What Are Ratio Strains?

In the cannabis industry, the most familiar system of classification for cannabis products distinguishes various strains as indica, sativa, and hybrid. These categories are often used to classify cannabis strains based on their intended effects—with sativa strains considered to be uplifting, indica strains more relaxing, and hybrids combining the effects of both. However, this is not the only way to compare cannabis strains, and some cannabis enthusiasts and scientists find this framework to be an oversimplification that doesn’t provide the best information about a strain’s effects. 

An alternative way to compare strains is by their major cannabinoid ratio, specifically the balance of CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) concentrations found in the product. By focusing on different CBD:THC ratios, the consumer can better select a strain that aligns with specific needs or preferences, and researchers can better categorize their data. CBG-dominant strains (type IV cannabis) are newly-bred, ultra-rare, and 100% CBG, so they won’t be covered here.

Some people prefer a high-potency THC experience, while others might want a more therapeutic option that produces minimal intoxication. In the following sections, we’ll explore some common CBD: THC ratios, explain their different benefits and effects, and provide some examples of popular strains that fall into each category, to help you make informed choices and find a strain that is best suited to your desires.

Comparing Strains Based on Ratios

Rather than focusing solely on a product’s total THC or CBD content, referring to the ratio between these two dominant cannabinoids offers a clearer way to compare strains. Cannabis strains vary widely in their phytochemical compositions, with different strains featuring different levels of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and more. The various cannabinoids, particularly CBD and THC, can act upon the body in distinct ways, influence each other’s effects, and cause noticeably different cannabis experiences.  

A strain’s CBD:THC ratio expresses how much cannabidiol is present relative to tetrahydrocannabinol in a cannabis flower, concentrate, or edible product. Concentration measures how much CBD or THC a cannabis product contains, often expressed as the amount of cannabinoids per weight (mg/g for flower) or volume (mg/mL for oils, tinctures, and concentrates).

For example, a 1:1 ratio means a product contains equal parts of both CBD and THC, while a 2:1 ratio indicates a CBD-dominant strain containing twice as much CBD as THC. By referring to such ratios, consumers can use a convenient shorthand for understanding how intoxicating, balanced, or therapeutic a strain’s effects will be. 

While THC is the main psychoactive compound responsible for cannabis’s high, CBD is a different non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has separate effects and can also modulate THC’s effects. For example, CBD has many more particular targets in the body that THC lacks, which means that CBD can have different effects. Strains with a high THC-to-CBD ratio will likely produce stronger psychoactive effects, while CBD-dominant strains instead provide more relaxation and therapeutic benefits for pain, sleep, and anxiety without much intoxication. 

Moreover, the presence of CBD and THC together may synergistically provide distinct benefits via the entourage effect that would not be achieved by consuming either cannabinoid on its own. The entourage effect is a complementary interaction of various compounds in cannabis—such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—with dozens of receptors in the body. These vast targets are both within and outside the endocannabinoid system; thus creating the larger concept of the endocannabinoidome (our cannabis-responsive targets).

Since different compounds interact with the body in distinct and overlapping ways, together they can enhance or modify the overall effects induced by a cannabis product. Thus, cannabis’ therapeutic and psychoactive properties are affected by factors beyond the THC level of a strain or product, and there are a variety of therapeutic benefits or enjoyable experiences that can be achieved via the combined influence of numerous cannabis compounds.

READ: The Complete Guide to CBD-Dominant Cannabis Strains

What Are Ratio Strains?

Ratio strains are cannabis varieties distinguished by their proportional content of CBD versus THC contained in the plant. Rather than focusing solely on total cannabinoid content, these ratios provide a comparative measure of how much CBD is present relative to THC. For example, a strain with a 1:1 ratio contains equal amounts of both cannabinoids, while a 10:1 strain is highly dominant in CBD versus THC.

It is important to consider these ratios because of the complex ways CBD and THC interact with the body. Understanding the differences between the effects of the various cannabinoid ratios can be helpful for consumers looking to make more informed choices or to achieve a certain kind of effect, whether it is recreational euphoria, mild relaxation, or therapeutic benefits without a high.

Cannabis products often contain certain commonly found ratios of CBD to THC, although these ratios can vary widely from 0:1 to 20:1. In nature, even 1:1 strains are rare, and other perfect ratios don’t neatly exist nor can be bred consistently, so the right balance may come from a rare strain, GMO strain, or likely a commercially-infused product. Keep in mind that if a product is made from THC and CBD isolates or distillates, fewer whole plant components will be present unless it’s made with more therapeutic  “live” or whole-plant extract. 

Here are a few typical cannabinoid ratios, along with their ideal applications.

~0:1 – Only THC or THC-dominant (trace to no CBD) Strains

• Examples: Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, Gorilla Glue
• Used for: Primarily psychoactive effects, recreational use, pain relief, and appetite stimulation

Strains with a roughly 0:1 ratio contain trace or virtually no CBD and are high in THC. These strains will produce the full psychoactive effects of cannabis, often characterized by euphoria, creativity, and relaxation. Some medical patients report that higher THC strains also relieve pain and inflammation. To researchers, THC-dominant strains are called type 1 cannabis, among other chemotypes described below.

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These high-THC varieties may be less ideal for people sensitive to THC, who might experience some of the adverse effects at lower doses than others. Without other therapeutic cannabinoid effects from CBD, these strains can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, or even nausea in some users. THC-only ratio strains are most helpful for experienced consumers wanting potent psychoactive effects or individuals using cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, depressed mood, or appetite loss.

