Currently, there is a wide variety of cannabis strains, selectable for their ratio of CBD to THC. Some contain high levels of CBD and little THC, others have high levels of THC and little CBD, and there is a group known as 1:1 that offers both cannabinoids in equal measure. Each of these CBD flowers offers distinct benefits and there are excellent strains in all of them, suitable for different needs and preferences.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD and THC are different in their interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
CBD does not cause psychoactive effects and works by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, benefiting anxiety, motivation, mood, and homeostasis. In addition, CBD acts on other receptors such as serotonin and vanilloid. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect, where different proportions of cannabinoids cause varied effects.
THC, on the other hand, is known for its psychotropic effects, interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which produces euphoric effects and can stimulate appetite. Both cannabinoids have unique and complementary roles in the body.
What is CBD:THC ratio?
The CBD:THC ratio indicates the ratio of the amount of CBD to THC in a dose. A 1:1 ratio implies that the amounts of CBD and THC are equal. A 20:1 ratio indicates that there is 20 times more CBD than THC. Adjusting this ratio allows the product to be customized, taking advantage of the unique effects of both cannabinoids for specific medicinal or recreational purposes.
What are the most common CBD:THC ratios?
Genetic selection in the recreational cannabis market has traditionally increased THC levels and reduced CBD. This provides a more intense “high” but can lead to unwanted side effects.
Interest in medical cannabis has changed this trend, encouraging specific CBD:THC ratios for personalized clinical benefits. Now, many cannabis products have more CBD than THC. Pure CBD products typically contain less than 0.3% THC.
This evolution has led to a focus on growing plants and creating products with a higher ratio of CBD to THC.
CBD:THC 0:1
Cannabis strains with a CBD:THC ratio of 0:1 are not common, but strains close to this ratio are known for their potent psychoactive effects. These strains are high in THC and low in CBD, offering intense euphoria and deep relaxing effects.
CBD:THC 1:2
Strains with a CBD:THC ratio of 1:2 are more common on the market today. They offer a milder and more gradual psychoactive effect, ideal for beginners. This ratio allows for greater control over the experience, balancing euphoria with a relaxed mood. Higher levels of CBD may mediate some psychoactive effects of THC and reduce its side effects. Strains with a ratio between 0:1 and 1:2 predominate in the recreational market, providing a classic stoned experience.
CBD:THC 1:1
Cannabis strains with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC offer mild psychoactive effects and a balanced experience of both molecules. This type of strain is ideal for those looking for a functional and calm effect, more focused on everyday well-being than a strong “high”. Although they are not as common as recreational strains, their demand is growing and they are relatively easy to find, with some seed banks specializing in developing these varieties.
CBD:THC 2:1
Cannabis strains with a CBD:THC ratio of 2:1 produce very subtle effects, suitable for sensitive users or those who want a balanced presence of both cannabinoids without a strong psychoactive impact. These types of strains, although not the main choice for traditional recreational users, are gaining popularity and starting to stand out in the market, even available in some coffeeshops in the Netherlands. These varieties are ideal for more functional and everyday use.
CBD:THC 1:0
Although there are no cannabis strains with 0% THC, breeders have managed to develop strains with minimal THC levels, approaching the 1:0 ratio. These strains provide the benefits of CBD without psychoactive effects, being ideal for those who do not want the effects of THC and prefer to enjoy only the advantages of CBD.
What does science say about it?
A study from the University of Colorado, published in ‘Addiction Biology’ in August 2021, examined the effects of cannabis with different proportions of THC and CBD. Subjects who smoked cannabis with balanced ratios of THC and CBD were found to experience similar benefits to THC-dominant cannabis, but with fewer side effects such as paranoia and anxiety. This study suggests that CBD could reduce THC exposure and its negative effects without diminishing its desired positive effects.
What percentage of THC is in CBD hemp products?
To be legal, CBD products must contain a maximum of 0.3% THC. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products generally meet this requirement, although not always. On the other hand, CBD isolate products, in theory, should not contain THC.
Bibliography and Digital Sources
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Gibson LP, Mueller RL, Winiger EA, Klawitter J, Sempio C, Williams S, Bryan AD, Bidwell LC, Hutchison KE. Cannabinoid Exposure and Subjective Effects of THC and CBD in Edible Cannabis Products. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36378267/
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Shenglong Zou, & Ujendra Kumar. (2018, March). Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
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Martin-Santos R, Crippa JA, Batalla A, Bhattacharyya S, Atakan Z, Borgwardt S, Allen P, Seal M, Langohr K, Farré M, Zuardi AW, McGuire PK. Acute effects of a single, oral dose of d9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) administration in healthy volunteers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22716148/
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Gibson LP, Gust CJ, Ellingson JM, YorkWilliams SL, Sempio C, Klawitter J, Bryan AD, Hutchison KE, Cinnamon Bidwell L.. Investigating sex differences in acute intoxication and verbal memory errors after ad libitum cannabis concentrate use. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33866072/
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