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The reason I decided to write this article is that I have recently been very impressed with the results customers (and I) have achieved with ratio products. These are products that contain a specific balance of CBD to THC. The bottom line is that THC helps CBD work better. This is commonly known as the entourage effect and may be enhanced for some users with slightly higher than “full spectrum” ratios. Furthermore, CBD helps mitigate the unpleasant side effects from THC. If you are someone who has experienced CBD as moderately helpful but wish for a bit more benefit – read on. If you have tried THC, but experience anxious feeling, dizziness, racing heart, or other unpleasant side effects – read on. Ratio products may be a better solution in either scenario.
The cannabis plant contains an enormous variety of cannabinoids, terpenes and other phytochemicals (phyto means plant based). All these compounds combine to form an equally wide variety of effects. You are likely familiar with the two primary cannabinoids – CBD and THC. Most people consider CBD to be the relaxing and non-intoxicating cannabinoid, while THC is the one that makes you “high.” However, there is more to the story than that. An effective balance of the two can make for the best experience possible, whether you are searching for help with sleep, chronic discomfort, or anxious feelings. This co-occurrence in nature suggests these compounds may be meant to work together.
All cannabis, of course, contains some CBD and some THC. However, many commercial products isolate them from one another to cater to either people that do not want to get high but want some of the benefits of cannabis (CBD), while others concentrate the THC for maximum THC benefit or intoxication.
Together in the Plant for a Reason: CBD:THC Ratio Products
The entourage effect: The various cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis work together to produce a greater effect than any single cannabinoid alone. This suggests that CBD and THC may be more beneficial when consumed together in specific ratios.
Benefits of CBD:THC ratios: Ratio products can provide the benefits of THC (pain relief, relaxation) with reduced side effects (anxiety, paranoia) due to the mitigating effects of CBD.
Choosing a ratio: There are many ratio products available, with varying levels of CBD and THC. A 1:1 ratio is good for those who enjoy THC but experience mild side effects. Higher CBD ratios (10:1, 25:1) are good for those who want some THC benefit but prioritize minimizing impairment and side effects.
Full-spectrum vs. Ratio products: Full-spectrum products contain a small amount of THC but typically in a ratio that doesn't offer the entourage effect for THC. Ratio products are formulated with specific CBD:THC ratios to target desired effects.
Start low and go slow: This is especially important when trying ratio products for the first time, as tolerance levels can vary.
This article will discuss the health and wellbeing effects that many people experience from exploring various combinations of these two primary cannabinoids.
The Natural Balance of Hemp
People have been using cannabis for millennia – long before lab results existed. No one knows exactly what ratio of CBD and THC existed in the plants before modern times. There was a study done in the 1970s that noted a typical combination was 1% CBD to 4% THC. This means these plants contained a 1:4 CBD:THC ratio (and a very low percentage of both). Since the seventies, and more significantly in the past few decades, cannabinoid science has advanced dramatically. Plants can now be grown with an excess of 40% CBD or THC.
I am sometimes frustrated by the fact that seed genetics are being perfected to generate the highest possible percentage of one or the other. Very few seem to be deliberately targeting specific ratios. What this means in practical terms is that you can only find ratio products in edible forms. Manufacturers take the CBD extracted from high CBD flower and combine it with THC in a laboratory. Then they infuse the desired combination into gummies or other edibles.
A Quick review of the primary uses of CBD and THC (isolated versions)
CBD is best known as the non-intoxicating major cannabinoid. It has been the most widely researched for help with sleeplessness, chronic discomfort, and anxious feelings. It has also been studied for neuroprotective benefits (shielding the brain from the progression of neurological conditions). And, of course, the only FDA approved medication that employs CBD is Epidiolex, which is used to treat severe seizure disorders.
CBD is often referred to as the “calming” cannabinoid. Many of the benefits of cannabis can be enjoyed without the “high” commonly associated with the plant. This also means that some of the unpleasant side effects associated with THC can be avoided while still getting many of the plant’s benefits.
THC on its own can help manage more extreme discomfort and has therefore earned the reputation as the “medical” version of cannabis. Personally, I believe that concentrating on growing cannabis for ever increasing THC content is fraught with error. If a user wishes only to get as high as possible, then sure, higher THC content is what you are after. However, if you wish to enjoy many of the benefits of the plant, a more balanced approach is best.
The relief provided by THC is not without complications. THC alone in anything other than microdose (1-2mg) is impairing (intoxicating) for most, which many people wish to avoid or minimize. It may also make focus and getting things done more difficult. In addition, the side effects can include:
Perceived paralysis (not literal) – meaning you feel glued to the couch. “Have I been sitting here for days?”
Time distortion – minutes can feel like hours
Paranoia - walls closing in or someone coming to get you are common
Head buzzing, jittery feelings
Next day grogginess, or anxiety
Heart palpitations – while typically not dangerous, they can lead to the “something is wrong” feeling and develop into:
Full blown panic attacks. I always tell people that THC alone won’t kill you, but it can make you feel like you are going to die.
At extreme doses – hallucinations and temporary psychosis, which while never fatal by themselves can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening behaviors like running into the road or thinking one can fly, etc.
It is unlikely you will experience extreme side effects from THC at low doses (under 5mg), but the higher the dose, the more likely and more intense side effects become for many. One way to mitigate these unpleasant effects while still reaping the benefits of THC is to both – use a lower dose and combine the THC with moderate / high CBD. And as with all things cannabis – “start low and go slow.”
