THC to CBD Ratio – What’s Ideal?

Researchers from the Anschutz Medical Campus at the University of Colorado analyzed the impact of cannabis flowers with various THC to CBD ratios and their effects on participants.

In a study titled “The impact of cannabidiol on cannabis flower: implications for harm reduction,” participants were tasked with smoking cannabis flowers with varying THC to CBD ratios of the two most popular cannabinoids, which were randomly assigned. These included 24% THC and 1% CBD, 23% CBD and 1% THC, and flowers with almost equal ratios, 10% THC and 9% CBD. An hour later, the scientists measured their effects.

They found that patients who smoked THC-dominant cannabis, as well as those who smoked flowers with nearly equal ratios, experienced similar benefits. The difference was that participants who consumed samples with nearly equal THC to CBD ratios reported fewer negative side effects, such as paranoia and anxiety.

“This is one of the first studies examining different effects of various THC to CBD ratios using different strains of cannabis, which are widely available in state-regulated markets. Current results suggest that CBD may be associated with an overall reduction in THC exposure and may mitigate the negative psychoactive effects of THC without diminishing the effects of THC that individuals report as positive,” they write.

“The results of the current study suggest that participants using marijuana with a balanced THC + CBD ratio had significantly lower THC levels in plasma and reported less paranoia and anxiety compared to participants using THC-dominant strains. Importantly, despite these differences, participants in both conditions – balanced THC to CBD levels and THC dominance – reported similar positive subjective effects,” the study authors concluded.

Why Does the THC to CBD Ratio Matter?

CBD and THC are the two main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Each has its properties; THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the sensation of being high. The more THC a flower or product contains, the more you’ll feel its psychoactive effects. Besides getting you high, THC is widely used for its medicinal properties, such as stimulating appetite, treating insomnia, stopping nausea, and relieving pain. However, the right dosage is crucial as too much THC with too little CBD can cause feelings of paranoia and anxiety. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and is used for relaxation, treating insomnia, anxiety, pain, and many other things.

When combined in various ratios, these cannabinoids enhance each other’s beneficial properties synergistically in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. Additionally, everyone has a unique biological makeup, so how you react to CBD might differ from how a friend does, even if you both take the same dose. Scientists recognize that the ideal dosage for most people wanting to achieve maximum therapeutic benefits is an equal ratio of the two substances, i.e., 1:1 THC to CBD. This ratio can help you stay productive without feeling too high, as CBD counteracts THC’s effects, while also offering a wide range of health benefits like pain relief, reduced anxiety, and better sleep.

Most Common CBD to THC Ratios

Marijuana strains and various cannabis products often showcase three primary THC to CBD ratios. Strains rich in THC are prevalent, but strains with balanced THC to CBD ratios and CBD-dominant strains are also available.

It’s worth noting terpenes, which modulate the effects of cannabinoids. For instance, a strain with a THC concentration of 20% and dominant in terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene will induce a deep relaxation and calming sensation. If other terpenes like limonene dominated in the same 20% strain, it would boost energy, and the high would be more “heady” than bodily.

Thc-Dominant Strains

Many believe that strains with low CBD and high THC concentrations uplift and induce euphoria while also reducing stress. If you’re sensitive to THC or have a low tolerance, you might experience anxiety and paranoia. Nevertheless, many prefer high THC concentrations because they relieve pain, relax the body, boost energy, and improve mood.

Balanced THC to CBD Ratios

Balanced CBD and THC ratios are recommended for beginner marijuana users. You’ll experience the effects of both worlds, but CBD’s presence will soften THC’s intense effects. Furthermore, you’ll likely remain productive without feeling lethargic.

CBD-Dominant Strains

A product without THC won’t make you feel psychoactive effects. Those who enjoy the relaxation CBD offers will appreciate these products as they might gently induce sleep, improve mood, and assist in reducing anxiety and panic attacks.

1:9 or Higher

These are typically high THC content products, which means you’ll probably experience the effects commonly associated with THC. They can benefit those suffering from intense pain, nausea, migraines, appetite loss due to chemotherapy or radiation, and more. Remember, high THC to CBD ratios mean psychoactive effects.

Besides these common cannabinoid ratios, you might encounter other ratios like 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and even 25:1 and more. If you’re unsure where to start, remember: the more CBD a specific strain or product contains, the less you’ll experience THC’s psychoactivity. If you don’t want to get high, always choose a product with higher CBD content or an equal ratio.

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(Featured image courtesy of Terrance Barksdale via Pexels)

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