1:1 CBD-THC Ratio - April 2024

1:1 Ratio Overview

Approximately 100 cannabinoids have been identified from the cannabis plant⁽⁶⁾. The main psychoactive component is (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), primarily synthesized in the plant’s flowers and leaves.

Cannabidiol (CBD), the nonpsychoactive counterpart of THC, is another significant cannabinoid in cannabis⁽⁷⁾. It is believed to have potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and anxiolytic properties without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Although both compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system, CBD and THC’s actions are entirely different⁽⁸⁾.

The variances in THC and CBD concentrations in the cannabis plant represent the differences in effects across cannabis strains⁽⁹⁾.

CBD, the second most prevalent phytocannabinoid, contributes up to 40% of the plant’s extract⁽¹⁰⁾. CBD has little affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, although it may counteract THC‘s action.

However, the CB1 receptor binds the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9–THC). CB1 mediates most of delta-9–THC‘s central nervous system effects⁽¹¹⁾.

Nabiximols is an oromucosal spray of a whole cannabis plant extract with a 1:1 ratio of THC to cannabidiol⁽¹²⁾. This spray was initially licensed and approved in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Canada for treating pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. 

The Entourage Effect of THC and CBD

When individuals take cannabis-based products with THC and CBD, the body experiences the “entourage effect”⁽¹³⁾.

The “entourage effect” is the proposed favorable contribution of terpenes to cannabinoid action⁽¹⁴⁾. The effect indicates that the real impact is higher than the sum of its components.

Terpenes are natural oils that give cannabis its aroma, color, and flavor. 

What Is a CBD:THC Ratio?

A CBD: THC ratio indicates the equal amounts of CBD and THC present in a medical cannabis product. CBD:THC ratios are possible in all cannabis forms, including flowers, concentrates, edibles, topicals, tinctures, and capsules. 

Products with 1:1 CBD:THC ratio can be found at most dispensaries. Consumers usually rely on individual tolerance to CBD and their desired experience when finding the optimal ratio.

Different Health Benefits of a 1:1 Ratio

The 1:1 ratio may be beneficial for pain relief, particularly neuropathic (nerve) pain⁽¹⁵⁾. However, beyond the trials done on Sativex for multiple sclerosis, there is no solid clinical evidence of distinct health advantages.

Meanwhile, the cannabis-extract oromucosal spray, nabiximols, made with 1:1 THC:CBD was demonstrated to cure chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in a small pilot randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical research in Spain⁽¹⁶⁾.

In addition, most of this study focused on the effects of Sativex, a 1:1 THC/CBD cannabis-based medicinal extract, on sleep in patients with chronic pain⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Clinical studies revealed that Sativex-treated individuals with chronic pain reported improved sleep quality⁽¹⁸⁾.

However, some research indicates that 1:1 THC/CBD formulations do not enhance sleep duration while subjectively enhancing sleep quality⁽¹⁹⁾.

Uses of 1:1 Ratio

Most clinical investigations on managing intractable chronic pain with CBD generally used a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio. This ratio was often administered in the form of the well tolerated oromucosal spray Sativex (Nabiximols in the United States)⁽²⁰⁾.

Combining the two often enhances the harmful and euphoric effects of THC dosing alone. CBD:THC formulations may reduce mean pain scores in chronic patients with multiple sclerosis⁽²¹⁾.

The ratio also improved neurophysical measurements in response to noxious stimuli. The CBD:THC ratio may also reduce intractable chronic pain in advanced cancer patients and enhance refractory or neuropathic pain after failed spinal cord surgery⁽²²⁾.

How to Read Ratios and Doses

The first number will indicate the CBD content whenever consumers see a product with a ratio. The second number indicates the THC content of the same substance. 

For instance, a 10:1 ratio tincture has ten times as much CBD as THC. Understanding that CBD comes first is essential since consumers may encounter ratios with more THC than CBD. 

Each ratio has its spectrum of effects. Therefore, for consumers’ wellness, they need to check with a healthcare professional to determine which ratio or amount of CBD and THC best meets the consumer’s requirements.

How Does 1:1 THC:CBD Ratio Work?

The 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD seems to allow for higher doses of THC without increasing the risk of adverse side effects⁽²³⁾. 

CBD counteracts some of THC’s psychoactive and sedative effects without affecting THC’s supposed results, including relaxing muscles and reducing spasticity⁽²⁴⁾.

THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid compounds are now being studied alone and in combination for therapeutic effects⁽²⁵⁾.

Other Common THC:CBD Ratios

Here are some other common THC:CBD ratios:

• A 0:1 ratio indicates that the product contains no CBD in the THC mixture. 

THC has been shown in clinical investigations to disrupt rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and shorten sleep latency⁽²⁶⁾. Sleep latency is the period between turning off the lights and the first cycle of any stage of sleep⁽²⁷⁾.

Individuals sensitive to THC may suffer its adverse effects, such as mood changes, hallucinations, and impaired memory⁽²⁸⁾. 

