Anybody interested in cannabis will likely have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
These are prominent components of the cannabis plant, crucial to any strain’s makeup.
While CBD and THC offer vastly different experiences, their relationship is more of a yin-yang type arrangement when both are present in a strain. Most people find one balances out the other, providing a more satisfying experience when the ratios are “just right.”
We’ll explore the topic of CBD and THC ratios further below.
What are THC And CBD?
THC is the psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. It’s the reason cannabis users get high.
Typically, the higher the THC percentage in a given strain, the more inebriated it’ll make you. THC’s effects and uses are wide-ranging, given its intense, mind-altering impact.
For many people, cannabis strains containing THC can offset anxiety and depression. It can help with pain and inflammation. Cancer patients often use high-potency THC-infused treatments to offset nausea from chemotherapy. It helps increase appetites in AIDs and cancer patients and stifles seizures in epilepsy patients [1].
However, as the old saying goes, what goes up must come down. Those mind-altering effects can be adverse instead of beneficial.
THC doesn’t necessarily agree with everyone–plus, like any mind-altering substance, there’s always the potential for addiction and overindulgence. People can get overly paranoid, increase their anxiety and depression, and even experience psychosis due to THC. These responses are not the norm–far from it, in fact–but they must be addressed because there’s precedence, and they can happen [2].
Even casual usage of THC has its pitfalls. For instance, you could have a good time at the apex of a high and feel like the burnout was too intense.
CBD is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. In short, you’re getting all the healing and wellness-boosting effects without the high and the burnout. Nor are you dealing with the anxiety, increased paranoia, or addiction.
On its own, CBD can help with migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, etc. [3]
Yet, CBD doesn’t get you high. For many people, that’s fine. Not everyone wants to have their mind state altered. Nevertheless, the primary draw of cannabis for many people is getting high.
Understanding THC:CBD Ratios
The endocannabinoid system regulates our bodies’ emotional stability, pain perception, and appetite. All of these facets’ responses to cannabinoids are similar [4].
THC and CBD are two cannabinoids that trigger the endocannabinoid system. THC-to-CBD ratios discern how much of each compound is in a given cannabis product.
Mixing THC and CBD together is meant to yield a balancing effect. The idea is you get the “good” psychoactive effects, lessening the chances for the adverse ones while also enjoying heightened effects.
Ratios of THC and CBD vary based on the cannabis strain and its extraction process. Sometimes, THC content is much higher than CBD, more evenly dispersed, or the CBD vastly outweighs the THC.
The Impact of THC:CBD Ratios on Cannabis Product
THC and CBD have synergistic effects. Research indicates this relationship is most potent when used to treat MS and chronic pain. Furthermore, studies show that combining THC and CBD makes each more effective at helping chronic pain sufferers offset discomfort and sleep better than both components individually.
Look no further than our products to find examples of these ratios:
- Branson Harlem’s Fines Flower has 25.66% THC and 0.07% CBD.
- Cookies 2090 S has 20.88% THC and 0.10% CBD.
- Cookies 2090 S Flower has 21.21% THC and 0.04% CBD.
What Is A Good THC-To-CBD Ratio?
The ideal THC-to-CBD ratio will depend on your needs. Below, we’ll examine some use cases.
What is a Good THC-to-CBD Ratio for Pain?
People looking to consume cannabis products for help with pain management can typically look to products with a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio.
People who haven’t used cannabis before should take 7.5mg CBD and 0.75mg THC four times daily.
Depending on your hypothetical pain-based needs, a budtender might suggest 20:1 or 30:1 CBD-to-THC ratios for pain.
Note how finding the best ratio will require trial and error, but budtenders can help guide the process, ensuring it is safe.
What is a Good THC-to-CBD Ratio for Anxiety?
THC-heavy cannabis as medicine has its ups and downs. It can help mellow you out in times of great stress. Or, it can heighten your anxiety, make you more stressed, and trigger a sense of growing paranoia.
The ideal ratio is 10:1 CBD to THC. Once more, it’s wise to ask for advice and experiment until you find the ideal balance. Document the changes you experience with given ratios, and determine which leads to the least issues.
What is a Good THC-to-CBD Ratio for Sleep?
Getting a good night’s sleep when you have insomnia can feel impossible…until you discover your most ideal CBD:THC balance.
Yes, some doctors prescribe sleeping pills–but those can be highly damaging in their effects on your mind and body.
The sedative properties of THC combined with the calming impacts of CBD can help you sleep easily. Experts often suggest a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio in tincture form to help you relax without causing your mind to race or heart to pound.
Legal Considerations In New Jersey
Recreational cannabis sales and possession are legal in New Jersey state for adults 21-plus. However, only CBD with THC levels under 0.3% is legal at the federal level. So, if you’re traveling beyond state lines, be sure it’s only with CBD containing 0.3% THC or lower.
Consuming Responsibly
While the right THC:CBD ratios heighten the benefits of both, overindulgence is never advised, nor is driving while high. Always err on the side of caution and dose in moderation. We like to recommend that you stick to the classic rule “start low and go slow” if you don’t know your tolerance levels.
Conclusion
When THC:CBD ratios are well-balanced for your needs, they can vastly enhance your experience with cannabis.
All the same, safe usage is a must. These aren’t magic bullet cures to your problems. Responsible, moderate, and strategic implementation into your regimen will help you reap the most benefits.
Want to learn more about CBD:THC ratios? Visit Indigo Dispensary today for great product and expert guidance!
Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq
- https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cbd#:~:text=Unlike%20its%20cousin%20THC%2C%20CBD,diseases%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20anxiety.
- https://www.drgreenrelief.com/blog/thc-cbd-ratios/#:~:text=The%20effects%20of%20cannabis%20on,pain%20relief%20or%20anxiety%20reduction.
