CBD to THC Ratio – How It Impacts Your Experience

What is a CBD-to-THC Ratio and How Does This Impact Your Hemp Experience?

With over 100 cannabinoids identified in the hemp plant, there are two that get the most attention: Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC).  These two cannabinoids reign supreme for a couple of reasons, but mainly because of their dominance in their respective cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana. 

That being said, it’s not surprising in the slightest to see an array of today’s hemp-based formulas contain a blend of the two cannabinoids.  Typically, you will find that the product’s label displays the ratio – like 1:2 delta 9 THC to CBD, 5:1, etc.  So, what do these ratios mean, and why do they matter?  Let’s explore.

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

Before we start talking ratios, let’s illustrate the key differences between CBD and THC, for those who are still a bit confused.

Cannabidiol is the nonintoxicating cannabinoid that dominates the hemp plant, which belongs to the cannabis genus.  CBD can’t get you high in any concentration, since it doesn’t attach to the same receptors as THC.

Delta 9 THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) dominates the marijuana plant, also belonging to the cannabis genus.  Delta 9 is intoxicating, since it attaches to receptors in the brain that create a psychoactive response.

What is a CBD-to-THC Ratio?

Now, let’s get into ratios.  A ratio, in this context, refers to the amount of THC to CBD.  The CBD ratio will always be higher, because of the discrepancies in legality between the two cannabinoids – something we will get into more in a little bit.  The ratio can be anywhere from 1:1 (THC to CBD) to 1:50 depending on the formula.  Naturally, the lower the ratio (1:1, 1:2, etc.) the more of an equal balance there is between the CBD and the THC.  

Now, keep in mind that the ratio doesn’t reflect the milligram strength.  A 1:2 THC to CBD ratio can sound like it’s going to get you incredibly high, but the milligrams of each cannabinoid in the product actually determine that.  A 1:2 ratio can mean 1mg THC to 2mg CBD, or it can mean 15mg THC to 30mg CBD – that’s quite a big difference in terms of how high you will experience. 

Why Does the Ratio Matter?

The ratio matters tremendously, since that balance between THC and CBD can make all of the difference when it comes to how a product affects you.  These two cannabinoids have a synergistic relationship with one another – in other words, the sum of their effects in combination is greater than the sum of their equal parts – so taking them together can boost the impact of one another.

Besides that, cannabidiol can “take the edge off” of tetrahydrocannabinol’s ‘high’, and thus, make the high generally more relaxing.  In fact, a lot of people find that taking CBD with THC helps them avoid some THC side effects like increase of heart rate and paranoia.  So, the ratio can tell you a lot about what the high might feel like, as a higher presence of CBD in the formula could mean a much mellower psychoactive experience. 

What About Legality?

Now, you may be wondering how these products can be legal.  After all, delta 9 THC is the most heavily restricted cannabinoid in the country, and in a lot of parts around the world, too.  But, federal law (2018 Farm Bill) is clear: hemp-infused products containing a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight can be sold legally.  Now, 0.3% may sound like a miniscule amount, however, you can get a healthy number of milligrams out of that percentage per dry weight.  A 1:2 THC to CBD ratio can mean 15mg of THC, after all, which is more than enough to get you high.  

What to Take into Account When Choosing the Ratio

When trying to decide which ratio is best for your hemp-related needs, you should take a few simple things into account in order to make the best decision for your needs. 

Factor #1: Your Tolerance

Of course, tolerance always comes into play.  Someone who’s totally new to THC should go with a ratio that has a high amount of CBD to THC – 5:1 or 10:1 are great starting points.  Again, pay attention to the milligram strength as well, since that can vary a lot from product to product.

Factor #2: What Type of Effects You Desire

What effects you’re seeking out will also have a lot to do with the amount that’s appropriate for you.  

• If you’re more interested in getting as high as possible, naturally you’ll want a ratio that contains as much THC to CBD as possible.  
• If you’re looking for something that’s CBD-heavy, or particularly crave a THC high that’s heavy on the CBD for its relaxing qualities, then that will inform your preferred ratio as well.

Factor #3: Milligram Strengths

Yes, that milligram strength of both the CBD and THC is, as we have mentioned, something to really take into consideration.  In other words, the ratio is just half of the equation when it comes to choosing which product to buy.  Essentially, the milligram strength is just as crucial for identifying how strong/potent the cannabinoids’ effects of will be.  

Finding the Right Ratio for You at Tillmans Tranquils 

Tillmans Tranquils signature full-spectrum Mints come in various ratios of THC to CBD. That way, users can easily handpick the cannabinoid blend that makes the most sense for them.  These all-natural mints allow you to enjoy your two favorite cannabinoids in edible form, for effects that can last for several hours at a time.  We strongly recommend scoping out the different options that we have, in order to find the best ratio based on your specific preferences.  No matter what, our THC to CBD mints are fully compliant with federal law (2018 Farm Bill).