How To Properly Read Cannabis Ratios


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Contributor: KC Scannell

It should come as no surprise that marijuana is widely becoming more and more accepted with each passing day. What used to be considered socially unacceptable, is now deemed one of the most beneficial things a person can do – for both their body and mind. The positive effects and therapeutic aspects of marijuana, and its various forms and mediums, are tremendous. To be honest, it is incredibly relieving to see that the majority of society is finally beginning to see the light.

With an influx of new cannabis enthusiasts popping up everywhere these days, that means that the average cannabis club or delivery service is catering more to “newbies” in the world of marijuana.  Which is more than fine. In fact, the cannabis community welcomes any and all newcomers with open arms (and packed bowls). But purchasing marijuana is not as easy for the rookie enthusiast. This is a whole new ballgame, and the more they know about products and their potency – the better off they will be.


Educating oneself about the varying levels of cannabis is paramount to the entire marijuana shopping experience. But I suppose such an approach is preferred, regardless of the product being bought. I mean, you wouldn’t just mosey onto a car lot, pick out the first vehicle you saw, and buy it, would you? No, I didn’t think so. That same mentality should be utilized when first stepping foot into the glorious world of cannabis.

Let us start with the basics, shall we?

There’s two main components of cannabis that will ultimately guide the user along a path to find what products are best for them. Because, remember, everybody is different – and cannabis can affect people in a litany of different ways. It is best to experiment with various mediums and potencies in the beginning, to better gauge just what kind of product is optimal for your particular situation.

The two components that I am talking about are: THC and CBD.

THC, short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the element of cannabis that’s made it famous all over the globe. This, in short, is the aspect of cannabis that elicits psychoactive effects, as well as therapeutic relief to the mind and body of the consumer. This, in essence, is the main thing that gets the user “high” after partaking in some THC-rich marijuana.


The THC component latches onto endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body, and this is how it routinely unleashes its phenomenal series of effects to better the immune system and assist the consumer’s mind to help them find some much-needed solace. With the psychoactive elements encouraging introspective thought, emotional stability, and calming of any anxieties the consumer may unknowingly be holding onto in their subconscious.

Then of course, we have CBD.

CBD, scientifically referred to as cannabidiol, is the biggest craze to take over this nation since the Macareña. Which may sound comical, sure, but there is really no other way to accurately compare the spike in popularity that these calming, non-psychoactive cannabis products have currently been enjoying. To be quite honest, I don’t see this trend slowing down any time soon either.

As I alluded to above, CBDs are not going to deliver any sort of psychoactive effects. Instead, they grab ahold of those same endocannabinoid receptors, but focus their concentrated alleviating efforts on the body and mind of the consumer, without any “high” feeling or sedation.

How To Properly Read Cannabis Ratios
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In fact, CBDs are known to eliminate fatigue and increase the healing process of any consumer dealing with a physical or mental ailment. CBDs may not get one “high” like their THC peers, but the wondrous effects they do deliver are phenomenally useful for everyday life. Which is probably why it has become so popular in recent months.

Now, you are probably thinking: Okay, so there are two different types of cannabis. Got it. But wait, my friend. There is a whole lot of overlap and combinations found at every single dispensary. Growers and companies are more than aware of each component’s strengths, and many have created specifically formulated hybrids to fit every single need of their customer base. These combinations are legally required to be listed on the packaging of each item.  However, they are not the easiest to decipher – especially if you are “brand new” to the world of marijuana.

What you are going to want to look for is a specific numbered ratio on the package. This will inform you on just what kind of combination the company used to formulate a specific product.

Here is a quick breakdown of what each ratio looks like, and the effects to expect with each one.  Also, the first number represents the amount of CBD. So, be sure to keep that in mind whilst skimming over each ratio.

  • 0:1: You guessed it – this means there is only THC, and its psychoactive effects, present in this particular product.
  • 25:1: Jumping to the other end of the spectrum is this supremely high CBD count. This, essentially, means there are 25 components of CBD for every single component of THC.  Currently, this is the largest CBD ratio available.
  • 18:1: Moving down the chain a touch, this ratio conveys that the particular product has 18 parts of CBD for every 1 part of THC. This is routinely looked upon as the ideal ratio for those “newbies” who aren’t exactly a fan of the psychoactive “high” that comes along with more potent products.
  • 8:1: Even though this is a fairly large drop off from the rung above it, this CBD heavy ratio is great for any rookies to the world of cannabis, as this sort of ratio rarely results in any sort of “high.”
  • 4:1: This mediocre combination is seen as the “middle of the road” as far as ratios are concerned. Sure, there is a slight sedation and psychoactivity to be expected with products sporting this ratio, but there is never going to be anything overpowering – which is due in large part to the CBD present in this ratio. It helps mellow out whatever “high” may occur.
  • 2:1: As you can already assume, this is a more even ratio, with it offering 2 elements of CBD for every 1 of THC. Users should expect an equilibrium of psychoactive effects and calming relief.
  • 1:1: This ratio is the epitome of balanced, and is the most readily available at dispensaries. It offers up a true split of 1 part CBD for every 1 part of THC, and it results in a tremendously enjoyable “high” – so be aware of the psychoactive components before partaking in these sort of products.
  • 1:2: THC takes over the reigns in this ratio, with only 1 element of CBD to be found for every 2 elements of the cerebrally-focused effects of THC.
  • 1:0: Completely ridding itself of THC altogether, this CBD only ratio is often referred to as an “” This is perfect for those enthusiasts looking for a calm way to alleviate their aches, pains, stresses, and anxieties – without any of the “high” from THC.

This breakdown is a fantastic “first step” on the road to increasing one’s knowledge about cannabis, and its varying effects. But, as informative as this is, it is always best for the consumer to test out the different ratios for themselves, in order to really know what is best for them and their specific needs.



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