THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most common compound that cannabis users know and love. It’s the cannabinoid that gives you that euphoric “high” effect. Many have also learned about THC’s sibling chemical, CBD, that’s been touted in the news and drug stores as the latest miracle drug.
BETTER TOGETHER: THE THC AND CBD RATIO
CBD, when paired with THC, has impressive medicinal potential that differs from smoking any ol’ joint from your local weed dealer. There is a synergistic phenomenon known as “the entourage effect” that occurs when multiple cannabinoids are consumed at the same time. In turn, you need fewer of each cannabinoid in order to reach a desired medicinal effect when you have as many of those cannabinoids as possible.
Depending on the ratio of the cannabinoids present in what you’re consuming, you can receive different effects. For example, CBD has shown evidence of quelling some of the negative side effects from consuming increased 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.
RATIOS: BENEFITS OF THC AND CBD TOGETHER
Products that include both THC and CBD will detail the quantity of both of these compounds, in relation to each other, listed as a ratio on their packaging. For example, if you have a product with 120mg of CBD and 40mg of THC, it will have a ratio of 3:1, CBD:THC. These THC to CBD ratios can vary in any direction of being CBD dominant, THC dominant, or equal parts of both.
Most modern cannabis breeding has produced strains of flower that are much higher in THC but much lower in CBD and other therapeutic cannabinoids. This means you’ll often see THC:CBD ratios at 300:1 and higher. Though this high THC can be fun for, and sought after by, the recreational user, it limits the amount of medicinal application for those that want relief but don’t want to be “high”. Luckily there are amazing breeders and cultivators who 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. However, this is not a steadfast rule, as we all have differing sensitivities and tolerances to THC.
OTHER PRODUCTS WITH THC AND CBD RATIOS
While some flower has its own THC:CBD ratios, flower is not the only product with ratios. Certain concentrates, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and other products also have their own combination of these cannabinoids.
What’s more, when brands make these kinds of products, they’re using a THC: CBD ratio calculator and lab equipment to determine a product’s THC to CBD ratio. As a result, these kinds of products may have even more accurate ratios than simple cannabis flower. That may make them an attractive option for those seeking to use THC and CBD for medical reasons.
EFFECTS OF THC AND CBD INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER
While high levels of THC may lead to intoxication, some recent findings have shown that THC is favored as the most medicinal cannabinoid in cannabis, not CBD. This is not to discredit CBD entirely, as it has worked wonders for adolescents and adults alike who suffer from diseases and syndromes that can be greatly relieved with CBD.
Simply put though, having combinations of CBD and THC together show the broadest range of treatment options with increased efficacy. Finding your ratio is a matter of trial and error. If you aren’t sure what is right for you try talking with your budtender at Mankind in San Diego for some guidance.
Remember if you are taking cannabis for medicinal reasons it is important to speak with your doctor and get their recommendations for dosage and frequency of use. While budtenders can help you find the right strain in store, we are not doctors and therefore shouldn’t be consulted as such.
WHAT IS THE BEST THC:CBD 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. 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 consult 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 will be able to tell you if this is the case for any specific pharmaceuticals you use.
FIND PRODUCTS WITH THE RIGHT THC AND CBD RATIOS 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. Delivery is available from 9am to 9pm daily. 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.
