Why Does the 1:1 THC:CBD Ratio Work So Well?

What is the best CBD to THC ratio for cannabis products?

With the expansion of legal cannabis throughout the US, we’re developing a better understanding of how different formulations, product types, and cannabinoids can bring unique benefits to the user’s experience. A more recent trend in the cannabis industry is products containing a specific ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with a 1:1 ratio being the most popular by far.

Described among experts as the “golden ratio,” a 1:1 CBD:THC product contains equal parts CBD extract and THC extract, both sourced from the cannabis plant. Science suggests that this equal distribution of two beneficial cannabinoids may offer more positive health effects than either cannabinoid on its own, thanks to the phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

While the “golden ratio” is sought after by many, there are different CBD to THC ratios you might want to consider depending on your preferences and needs, like your THC tolerance, your desired effects, and your symptoms as a medical marijuana patient.

Why does the CBD:THC ratio matter?

While there are roughly 150 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, CBD and THC reign supreme. These cannabinoids naturally occur in high concentrations, and are the most well researched.

CBD has many therapeutic uses, including anxiety relief and anti-inflammatory effects.  Meanwhile, THC offers its own multitude of benefits like pain relief.

What’s equally important is that THC is intoxicating while CBD is not. THC’s psychoactive properties can produce feelings of euphoria and sedation, and for some users, it can come with unwanted side effects like anxiety and paranoia.

One major benefit of a product containing both CBD and THC is its ability to potentially offset some negative THC side effects. While both cannabinoids are providing you with their benefits, you won’t get as high. Note that this may only apply to products in which a standard cannabis milligram amount is split between the two.

Still, finding the right ratio is something that may take some trial and error. The effects of cannabis can vary depending on how much a person consumes, their tolerance level, and their metabolism. But generally speaking, a person who has high levels of anxiety and a lower tolerance to THC’s intoxicating properties may want to stick to products that are higher in CBD and lower in THC.

Lastly, keep in mind that other compounds in cannabis, like minor cannabinoids cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), and terpenes like myrcene, linalool, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene may also play a role in the effects you feel. Since everyone’s brains and bodies are different and cannabis ratios are complex, it’s important to consult with a professional before settling on a specific CBD:THC ratio.

What is the 1:1 CBD:THC ratio?

The 1:1 CBD:THC ratio means that your cannabis product contains an equal amount of CBD and THC. This cannabis ratio can be found in a wide variety of product types including oils, tinctures, topicals, capsules, and gummies.

Part of the reason why the 1:1 CBD:THC ratio is so popular is that the effects are typically seen as more tolerable to those who experience anxiety and negative side effects from THC. There is some evidence that CBD may tame the psychoactive effects of THC, although this needs further scientific exploration.

That said, check for the THC content if you want to see how psychoactive the product is, regardless of the ratio. A product containing only 3 mg each of CBD and THC might not produce strong psychoactive effects, but a product containing 50 mg of each can be extremely potent despite CBD’s influence.

What are the health benefits of a 1:1 ratio?

As 1:1 CBD:THC products are relatively new to the market, there isn’t a significant amount of research about this particular ratio and how its benefits compare to more traditional cannabis products.

However, Sativex, an oromucosal spray developed for multiple sclerosis patients, has shown positive results in case studies. Sativex contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC, and demonstrates an ability to reduce muscle spasticity.

Besides the studies on Sativex for MS, other data suggests that a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio could help relieve neuropathic (nerve) pain. Research on the specific health benefits is limited beyond that, but other potential uses for the 1:1 ratio include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Insomnia treatment
• Neuroprotective effects
• Stress relief

What are the side effects and risks?

Whenever you consume cannabis, there’s a risk of side effects, particularly if a product contains THC. This risk can be managed by careful dosing, choosing high-quality products, and consulting your medical professional about proper usage.

The rule of thumb when trying any new cannabis product is to “start low and go slow,” meaning that you take the lowest dosage and adjust it gradually and incrementally as needed and tolerated.

As stated, sticking with cannabis products that have a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio may lower the risk of intoxication, and opting for a higher CBD:THC ratio may minimize that risk even further.

But even if you take all necessary precautions, you may still experience the following side effects after consuming cannabis:

• Anxiety
• Cottonmouth
• Hallucinations or disturbed dreams
• Headache
• Paranoia
• Racing heart
• Red eyes
• Sleeplessness, drowsiness or sedation

In most cases, the side effects of taking too much THC will pass on their own within 12 hours, but seek medical attention in case of an emergency. Also, talk to your doctor before using any cannabis product if you’re taking any medications.

