By now, it’s well known that cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) work best when used together. But in order to reap the full benefits of the CBD:THC combination, you need to use these cannabinoids in the right ratio.
While the 1:1 CBD:THC ratio is well-known for the balanced head high effect it gives, ratios like 4:1 and 10:1 CBD:THC render milder highs and stronger physical effects for people who want the therapeutic benefits without as many psychoactive feelings.
In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about CBD:THC ratios, from popular ratios to the best CBD:THC ratios for pain, anxiety, and sleep.
What’s a CBD:THC Ratio?
A CBD:THC ratio is a ratio between how much CBD and THC are in a cannabis product, be it in a flower strain, gummies, or a tincture.
CBD:THC ratios control the type of effects you feel, dosage you take controls the intensity of these effects.
The reason CBD comes first in the ratios is that generally, you’ll want to experiment with taking different amounts of CBD along with a set amount of THC.
CBD won’t get you high and tends to have a balancing effect on THC; the purpose of using CBD with THC is often to dampen the high from THC while increasing its therapeutic benefits.
Benefits of Taking CBD and THC Together
Essentially, taking CBD and THC together renders more benefits than taking either cannabinoid by itself. Adding CBD to THC reduces its potentially anxiety- and paranoia-inducing properties while increasing its therapeutic benefits.
A scientific theory known as the entourage effect seeks to explain this. This theory says that taking different compounds in the hemp plant together can deliver greater benefits than taking phytocannabinoids (e.g. CBD or THC) in isolation.
Research seems to support the entourage effect.
A 2011 research review found that using cannabinoids and terpenes in combination may be beneficial for pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, cancer, and fungal infection [1].
However, a 2023 clinical trial found that CBD had no effects on the potentially addictive properties of THC [2].
This suggests that CBD may be beneficial when added to THC in many, but not all, instances.
Based on the entourage effect and anecdotal evidence, there seems to be three key benefits to using CBD and THC together:
- Greater therapeutic benefits: While CBD and THC share some potential therapeutic uses (pain and sleep), they also have distinct, complementary uses (CBD for epilepsy and anxiety, THC for appetite).
- Fewer side effects from THC: Adding CBD to THC tends to decrease the potential of THC to cause paranoia, anxiety, and inebriation, and doing so renders a more body-focused high that’s beneficial for sleep or physical comfort.
- Improved circulation & absorption of both cannabinoids: Research suggests that your body may interact better with CBD and THC if they’re used together [3]. Anecdotally, most people report that using CBD and THC together leads to increased absorption; one idea that’s been explored is that CBD may slow your body’s metabolism of THC, allowing it to render stronger effects.
Common CBD:THC Ratios
While the 1:1 CBD:THC ratio is the one you’ll most commonly find products, there are unique benefits to be had at many different ratios. Here are the most common:
1:1 CBD:THC
The 1:1 ratio is designed to create a psychoactive experience, but with fewer of THC’s potentially undesirable side effects.
This blend will give you an effect that is very noticeably euphoric, but you’re less likely to feel things like paranoia and anxiety – and you’ll therapeutically benefit from the addition to CBD.
While not as powerful as pure THC (0:1), a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio is still best left to those who are already comfortable with the head high. If you aren’t, opt for a higher-CBD ratio.
2:1 CBD:THC
The 2:1 CBD:THC ratio renders effects similar to the 1:1 ratio, but with a weaker head high.
While the psychoactive effects will still be noticeable, the overall experience will be body-focused. This makes the 2:1 ratio ideal for supporting physical comfort.
4:1 CBD:THC
If the main reason you’re using THC is for the therapeutic support it offers – rather than the head effects – a 4:1 CBD:THC ratio might be what you’re looking for.
You’ll feel a little bit lifted, but mainly, you’ll feel physically and mentally relaxed.
>10:1 CBD:THC
A 10:1 ratio of CBD to THC is perfect if you don’t want to feel any sort of high but want to experience the entourage effect in action: the elevated therapeutic benefits from adding THC to CBD.
Ratios with more CBD than 10:1 are more akin to full-spectrum CBD, which contains very small amounts of THC; enough to make it more therapeutically beneficial than CBD alone, but not enough to create any noticeable effects.
What’s the Best CBD:THC Ratio for Pain?
High-THC ratios are best for pain, as THC is able to promote physical comfort while also creating a head high that may provide some distraction from the discomfort.
We recommend a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio for pain, or a 2:1 ratio for a milder head effect. Depending on your situation, you may also prefer a THC-dominant ratio like 1:2 or 1:3 CBD:THC.
What’s the Best CBD:THC Ratio for Anxiety?
High-CBD ratios are best for anxiety and stress, as large amounts of THC may cause anxiety, rather than promote mental relaxation.
We recommend a 10:1 CBD:THC ratio – or, a full-spectrum CBD product – for anxiety.
What’s the Best CBD:THC Ratio for Sleep?
For sleep, a balanced ratio of CBD:THC – or one leaning slightly toward CBD – can promote strong mental and physical relaxation.
We recommend a 1:1 or 2:1 CBD:THC ratio for sleep and nighttime use.
CBD:THC Ratio Calculator
High-CBD, High-THC, and Balanced Strains
If you’ve decided to find a cannabis or hemp strain with your preferred CBD:THC ratio, here are some ideas to get you started.
High-CBD strains:
- Harlequin
- ACDC
- Sour Tsunami
- Sour Diesel
- Ringo’s Gift
High-THC strains:
- Gelato
- Apple Fritter
- Cereal Milk
- Animal Mints
- OGKB
Balanced strains:
- Pennywise
- Cannatonic
- Sweet and Sour Widow
- Royal Highness
- Shark Shock
Conclusion: Choosing the Right CBD:THC Ratio for You
Finding the CBD:THC ratio that works best comes down to understanding the type of effects you want – the intensity of these effects can then be controlled by the size of the dose you take.
High-CBD ratios work best if you’re looking for mental relaxation. The smaller amount of THC will render a bit of euphoria without overwhelming you. The inverse is better for physical discomfort, where high-THC blends can render more powerful physical relaxation than CBD alone.
No matter where start with, though, you’ll likely need to experiment with both your ratio and dosage in order to get the effects you’re looking for.
Learn more:
CBD:THC Ratio: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBD:THC ratios.
What is the golden ratio of CBD to THC?
While there is no best CBD:THC ratio, one of the most popular is 1:1 CBD:THC, which renders a noticeable head high, but without anxiety or paranoia – and the additional therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Does CBD make THC stronger?
CBD may increase THC’s physically relaxing properties, but it tends to reduce THC’s inebriating effects.
What is the right ratio for CBD?
1:1 CBD:THC and 10:1 CBD:THC are some of the most commonly-used ratios for recreational and therapeutic use, respectively.
What are the benefits of high CBD and low THC?
High-CBD, low-THC ratios are most commonly used for anxiety and stress. These blends may promote mental relaxation, but with a bit of euphoria from THC.
Sources
[1] Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 163,7 (2011): 1344-64. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
[2] Oliver, Dominic et al. “Cannabidiol does not attenuate acute delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced attentional bias in healthy volunteers: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study.” Addiction (Abingdon, England) vol. 119,2 (2024): 322-333. doi:10.1111/add.16353
[3] Boggs, Douglas L et al. “Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.” Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 43,1 (2018): 142-154. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.209
