What’s the Perfect Pairing? THC to CBD Ratio Explained

What’s the Perfect Pairing? THC to CBD Ratio Explained

When you are shopping for cannabis products, you may notice that some include more than one cannabinoid in a particular ratio. For example, you may see a vape pen with a 2:1 CBD:THC ratio. Or perhaps some edibles with a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio. What does this mean exactly?

Cannabinoid ratios are often confusing to new (and even seasoned) Michigan provisioning center customers, but our guide will clear things up for you. Keep reading to learn more!



Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the two most common cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

Cannabis is a mostly psychoactive plant with over 500 components, including at least 110 cannabinoids (that we know of today). But there are two primary cannabinoids most consumers are familiar with: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).  Traditional cannabis thinking says tetrahydrocannabinol percentage determines psychoactive potency – a more significant THC percentage equates to more intense psychoactive effects. And CBD, as a counterpoint to THC, can mitigate its less desirable side effects like anxiety. 

We now know things aren’t quite so simple (we wrote two blogs about it here, and here), but since this wisdom prevails, it’s worth understanding the meaning of cannabinoid ratios in your favorite Michigan provisioning center products. There are also now numerous cannabis consumption methods (inhalation, topicals, edibles, drinkables, and more) adding to the confusion. 

 

Understanding Cannabis Product Ratios

Like most cannabis-related topics, we’re still in the early phases of understanding the deeper intricacies of cannabinoid ratios. Still, the medicinal and therapeutic properties of cannabis cannot be disputed.. Different cannabinoids interact differently with our body’s receptors. THC binds to the CB1 brain receptors, and CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors. CBD can block THC’s ability to link with the CB1 receptors, which explains how using them together can mitigate some of weed’s unwanted side effects and psychoactivity. 

You can expect that Michigan provisioning center products containing a more significant CBD ratio offer less intense psychoactive effects, while high-THC products will have more. Products with low (or no) tetrahydrocannabinol are attractive to consumers who aren’t interested in psychoactive effects but want positive attributes like anxiety and general pain relief.For example, products labeled 1:1 indicate that there is one milligram of CBD for every milligram of THC – it contains equal parts of both cannabinoids.

Using a cannabidiol-dominant ratio during the day may help keep you alert and focused

Different Cannabinoid Ratios for Different Purposes

What is the best CBD:THC ratio for pain? How about anxiety? Sleep? Socializing? What are the best cannabis products for your individual needs?

Every person is different. Factors determine your cannabis experiences outside of cannabinoid  ratios – like body chemistry and even the food you eat before or after consumption. 

What works for your friend might not be the best choice for you. We suggest new Michigan cannabis consumers start with products containing a more significant ratio of CBD to THC; this makes it easier to learn what works best with your body chemistry and individual needs. 

The less desirable aspects of cannabis (anxiety, the munchies) are usually brought about by higher tetrahydrocannabinol dosages. Smaller doses of THC tend to stimulate consumers while higher doses are often sedating.

Here are the most common THC/CBD ratios found in a Michigan provisioning center:

 

CBD:THC RATIO EXPLANATIONs & PRoduct Description

Cannabis products that are entirely CBD. These products produce little to no psychoactive effects but are mood-enhancing and helpful for reducing anxiety without side effects.

Contains so little THC that its effects are barely noticeable. CBD keeps psychoactive effects at bay but still allows consumers to realize THC’s positive attributes (the entourage effect at work). 

2:1 CBD:THC products have a higher ratio of cannabidiol to tetrahydrocannabinol. 2:1 products often eliminate anxiety, paranoia, and psychoactivity, but still allow consumers to experience the therapeutic aspects of both cannabinoids.

What does 1:1 CBD:THC mean? This balanced ratio indicates equal quantities of each cannabinoid. 1:1 products are a perfect starting place for new Michigan cannabis consumers – it’s just enough THC to realize its many benefits and achieve a mildly euphoric high, while the CBD tampers down excessive psychoactive effects.

Cannabis edibles are one type of product that may contain a ratio of cannabinoids.

Timber’s Recommended Edible Products

As you can see from the table above, your preferred cannabinoid ratio depends upon your treatment goals and your prior experience with cannabis. Timber offers a variety of balanced cannabinoid combo products to choose from. Here are a few of our favorite edibles that contain both CBD and THC:

 

More Cannabidiol: 

 

Balanced Ratio:

 

More Tetrahydrocannabinol:

No matter your cannabinoid ratio preference, Timber has the weed you need! Check out our premium menu of top-shelf products including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes and carts, concentrates, topicals, tinctures, and more. Order online and pick up at a Timber dispensary near you!