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When searching for cannabis products to relieve pain, you may be between using a cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) product. CBD and THC are both naturally produced by the cannabis plant, and they have a similar chemical composition, though their impact on your body is vastly different.

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While many believe CBD<strong> or</strong> THC is the answer to pain relief, the best solution is a THC:CBD ratio.

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A cannabinoid ratio is the measurement of CBD versus THC in a certain cannabis product. In the case of a 1:1 ratio, it means that the product in question has equal parts CBD and THC.

When you use CBD and THC on their own, you enjoy the full effects of the relaxing CBD and the psychoactive effects of THC to their fullest potential. But using cannabis products with a 1:1 ratio gives you the benefits of both simultaneously;for example, when they are used together, the mild sense of paranoia some individuals experience when using THC alone is offset by the more relaxing CBD.

Ratios of THC and CBD in a cannabis product can become confusing. Because the chemical make-up of CBD offsets the psychoactive properties of THC, there is a delicate balance in the ratio. Too much THC, and you may experience unwanted psychoactive effects; too much CBD, and you may have none at all. The <a href="/blog/cannabis-for-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">right balance for pain and anxiety relief</a> depends on what ratio you choose to go with.

In simple terms, the higher the CBD content of the cannabis product you are using, the less of a high you’ll get from any THC in it.

This occurs because THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). These receptors are located throughout the body, and exist as both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Together, they regulate a variety of bodily processes, including appetite, sleep, mood, pain, and even memory. CBD is an antagonist that has a reduced binding affinity for ECS receptors and can lessen or block the body’s biological responses of pain, anxiety and more—especially while in the presence of THC.

Meanwhile, THC is what’s known as a partial agonist, working to activate certain other ECS sensors that produce hunger, feelings of calm, and even a high. As you can see, finding the “golden ratio” of THC to CBD is an important part of finding a cannabis product that will give you a moderate high and the medical effects you’re seeking.

CBD To THC Ratios: Why Is 1:1 The Golden Ratio?

A 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC is commonly referred to as the Golden Ratio. In addition to allowing the body to experience the benefits of the entourage effect, the Golden Ratio can help to reduce body pain and anxiety.

<strong>The golden ratio of THC to CBD is 1:1, but there are many variants when it comes to cannabis products, including:</strong>

A product with this ratio is very high in CBD, and very low in THC. This is a great start for any cannabis product user, or someone who has been previously uncomfortable with the psychoactive effects of THC.

This product has high levels of CBD, but still contains low levels of THC. There is the potential that a product with this ratio can have psychoactive effects, but they should be mild.

This ratio is great for individuals who don’t want the full effect of THC, but enjoy some of its properties. This is considered a balanced range with minimal psychoactivity.

Those that use this ratio of THC to CBD products generally enjoy some of the psychoactive effects of THC, which are less pronounced due to the addition of CBD.

Best for individuals who can tolerate the psychoactive effects of THC, and want the natural healing elements of CBD.

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The entourage effect occurs when all cannabinoid compounds and terpenes within the cannabis plant work together in harmony. When all of these beneficial compounds are utilized at the same time, they work hand in hand to enhance and balance out one another’s effects on the human body.

You’ll normally see the term “entourage effect” when discussing full-spectrum cannabis products—those products that contain CBD, THC, CBN, other cannabinoids, and a range of terpenes and flavonoids to create pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing effects.

A 1:1 strain is a cultivar with equal parts THC and CBD; these strains occur in a variety of different aromatic flavors. It’s impossible to have a plant generate completely equal parts THC and CBD, but these cultivars are as close as possible to 1:1. Like regular THC flower strains, each 1:1 Golden Ratio strain can feature everything from woody to citrus terpenes and various flavonoids.

Unlike flower strains that are high in THC, which can cause sensitive users to experience paranoia, anxiety, or heavy sedation, the 1:1 flower strains offer a delicate balance between the psychoactive effects of THC and the down-to-earth body vibes that CBD offers.

Some individuals have reported that for them, CBD acts almost like a “chaperone” for the paranoia that can come with the consumption of THC. Smoking a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio strain of flower can help any novice or experienced cannabis user achieve the perfect balance of the <a href="/learn/cannabis-glossary/">entourage effect</a>.

