THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most common compound that cannabis users know and love. It’s the cannabinoid that gives you that euphoric “high” effect. And, of course, now there’s another cannabinoid sharing THC’s spotlight as the most famous of the active ingredients in the cannabis plant family: CBD.
But the truth is, you don’t have to think of it in “THC vs CBD” terms. In fact, there is a growing body of research supporting that, in a lot of cases, THC and CBD actually work better together! That’s where we get into the idea of cannabinoid ratios and how understanding what they are can help you dial in your experiences and the benefits you seek from cannabis in a more precise way.
Keep reading to uncover how CBD and THC work independently and together, along with guidance on how to choose the best cannabinoid ratio for you.
Better Together: CBD, THC, and the Entourage Effect
CBD, when paired with THC, has impressive medicinal potential that differs from smoking any ol’ joint from your local weed dealer. There is a proposed theory known as “the entourage effect” that occurs when the active compounds in cannabis—such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids—are consumed at the same time. The theory is that these compounds work together synergistically, producing more benefit or influencing your experience in a way they couldn’t in isolation.
Depending on the ratio of the cannabinoids present in what you’re consuming, you may experience different effects. For example, some studies have suggested that CBD may dampen some of the negative side effects of consuming high levels of high THC, like anxiety, paranoia, raised blood pressure, and other feelings of “being out of control.” In turn, it makes for a calmer high that can be intense but manageable if you’re used to feeling too intoxicated by straight THC.
Cannabis Ratios: The Benefits of CBD and THC Together
So what’s a cannabinoid ratio? Products that intentionally pair THC and CBD will detail the quantity of these compounds in relation to each other, which is listed as a ratio on their packaging. For example, if you have a product with 120 mg of CBD and 40 mg of THC, it will have a ratio of 3:1, CBD:THC. These CBD to THC ratios can vary from being CBD dominant to THC dominant, or they may be balanced with equal parts of both.
Modern cannabis breeding has produced strains of flower that are typically much higher in THC but much lower in CBD and other minor cannabinoids. The THC:CBD ratio of flower are typically in the ballpark of 300:1. But with CBD’s rise in popularity some amazing breeders and cultivators are creating and reviving high CBD flower strains that are the source of true full-spectrum and cannabinoid-rich oils.
You can now find strains like AC/DC that come naturally with a 20:1 CBD:THC ratio, offering relief to patients with a wide variety of symptoms and concerns. Ratios higher than a 12:1 CBD:THC ratio show little signs of creating an intoxicating effect for consumers and patients. However, this is not a steadfast rule, as we all have differing sensitivities and tolerances to THC.
Common CBD:THC Ratios You’ll Find in Dispensaries
While some flower will advertise its THC:CBD ratio, flower is not the only product with ratios that you might want to pay attention to. Concentrates, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and other products are also formulated to offer specific cannabinoid ratios.
Here’s a break down of three major categories you’ll see in products with CBD:THC ratios.
High CBD, Low THC (20:1, 18:1, 15:1, 10:1)
The products will have a much higher proportion of CBD as compared with THC, and may produce little, if any, euphoria and intoxication. These high CBD ratios are a good option for people who need a generally non-intoxicating option but want to still take advantage of the benefits that low-dose THC can offer.
High CBD, Moderate THC (5:1, 4:1)
These products are still CBD dominant, though they offer moderate amounts of THC. With this category of ratios, some people will notice the classic “high” THC is known for while offering the synergistic benefits of combining CBD with THC.
Balanced CBD and THC (2:1, 1:1)
These products offer balanced or near-balanced ratios that will typically produce more noticeable euphoric and intoxicating effects, and it’s among the most popular ratios we sell at our dispensary. If you’re new to cannabis but you’d like to explore the benefits and effects of THC, this can be an approachable way to get started.
Effects of THC and CBD Individually and Together
Both THC and CBD offer a broad range of medicinal and general wellness benefits on their own. THC has been shown to offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, boost appetite, and help people relax, among other benefits. CBD offers many of the same benefits, but because it works in the body in slightly different way, it may enhance the benefits of THC.
Simply put, combinations of CBD and THC give you a broader range of options for meeting your needs or goals. That said, finding your ideal ratio is a matter of trial and error, since everyone experiences cannabis differently. You may find that a high CBD product is needed during the day or that a more balanced ratio is helpful at night, for example.
What Is the Best CBD:THC Ratio for Pain?
Most studies that look at the effectiveness of THC and CBD for pain use a 1:1 ratio. This is a great place to get started. If you haven’t tried THC or CBD to alleviate your pain before, a 1:1 ratio can help you get used to the effects of both compounds. Once you get more familiar with THC and CBD, you can increase your ratios to dial in your desired effects and figure out the best CBD:THC ratio for your pain. You may find that a high CBD and THC ratio is what you need, or perhaps a lower ratio offers the effects and experience you are looking for.
In addition, you may need to increase the amount of THC you’re using if you use it frequently. Your body will eventually start developing a tolerance to THC, just like it would with any other substance.
It’s important to remember that you should always consult with your doctor before you use cannabis for medical reasons. That’s because both THC and CBD can interact with certain types of prescriptions. Your doctor can tell you if this is the case for any specific pharmaceuticals you use.
Find the Right Cannabis Ratio For You at Mankind
Mankind Dispensary is located at 7128 Miramar Rd in San Diego. We offer a wide array of flower, concentrates, vape, edibles, and other cannabis products. Mankind Delivery is available to those within a 20 mile radius from the store for those who may not be able to come in. Our online budtenders are there to answer questions during delivery operating hours.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram & Facebook. Follow us on Snapchat, Twitter, and now Pinterest for specials, promotions and sales. And don’t miss out on our Mankind Spotify channel for tunes hand picked to go with your cannabis mood. Finally don’t miss the Mankind podcast, THE KIND CAST, where our budtenders talk about products and recommendations to make your shopping experience easier and keep you informed.