1:1 – Balanced CBD:THC Strains

• Examples: OG Kush, Pennywise, Midnight, Harlequin
• Used for: Balanced effects, mild euphoria, anxiety and nausea relief, pain and muscle spasm management, sleep

Many cannabis users consider a 1:1 ratio ideal because it provides equal benefits from both cannabinoids, enhancing mood and relaxation without excessive intoxication. With equal parts CBD and THC, these strains provide gentle euphoria while allowing the user to maintain a clear-headed focus. The anxiety-reducing effects of CBD may help counteract some of THC’s negative side effects, such as paranoia, making this ratio a good choice for individuals sensitive to anxiety from THC.

This ratio may relieve pain, cause relaxation, and enhance a light mood. A 1:1 strain is also a good option to try for individuals newer to cannabis, as the balance of CBD can prevent the overwhelming effects that high-THC strains can sometimes induce. In research, these are often called type 2 strains.

2:1 – CBD-dominant Strains with THC Effects

• Examples: Cannatonic, Star tonic
• Used for: Anxiety relief, mood-lifting, reducing inflammation, daytime use, mild relaxation

Strains with a 2:1 ratio lean more heavily toward the therapeutic effects of CBD, while still offering psychoactive effects. These strains provide an ideal middle ground for users who want some THC effect without an overpowering high. The increased CBD content not only reduces some of the overwhelming effects of THC, but this ratio also provides more anti-inflammatory and antianxiety benefits. As such, these strains are more popular among individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, PTSD, OCD, and other conditions that can be addressed by therapeutic cannabis use. CBDA and CBD-dominant strains are known as type III cannabis to scientists.

1:2 – THC-dominant Strains with CBD Benefits

• Examples: Amnesia Haze, Super Sour Widow
• Used for: Recreational psychoactive effects, pain relief, mood enhancement, sleep

This ratio tips the balance in favor of THC content, but there is still a level of CBD present, which can smooth out the experience. Compared to a ~0:1 strain, a 1:2 strain offers a more stable high, diluting THC’s potentially overwhelming psychoactive effects. These strains are a good choice for those who enjoy THC’s euphoria and relaxation, but are sensitive to experiences of anxiety or paranoia when consuming cannabis.

Users often turn to 1:2 strains for moderate pain relief, relaxation, and mood elevation. A strain with this ratio can create a calming, pleasant, intoxicating experience without becoming too sedating or overwhelming.

~1:0 – CBD-dominant  (Trace to no THC) Strains

• Examples: Lifter, ACDC, Charlotte’s Web
• Used for: Anxiety relief, reducing inflammation, seizure disorders, and sleep improvement

Strains with a ~1:0 CBD:THC ratio contain little to no THC and are entirely CBD-focused in their effects. These strains are most useful for individuals looking to achieve the therapeutic benefits of CBD without any intoxication. With a wealth of contemporary research supporting the therapeutic uses of this cannabinoid, CBD is widely recognized for its potential in controlling seizures, reducing inflammation, easing anxiety, and improving sleep. 

Many users prefer these strains for daytime activities because they offer the benefits of cannabis compounds without the psychoactive effects of THC, allowing them to stay clear-minded. Medical patients who want productive, daytime relief without a THC high and individuals seeking natural stress relief without potential THC side effects also commonly choose ~1:0 CBD-dominant strains. This lets patients work, study, drive, care for family, and run more errands during the day.

Choosing the Right Ratio 

Overall, selecting the best cannabis strain for you depends on your individual needs, experience, and tolerance levels. Here is a simple guide to give you an at-a-glance idea of what to expect from various common ratio strains:

• ~0:1 (No CBD, high-THC): For strong psychoactive effects; popular with advanced consumers. Beginners must use caution.
• 1:1 (Equal CBD and THC): For a balanced experience with some psychoactive effects and CBD therapeutic benefits.
• 2:1 (CBD-dominant, half as much THC as CBD): For mild psychoactive effects with therapeutic benefits. 

• 1:2 (THC-dominant, twice as much THC as CBD): For stronger psychoactive and appetite-stimulating effects of THC with some CBD benefits like anxiety relief. 
• ~1:0 (High-CBD): For therapeutic benefits of CBD without intoxication or “high” feeling from THC. Ideal for daytime productivity with relief.

Final Takeaway

By focusing on ratios rather than traditional indica, sativa, or hybrid cannabis labels, consumers can make more nuanced and scientific choices about their cannabis experience. Whether you’re looking for recreational enjoyment, symptom relief, or a balanced effect, understanding cannabinoid ratios allows you to tailor your selection to your personal preferences and aims. 

Instead of navigating strains just through breeder names or common classifications, approaching cannabis selection using ratios further helps consumers understand the diverse world of cannabis with better precision to achieve a more personalized experience with their cannabis products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ratio for cannabis plants?

The best ratio of CBD to THC content in a strain will depend on the personal preferences of the user. Factors like an individual’s preferences for euphoric effects, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, or anxiety-reducing effects without an intoxicating high—all contribute to whether a particular ratio strain will be a better choice for an individual.  

What cannabis strains have a 1:1 ratio?

Strains like OG Kush, Pennywise, Harlequin, and Hayley’s Comet have a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio. 1:1 ratios are rare in nature and aren’t exactly 1:1. This is because cannabis plants tend to favor making one or the other, so very few strains like these can produce consistent ratio results generation after generation.

Does 10:1 get you high?

Although not listed in our guide, high ratios of CBD:THC do exist. This strain would have 10 times the amount of CBD as THC, meaning it probably has a rather low amount of THC content, so this ratio would more likely be used for the therapeutic benefits of CBD without the more intoxicating psychoactive effects brought about by THC – unless taken in larger-than-recommended quantities or by extremely sensitive individuals.