Best CBD: THC Ratios for Relaxation

Life is already hectic, and if you want to wind down after work or sit back and kick back and enjoy the weekend with your dog, cannabis can help you. It is a terrific way to relax.

But any cannabis product won't cut it. You need to find a specific product with the right CBD: THC ratio that works for you, and the quest for that product begins by understanding what these ratios mean, where you should start, and how. 

Learn all about the best CBD: THC ratios for relaxation in this article.

Understanding the Basics: What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?

Without going too much into detail, let's look at how CBD differs from THC and how both cannabinoids work in synergy to help you relax. 

CBD is a cannabinoid present in cannabis and hemp and is one of the primary phytocannabinoids that does not produce any psychoactive effects on your mind. This is the biggest difference between CBD and THC.

CBD does not produce a high but it does have many health benefits as it may help with anxiety, seizures, inflammation and pain, nausea, migraine, depression, etc.

On the other hand, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive cannabinoid of cannabis that is responsible for producing the high we have all come to associate cannabis with. 

THC produces the high but even this cannabinoid can help you medically; it helps with pain, muscle spasticity, insomnia, nausea, and anxiety. 

Structurally, both CBD and THC are quite similar — both contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The arrangement is what differs between the two, leading to different effects. 

But since they are chemically alike, they act on your body's endocannabinoid systems similarly. When you consume these cannabinoids, they latch onto the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which affect the release of neurotransmitters in your brain that are responsible for stress, sleep, and pain. 

So, if you are feeling stressed or anxious, consuming CBD and THC together, in a specific ratio, can calm your nerves and help you relax. 

How Do CBD and THC Help You Relax?

CBD and THC work in synergy to help you relax. Yes, you can even take them individually to relax, but together, both produce an entourage effect that tends to have better relaxation for most users. 

Here, CBD relaxes your nervous system and THC relaxes your body (muscles). Plus, they can mellow you down, helping you fall asleep, reduce inflammation, or calm your train of thought. 

Taking them together as opposed to individually is recommended because THC, on its own, can be jarring for some users who are not used to the high. Here, CBD can help dampen the effects of THC. On the contrary, CBD is not as binding as THC, so taking some THC can help improve the effects of relaxation. 

Lastly, one study even found that taking CBD individually in small quantities can be counterproductive for relaxing — it can promote awakeness and won't let you relax properly. 

What are the Best Ratios of CBD to THC for Relaxation?

CBD to THC ratio is the amount of CBD compared to THC in a cannabis dose, and to relax the right way, you need to choose a ratio that works for you. Choosing the right ratio allows you to tailor your dosage as per your preference, whether you want to just relax or want a relaxing high. 

For example, a ratio of 1:1 CBD to THC would contain one part CBD for one part THC, and a ratio of 10:1 would contain 10 parts CBD for 1 part THC. 

Here are the best CBD: THC ratios for relaxation that you can start with.

0:1

This is a ratio that only contains THC — no CBD at all. Such cannabis products can produce an intense high while also relaxing you, and are ideal for those suffering from chronic pain, or insomnia. 

One drawback of this 0:1 CBD: THC ratio is that you may face some side effects of THC — anxiety or paranoia — if you consume too much. So, this ratio is only suitable for experienced cannabis consumers. 

The best 0:1 strains include Banana, Green Gelato, and Bruce Banner.

1:0

On the other hand, the 1:0 CBD: THC ratio only contains CBD — this ratio is completely non-psychoactive but the relaxation effects are also quite mild. This type of dosage is ideal if you are looking for mild relaxation during the day.

The best 1:0 cannabis strains include CBD Fix, CBD Blackberry Kush, and Tatanka Pure CBD.

1:1

As you would guess, the 1:1 ratio contains one part CBD for one part THC — a perfectly balanced ratio of both cannabinoids. The effects of this ratio are quite effective at relaxing you — a mild effect that still allows you to breeze through your day without being couch-locked or too high. 

The best 1:1 cannabis strains include Dance World, Painkiller XL, Lemon Auto, CBD Skunk Haze, CBD Crack, and CBD Sweet and Sour Widow.

2:1 or 4:1

If you want the benefits of CBD but don't mind a little high along with it, you can try a 2:1 or 4:1 CBD to THC ratio. The high won't be intense but small enough to help you relax better and even combat anxiety. 

The best 2:1 or 4:1 strains include CBD Medi Haze, Himalayan CBD, and CBD Lemon Potion Auto.

10:1 to 25:1

If your CBD requirements are higher or want to get the best bang for your buck, you can choose ratios from 10:1 to 25:1 — they contain a lot of CBD and a pinch of THC to enhance CBD's effectiveness in helping you relax. 

1:9 or Higher

On the opposite end of the spectrum are 1:9 and higher ratios that have a lot of THC and a bit of CBD. These ratios can help you relax and deal with issues like migraine, nausea, chronic pain, and insomnia. 

The Best Ratio for You

The choice is vast and the best ratio depends entirely on you and what you find relaxing. For many users, a 1:1 ratio works just well to relax but more experienced users or those with chronic conditions may require greater ratios like 1:4 or 1:10. 

But if you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a 1:1 ratio for relaxation. This is an effective ratio with minimal risks of getting “too high”. Once you get to know how your body reacts to CBD: THC, you can tailor the ratio to suit your needs. 

What are the Best CBD: THC Products for Relaxation?

If you want to get the most out of cannabis and relax like never before, you need to find a type of product that suits you and your lifestyle best. Here are some of the most popular types of CBD: THC products you can find in your local dispensary or coffee shop.

1. Joints (or Vape)

Smoking cannabis is perhaps the default way to consume cannabis for many users — it is easy and the effects show up within a few minutes of smoking up. So, if you don't mind smoking, you can try smoking CBD: THC. 

Many users also find the act of rolling a joint and smoking it relaxing, too, so that's a double-win for you when you want to relax.

2. Edibles

On the other hand, if you don't want to smoke but want to enjoy the intense effect of cannabis, given that you have a little patience and time, you can try out edibles like gummies or cannabutter. 

Edibles come in a vast variety and you can add edible extracts to any dish you like — even your favorite burger. The only downside with edibles is that they take more than an hour to kick in, but when they do, the effect is slightly different than smoking but a lot more intense. 

3. Topicals

Relaxation may not be about relaxing your mind but your knee after a hard day at work. In that case, you can try topicals or creams. These work as stress relief — apply the product to a specific part of your body and let them absorb transdermally. 

This way of consuming cannabis is more targeted — it can help you relax your muscles or an aching joint or any specific body part. 

Plus, topicals can be a fun way to consume cannabis, too! You can buy massage oil, bath bombs, and whatnot and make the process even more relaxing. 

Summary: Best CBD: THC Ratios for Relaxation

Now that you know what CBD: THC ratios mean, use the guide and find out what ratio works best for you. Listen to your body. More THC or CBD does not always mean more relaxation; for many users, a simple 1:1 ratio is more than enough to calm their minds. 

Narrow down on the ratio and try out a few variations to see which one suits you best. The next step is the find the right product. For many users, joints do the trick, but wouldn't you like a cannabis-infused bath bomb?