Medical marijuana is a life-changing treatment for some patients with common, complex conditions. However, once they receive their medical marijuana card, finding the best product with the ideal cannabinoid ratios of THC and CBD comes next. Optimal cannabis dosing is a personalized experience, and finding the perfect THC to CBD ratio is no different.
What are THC and CBD?
THC and CBD are two of the most well-known and researched cannabinoids. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that results in the “high” that people associate with marijuana. On the other hand, CBD does not have any intoxicating properties and can actually reduce some of marijuana’s less desirable effects, such as anxiety or paranoia.
THC requires a medical prescription in Florida, while CBD does not. So, while you could go out and purchase CBD products by themselves, studies show that THC and CBD work best in combination.
Both cannabinoids have important medical benefits and may significantly improve a person’s quality of life if they suffer from:
What is the “Entourage Effect”?
The medical cannabis community refers to the effects of combining THC and CBD as the ‘entourage effect.’ This term was coined by Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneer in cannabinoid studies. Research suggests that cannabinoids work best when they are consumed together rather than separately.
When THC binds to receptors throughout our body, it stimulates appetite, pain relief, euphoria and more. CBD also binds to these receptors and enhances the effects of THC. In other words, CBD increases the effectiveness of THC and vice versa.
Common CBD to THC Ratios
When you acquire your Florida medical marijuana ID card, your next stop will be to visit your local dispensary. There, you will see a variety of medical cannabis products in a plethora of ratios. While choosing the ideal ratio may take some trial and error, here are some common CBD to THC ratios to help you start finding your perfect match.
50:1 and 20:1 | High CBD, Low THC
A medical marijuana product that contains high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC may be ideal for beginners who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC. Additionally, research has suggested that a little THC may actually go a long way, so these ultra-low THC doses may surprise you.
10:1 | High CBD, Medium THC
Cannabis products in this ratio are ideal for patients who want to maximize the health benefits of CBD while introducing more of THC’s therapeutic effects.
5:1 | Medium-High CBD, Medium THC
This ratio is best for those who have a tolerance to THC. If this is your first time trying this dose, it may be best to take it before bed to test your impairment level.
1:1 | Equal Amounts CBD and THC
Most beginners should avoid a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio until they understand how THC affects them. However, this ratio can be ideal for those who have an existing THC tolerance.
The Perfect Ratio is Personal
Finding the perfect ratio of THC to CBD for your condition may take some time, but it’s worth it in the end. Everyone has a unique biochemistry that impacts how they feel after using medical marijuana products with different ratios of cannabinoids. With trial and error, you will become more familiar with how CBD and THC affect you.
It is always important to remember to “start low and go slow” when it comes to THC. This means that you should begin with a product that has low levels of THC and increase the dose slowly.
Contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor
If you would like to learn more about how medical marijuana may be able to help you, begin by taking our patient survey to help our Florida medical marijuana doctors determine if you are eligible for treatment.
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