- Sleep and Mood Disorders: Emerging data suggest these products may help people fall asleep faster, improve sleep quality, and support stable mood.
What Studies Are Saying
This formulation aligns with the FDA’s Real-World Evidence Framework and clinical trends in patient-centered care and may be used instead of opioid medicines for pain or benzodiazepines for anxiety. Many people are seeking safer, natural, and non-habit-forming treatments, and the huny 30:1 troche uniquely fits within harm-reduction strategies. Additionally, the low THC content also makes this product an option for those who want to avoid strong psychoactive effects.
Continuing Cannabis Research
Ethos is working with Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University under a Research Agreement to pursue improved health outcomes for patients using medical marijuana.
Learn more about our partnership with TJU and how to enroll in our research programs here.
Sources
- Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RH, Chagas MH, de Oliveira DC, De Martinis BS, Kapczinski F, Quevedo J, Roesler R, Schröder N, Nardi AE, Martín-Santos R, Hallak JE, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011 May;36(6):1219-26. doi: 10.1038/npp.2011.6.
- Bhattacharyya S, Morrison PD, et al. Opposite effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on human brain function and psychopathology. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2010 Feb;35(3):764-74. doi: 10.1038/npp.2009.184.
- Coelho CF, Vieira RP, et al. The Impact of Cannabidiol Treatment on Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Life (Basel). 2024 Oct 25;14(11):1373. doi: 10.3390/life14111373.
- Dahlgren, M. K., Lambros, A. M., Smith, R. T., Sagar, K. A., El-Abboud, C., & Gruber, S. A. (2022). Clinical and cognitive improvement following full-spectrum, high-cannabidiol treatment for anxiety: open-label data from a two-stage, phase 2 clinical trial. Communications medicine, 2(1), 139. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-022-00202-8.
- Hua, D. Y., et al. (2023). Effects of cannabidiol on anandamide levels in individuals with cannabis use disorder: findings from a randomised clinical trial for the treatment of cannabis use disorder. Translational psychiatry, 13(1), 131. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02410-9.
- Leweke FM, Piomelli D, Pahlisch F, Muhl D, Gerth CW, Hoyer C, Klosterkötter J, Hellmich M, Koethe D. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry. 2012 Mar 20;2(3):e94. doi: 10.1038/tp.2012.15.
- Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., El Hage, C. et al. Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. J Cannabis Res 3, 19 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w.
- Raymundi, A.M., da Silva, T.R., Sohn, J.M.B. et al. Effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol on aversive memories and anxiety: a review from human studies. BMC Psychiatry 20, 420 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02813-8.
- Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(7):1344-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.
- Sarris J, Sinclair J, Karamacoska D, Davidson M, Firth J. Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC Psychiatry. 2020 Jan 16;20(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8.