• Meanwhile, spectra are THC and CBD products with a 1:0 ratio of CBD to THC. The ratio indicates that the product is THC-free and should not induce psychoactive effects. 
• High-THC ratios are ones like 1:9 or 1 to any number higher than 9. Even though these products do not have as much THC as concentrates, they still have many of the same high-THC attributes.

Different Strains of 1:1 THC:CBD Ratio

The strains listed below are examples of commonly bred cannabis with balanced 1:1 or THC:CBD ratios. 

• Argyle’s genetics are mostly Cannabis indica. The Argyle variety is recognized for its woody and peppery overtones. The buds should be coated with amber trichomes and have a dark green hue. 
• The indica sativa ratio of Pennywise is 70/30. It initially bloomed with the assistance of TGA Subcool Seeds. The THC level of this strain ranges from 8 to 15%, while the CBD content is 12%.

TGA Seeds was founded in 2001 by a small group of devoted medicinal growers who had become weary of the prevalent misleading claims and fabricated marketing in the seed industry.

• Cannatonic is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain with low THC and high CBD levels. Its THC level is relatively low, ranging between 3% and 6% on average. Despite its low THC level, this strain is crucial for individuals seeking CBD-rich strains, with an average CBD concentration of 6% to 17%. 
• Royal Highness’ chunky, lime-green flowers are mostly sativa (60% sativa, 40% indica). Royal Highness smells like spicy skunk out of the bottle. When burnt, these taste like charred wood combined with pungent cheese.

What Is a 1:1 Edible?

The ratio-infused edibles include both THC and CBD. The simplest method to determine if an edible is ratio-infused or not is to read the product’s label. 

The packaging will indicate the THC and CBD concentrations of the substance. A 1:1 ratio of infused edibles will include equal levels of CBD and THC (in milligrams).

The mixture of edibles like gummies has the same amount of CBD and THC. Depending on the dose, THC may make individuals feel high, mainly if they have never used cannabis. If consumers use this ratio, it is best to start with low doses and slowly increase them based on how well they work.

Also, CBD gummies are simple to administer since each gummy has a fixed dose of CBD. Most CBD gummies on the market contain between 10mg and 25mg of CBD.

CBD edibles have an onset time between 30 and 90 minutes and a duration of between 6 and 8 hours⁽²⁹⁾.

There are no clinical studies on the 1:1 CBD-THC ratio. However, users may note that edibles with a 1:1 CBD-THC ratio may have the same benefits as other cannabis-based products⁽³⁰⁾. 

What Is a 1:1 Tincture?

Cannabis is mixed with an alcohol- or glycerin-based concentrate to produce true tinctures. Tinctures may be administered sublingually for absorption via the thin membranes beneath the tongue. Tinctures may also be added to a variety of beverages or foods.

Users may note that CBD and THC levels are equal in the composition of tinctures. Depending on the amount, individuals may experience psychoactive effects, particularly first-time cannabis users. If consumers utilize a 1:1 ratio, they should begin with modest dosages and gradually raise them depending on their efficacy. 

Different Side Effects and Risks of 1:1 Ratio

Whenever individuals consume THC, they run the chance of experiencing psychoactive effects. 

This risk may be avoided by cautious dosing, selecting high-quality products, and developing an individualized medical marijuana treatment plan. 

Individuals may also try a product with a higher CBD concentration or a 1:1 product with a lower THC concentration.

Although consumers take all measures, they may still encounter the following adverse effects after taking cannabis, including a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio of Sativex. 

Common adverse effects of Sativex include dizziness and tiredness. However, symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and paranoid thoughts have rarely been described⁽³¹⁾. At typical dosages, Sativex does not impair driving ability or have substantial adverse effects on cognition and mood, even in the elderly.

1. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
2. The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
3. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
4. Sativex-induced neurobehavioral effects: causal or concausal? A practical advice!
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4407789/
5. Ibid.
6. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
   frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/
7. Ibid.
8. The Therapeutic Aspects of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) for Cancer and their Development: From Nature to Laboratory
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412000/
9. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/
10. Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
    https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/20849
11. Cannabinoid Receptors in the Central Nervous System: Their Signaling and Roles in Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5209363/
12. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
13. The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
14. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
15. The neuropathic pain: An overview of the current treatment and future therapeutic approaches
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6431761/
16. Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
    https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq
17. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature
    https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/s11920-017-0775-9.pdf
18. Ibid.
19. Ibid.
20. A Review of Scientific Evidence for THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray (Nabiximols) in the Management of Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027889/
21. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
22. ​​A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
23. Cinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719112/
24. Ibid.
25. Ibid.
26. 0159 Reduced REM Sleep Percent in Frequent Cannabis Versus Non-Cannabis Users
    https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/43/Supplement_1/A62/5846891
27. Sleep Latency
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/sleep-latency
28. What is marijuana?
    https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana
29. Healing with CBD, page 191
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
30. The neuropathic pain: An overview of the current treatment and future therapeutic approaches
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6431761/
31. Sativex-induced neurobehavioral effects: causal or concausal? A practical advice!
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4407789/