When shopping for 1:1 ratio edibles, you’ll be able to find the THC to CBD ratio on the product’s packaging. Unlike occasional variations within flower strains, every THC to CBD 1:1 ratio edible has been calculated to be exactly what it claims.

Edibles can be found in an almost endless supply of varieties. Most people choose to ingest their edibles in the form of favorites like brownies, candies, or cookies, but they are found in just about any form you can dream up. You can even find candies like <a href="/blog/encore-marijuana-mints/">flavored mints</a>, or choose to create your own edibles at home, especially if you love baking.

Although the CBD within 1:1 ratio products generally offsets some of the psychoactive properties the THC has, it’s always important to remember that this is not always certain. When using 1:1 edibles, you need to be prepared to encounter any psychoactive effects the edible might have. It’s also wise to remember that edibles can take much longer to take effect.

Inexperienced individuals often do not realize that edibles can take up to 60 minutes to exhibit their full effect. These individuals have the potential to accidentally ingest more cannabinoids than they intended if they grow impatient.

When consuming cannabis food products, also known as edibles, you’ll have a lot of options. Everything from brownies to soft chews and specialty candies have been crafted into a cannabis product containing THC and/or CBD.

Typically, edibles can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes before you feel the onset of their effects. The amount of time it can take you to feel the edible effects depends on what type you are ingesting. Some that deliver CBD and THC into the bloodstream through the mouth and not through ingestion, also known as sublingually administered, will kick in much faster.

When it comes to cookies or other ingestible products, you’ll have to wait longer to feel the effects. This is because the digestive system must metabolize the active ingredients in the liver, before releasing them back into the bloodstream. Be sure to <a href="/blog/edible-dosing-guide/">check your dose properly</a> before ingesting edibles so you have a better idea of what to expect.

When using your 1:1 THC to CBD ratio edibles, it can be a great time to get creative in the kitchen. You can include your edible brownies or cookies with ice cream as a dessert. If you’re a fan of chocolate, try using cannabis chocolates in s’mores at home or at your next campsite.

<a href="/blog/all-of-your-questions-about-sublingual-tincture-answered/">Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts.</a> When it comes to 1:1 tinctures, this means that equal parts THC and CBD have been combined with an alcohol-based or glycerin-based concentrate. Tinctures, like some forms of edibles, are delivered to the bloodstream sublingually. This means they are normally taken as liquid drops underneath the individual's tongue. When a tincture is administered sublingually, its properties can take effect much quicker.

With tinctures and edibles, unlike with smoking flower, you can know exactly how much THC and CBD is in the compound you are going to ingest. This will help you accurately and confidently determine how much of a dose to ingest and eliminate any guessing when it comes to what sort of chemical compounds you’re putting into your body.

When using tinctures, you don’t have to worry about all of the effort that goes into smoking 1:1 ratio flower products. Tinctures don’t require any additional equipment or prep work, like rolling papers or hand pipes, to consume your 1:1 THC and CBD products.

When you purchase your tincture, you’ll be able to know for sure that you’ll be ingesting a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD. By using the tincture dropper to administer the tincture sublingually, you’ll be able to control what dose you receive with accuracy and precision.

For most individuals, it takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes to begin to feel the calming, relaxing effects of tincture cannabis products. Double-check your dose before administering, and when beginning to use tincture products, start with small doses and build up accordingly.

In addition to ingesting with the direct sublingual dropper, you can add the tincture to pretty much any liquid you’d like. You can mix your tincture into any water-based drink, without having to worry about loss of effect or potency.

Explore 1:1 CBD:THC Cannabis You Can Trust at Zen Leaf

It’s very likely that everyone could benefit from a dose of CBD. The compound is known for its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties, and when consumed with THC, aids in the entourage effect, and can even offset some of the edginess THC may provide. If the Golden Ratio, 1:1, or others interest you, ask your Cannabis Advisor which may best complement your current cannabis routine. Happy dosing!

Struggling With Pain? Try 1:1 Cannabis Products

Danyal Swan

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