Full Spectrum CBD Products
I should take a moment and mention that all full spectrum products do contain a ratio of CBD:THC. However, these are considered CBD products and not ratio products because the typical ratio is 30:1 to 50:1. This means the benefits derived from them are mostly because of the CBD content. The presence of THC in these products does improve the benefits of the CBD for most people. For more details on this, see our post about the entourage effect. Almost no users will experience the typical psychoactive / intoxicating effects of THC. That is, almost no one feels a “head high” from a full spectrum CBD. It is therefore, almost always, the preferred way to enjoy the full benefits of CBD.
The only time I recommend isolated CBD (Isolate) is for:
Children
Adults that are extraordinarily sensitive to THC
Anyone who is routinely or randomly drug screened with a job that prohibits the use of THC. The chances of a drug test failure on a full spectrum CBD product are infinitesimal – but they are not absolute zero.
An example of a full spectrum product:
The Benefits of High CBD and Low THC (25:1)
Products with a High CBD: Low THC ratio may be used for a wide variety of concerns. The most common reason I recommend these products is when a regular CBD user asks me for “something stronger.” The choices in this instance are to increase the amount of CBD or to add a slightly higher dose of THC than is available in a full spectrum product.
High CBD:Low THC products allow many users to capture more of the specific benefits of THC without being impaired. In other words, they may be beneficial for daytime use. Though, please exercise caution when trying these types of products. The level of impairment varies dramatically by user and is impacted not only by the ratio, but by the amount of THC in the product. Most people will experience some level of impairment from a product that contains 5mg or more of THC. Some will experience impairment with far less.
High CBD:Low THC options:
Lazarus's Unwind gummies contain 50mg of CBD and 2mg of THC, resulting in a 25:1 ratio. With only 2mg of THC, this product may be helpful for those seeking additional calm than they find with straight CBD. Very mild intoxication or “floaty feeling” may result.
Tillman's Tranquils makes a huge variety of ratio products. This one has 125mg CBD and 5mg THC. This 25:1 ratio is similar to the unwind gummies above but contains a higher dose of both cannabinoids. Start with ½ a gummy if you are new to ratio products and wish to minimize the head effects.
Stepping Down the Ratio - Moderate CBD:Low THC (10:1)
People who wish to enjoy the benefits of a more moderate dose of CBD in combination with low THC may enjoy these 10:1 combinations. The primary benefit of this ratio is allowing the user to experience the pain mitigation of THC, but with fewer side effects. A moderate dose of CBD is beneficial as well for relief and relaxation. Purely anecdotally – this is an extremely popular ratio with clients who generally experience anxiety when taking straight THC, but want to enjoy its benefits. Depending on the level of THC (number of mgs) a user may experience a high with these products. Most describe it as a “functional high” or a “controlled high.” As always – please consume responsibly as one should never participate in certain activities with any level of impairment at all.
These gummies are a delicious addition to your wellness routine and provide 20mg of CBD and 2mg THC each:
These Kush Kube gummies are my very favorite type of gummy. They step up both cannabinoids with a large dose of CBD and a moderate dose of THC. At 150mg CBD and 15mg of THC, they WILL cause a head high, but typically without paranoia (to which I am prone with straight THC). Personally, I take ½ a gummy when I need them and use them primarily at night. If you have low THC tolerance or experience severe side effects (extreme paranoia, heart palpitations, panic), please choose a lower dose option. Even though the ratio is 10:1 – this is a 15mg THC dose.
Stepping down the Ratio Again – 5:1; 4:1 and 2:1 Options
For those who have somewhat better tolerance to THC, but still want mitigation of the “jitters” or “head buzzing” that can come from a straight THC product, these options may offer excellent benefits.
5:1 – This option by Lazarus Naturals provides the benefits of 25mg of CBD with 5mg of THC. Most users will experience some head high, but a more peaceful or manageable high than formulations without CBD.
4:4:1 – This option includes some CBG, which may be useful for nerve related discomfort and anxious feelings. While it is very similar to CBD, some people who like CBD, but wish it did a “little more” may enjoy this option.
2:1 – This option may prevent the worst of the THC side effects. It is designed for users who enjoy THC, but also want the benefit of a low/moderate dose of CBD.
Finding Harmony – Balanced 1:1 Ratio Products
A 1:1 CBD:THC ratio may be ideal for users who enjoy THC, but sometimes experience mild jitters, head buzzing, or next day anxiety when taking straight THC. CBD, which is the calming cannabinoid may help mitigate these types of mild side effects. A product with a 1:1 ratio will typically not interfere much, if at all, with the head high. However, they may make the experience more enjoyable for those who find that THC alone is a “little too much” of a good thing.
This option provides a reasonably low dose of 5mg CBD and 5mg THC. This 1:1 ratio product is designed to help with relaxation and rest.
Our most popular 1:1 Ratio product are these 1:1 gummies by Tillmans. At 15mg each CBD and THC, they will satisfy most people looking for the relief and relaxation of THC while mitigating the milder side effects. They have a score line in the middle to making cutting or tearing them in ½ very easy.
The world of cannabis can be overwhelming, but exploring CBD:THC ratio products can be a game-changer for those seeking targeted relief. By harnessing the entourage effect, you can amplify the benefits of THC while minimizing unwanted side effects. Whether you're looking for a better night's sleep, relief from chronic discomfort, or simply a more balanced and functional experience, there's a ratio product out there for you.
Ready to find your perfect ratio? Our knowledgeable staff is here to help! Contact Blue Lotus Wellness and CBD at 407-235-0653 or info@bluelotuswellnessandcbd. We'll guide you through the different options and answer any questions you may have. Remember, start low and go slow to find the dose that works best for you.
We hope this article has empowered you to explore the exciting world of CBD:THC ratios and unlock a more balanced and effective cannabis experience.