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

Is the 1:1 THC:CBD ratio the best for consuming cannabis? Anecdotal evidence indicates that this equally distributed ratio is optimal for experiencing the benefits of cannabis. This combination of cannabinoids is often called the “Golden Ratio.” But why?

Together, these two cannabinoids are considered by some to be more powerful anti-inflammatories than alone, in what is called the entourage effect.  The cannabis-derived spray Sativex is a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD and, in the trials conducted so far, has been effective in reducing severe pain and muscle spasms in some people with multiple sclerosis (MS).  

Learn more about why this equal ratio of CBD to THC works so well, and discover other ratios you can try in your medical cannabis regimen. 

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What Is the 1:1 THC:CBD Ratio?

The 1:1 THC:CBD ratio means that your cannabis product contains (ideally) an equal amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These are the two main chemical compounds or cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

One of the main reasons why so many people find the 1:1 THC:CBD ratio so appealing is because the effects are tolerable. CBD may tame or dampen THC’s psychoactivity and side effects to some extent.

Always check for the THC content if you want to see how psychoactive the product is, regardless of the ratio, as the THC will still exert a psychoactive effect. A product containing only 3 mg of THC and CBD might not be very psychoactive for some people, but one containing 100 mg of both may be. 

Be sure to consult your doctor about the best ingestion method and how much THC you should consume before trying any cannabis products. 

Are There Any Health Benefits?

The 1:1 ratio may be useful for relieving neuropathic (nerve) pain. Still, beyond the studies conducted on Sativex for MS, we do not have any evidence for specific “health benefits.” Other potential uses of the 1:1 THC:CBD ratio include:

• Stress relief
• Insomnia treatment
• A reduction in the number of spasms for those suffering from multiple sclerosis
• Potential neurogenic properties

Potential Adverse Side Effects and Risks

Whenever you consume THC, there is the risk of a psychoactive experience. This risk can be mitigated by careful dosing, choosing high-quality products, and developing a medical marijuana treatment plan customized for you. You can also try a product containing more CBD or a 1:1 product with a lower total of THC.

But even if you take all necessary precautions, you may still experience the following side effects after consuming a cannabis product, including one with a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio:

• Anxiety
• Racing Heart
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations or disturbed dreams
• Red eyes
• Headache
• Cottonmouth
• Sleeplessness (or, alternatively, drowsiness and sedation)

In most cases, the side effects of too much THC will pass on their own within 12 hours, but seek medical attention in case of an emergency. 

Other THC:CBD Ratios to Consider

Although it’s been dubbed the Golden Ratio, the 1:1 THC:CBD combo is not for everyone. For some people, a THC-only product may be better, or perhaps one that just contains CBD —‚ it’s all highly individual, and we do not have specific dosage guidelines for medical cannabis yet.

Here’s some information on other ratios:

1:0 (THC Only)

Cannabis products containing only THC could be helpful for people experiencing nausea and vomiting. The anti-nausea drug dronabinol (brand name Marinol) is a synthetic form of THC and is prescribed to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea. THC-only products have also been reported to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms. A THC-only product can be quite psychoactive.

0:1 (CBD Only)

The benefits of using a CBD-only product include a potential reduction in anxiety and improved sleep patterns. Some people prefer CBD-exclusive products simply because they don’t want THC’s intoxicating effects. (It should be remembered that CBD is technically psychoactive.) 

10:1 (CBD:THC)

The ratio of 10:1 tips the see-saw towards CBD, which some may find dampens THC’s psychoactivity. However, sedation is still possible in higher doses. The ratio of 20:1 CBD:THC may produce similar sedative effects.

Other CBD-rich ratios like 3:1 or 6:1 may tip the scale in favor of CBD’s effects.

1:2 or 1:3 CBD:THC

These products contain both THC and CBD, but this time with more THC. The CBD can buffer some of THC’s psychoactivity in such products but may also lengthen the experience. 

High-CBD-low-THC ratios are recommended for cannabis novices who don’t know how their bodies and brains will react to THC. 

Cannabis Strains with a 1:1 THC:CBD Ratio

Some breeders, like Resin Seeds and CBD Crew, specialize in developing CBD-rich cannabis varieties.

The following balanced cannabis strains (“varietals”) are some varieties bred with a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio in mind:

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

A medical marijuana recommendation is the best way to learn which THC:CBD ratio works for you. Reach out to the doctors at Leafwell, and we’ll guide you through the simple application process for a medical marijuana card.

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