Cannabis strains with a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio

Some cannabis breeders like Resin Seeds and CBD Crew specialize in developing CBD-rich cannabis varieties. Popular examples of cannabis strains containing a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio include:

• Cannatonic
• Pennywise
• Pure Love
• Royal Highness
• Shark Shock
• Sweet and Sour Widow

What are some other common CBD:THC ratios?

The golden ratio may not be all the glitters for some people, and a product with higher CBD or higher THC may work better for your personal needs.

The effects of cannabis products are highly individual, and there are no specific dosage guidelines for medical cannabis yet. This is why developing a relationship with a physician trained in plant medicine is crucial.

Here are some other ratios to ask your doctor about.

0:1 (THC only)

Cannabis products containing only THC could be helpful for people experiencing nausea and vomiting. The anti-nausea drug dronabinol, also known as Marinol, is a synthetic form of THC, prescribed to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea. THC-only products have also been reported to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms.

As a word of caution, THC-only products can be pretty psychoactive. Likewise, long-term consumption can backfire and trigger cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is a condition where the anti-nausea properties of THC stop working and instead cause extreme bouts of nausea and vomiting.

1:0 (CBD only)

The potential benefits of using a CBD-only product include reduced anxiety and better sleep. Some people prefer CBD-exclusive products simply because they don’t want the intoxication that comes with THC.

2:1 or 3:1 CBD:THC

These products contain both THC and CBD, but this time with more CBD. The CBD may buffer some of THC’s psychoactivity, but less so than 1:1 products. Nonetheless, high-CBD-low-THC ratios are typically recommended for cannabis novices who don’t know how they will react to THC.

Higher ratios focus more on CBD’s therapeutic qualities, so they are preferable for people with a low tolerance for THC.

20:1, 18:1, 15:1 CBD:THC

These high-CBD ratios are far less likely to cause psychoactive effects, but that’s not a guarantee. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 5 mg of THC taken at once is the level at which psychoactive effects may occur. At the same time, some individuals may be more or less sensitive to THC, and require higher or lower doses to achieve psychoactivity.

10:1 (CBD:THC)

The ratio of 10:1 tips the scale toward CBD, which some may find dampens the psychoactive effects of THC. A 10:1 CBD:THC ratio may produce similarly sedative effects as 15:1, 18:1, and 20:1 combinations.

Key takeaway: Experimenting with different ratios can produce different desirable effects

With so many CBD:THC products hitting dispensaries, medical patients have even more control over how they experience cannabis. Ultimately, whether you opt for a balanced 1:1 ratio or a 20:1 CBD:THC product, you’ll be benefiting from the properties of these therapeutic cannabinoids. The key is finding the ratio that makes sense for you based on your THC tolerance, and what you want out of your marijuana regimen.

Frequently asked questions

Does the 1:1 CBD:THC ratio get you high?

The 1:1 CBD:THC ratio might get you high, but that depends on a complex combination of variables including tolerance, weight, metabolism, the amount dosed, and more. The only way to find out is to try the ratio, ideally after discussing it with your doctor.

Most medical professionals trained in plant medicine will advise you to “start low and go slow,” which is a good rule for cannabis consumption in general.

If you’re trying to minimize cannabis’ intoxicating effects but still want some benefits from THC, a high CBD to THC ratio may be ideal.

What ratio of CBD to THC is good for anxiety?

Although some recommend starting with THC-free CBD products, reports also suggest that low doses of THC may help alleviate anxiety, whereas higher doses of THC may prompt or exacerbate it. Like with any anxiety treatment, it’s best to talk about your symptoms with a doctor first, and devise a treatment plan that potentially includes 1:1 cannabis products.

How much CBD should a beginner start with?

If you are new to using medicinal cannabis products, start with a small amount of product – no more than 5 mg CBD. Then, wait an hour or two to observe the effects before consuming more. If you want to be extra cautious, take half the recommended dose (e.g., half of the gummy) to start.

Resources

• Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5719112/
• Use of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety: A Short Synthesis of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480724/#:~:text=The%20acute%20anxiolytic%20effects%20of,to%20involve%205%2DHT1A%20activation.&text=Whereas%20TRPV1%20antagonism%20allows%20for,CBD%20doses%20involves%20TRPV1%20agonism.
• Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7023045/#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20it%20has%20been%20suggested,of%20immune%20cells%20%5B66%5D.
• Cannabis analgesia in chronic neuropathic pain is associated with altered brain connectivity: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/wnl.0000000000006293#:~:text=Results%20THC%20significantly%20reduced%20patients,ACC)%20and%20the%20sensorimotor%20cortex. 
• Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3165946/
• Sativex in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis-Related Spasticity: Role of the Corticospinal Modulation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4325203/
• Medical Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29388063/
• Tinkering with THC-to-CBD ratios in Marijuana: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6235934/
• Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia: A Systematic Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36149724/

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