Anxiety: How to Choose the Proper THC:CBD Ratio

Many anxiety sufferers have found relief by using cannabis products, despite the reputation that anxious feelings can be an adverse effect of consuming too much THC. When dosed carefully and used correctly, cannabis can provide soothing relief for many symptoms of anxiety.

There are several elements of cannabis that can be helpful in soothing anxiety. Both THC and CBD offer therapeutic benefits to anxiety sufferers, and some terpenes, like myrcene and pinene, are known to be incredibly soothing as well. Both CBD and THC provide benefits to anxious consumers, but using these cannabinoids in conjunction can be especially useful in calming anxiety symptoms.

When searching for a product for anxiety relief, be sure to pay attention to its CBD/THC ratio. CBD/THC ratios indicate how much CBD is in the product compared to the amount of THC in the products. Two products with the same CBD/THC ratio may still contain different milligram amounts of these cannabinoids, so be sure to pay attention to that as well. Because THC is psychoactive and CBD is not, different CBD/THC ratios will affect how these products make you feel.

0:1 (THC-only)

Products with a CBD/THC ratio of 0:1 contain only the cannabinoid THC and no CBD. THC-only products can induce an intense feeling of relaxation paired with psychoactive or euphoric effects. These effects of THC can provide a heavy soothing sensation that can offer potent relief to some anxiety sufferers and those who suffer from chronic pain or insomnia, making it an appropriate choice for evening use.

One potential drawback of THC-only products is that you may run the risk of elevating feelings of anxiety and paranoia if it is consumed in too high of a dose. THC-only products may still be appropriate for anxiety sufferers when dosed correctly and carefully, but this is something to keep in mind.

1:0 (CBD-only)

Products with a CBD/THC ratio of 1:0 contain only the cannabinoid CBD and no THC. CBD-only products are non psychoactive and may provide very mild mood-enhancing effects on anxiety sufferers. CBD-only products may not offer as much anxiety relief as products with both cannabinoids but can still offer mild daytime relief.

1:1 (Balanced)

CBD/THC balanced cannabis products contain an equal amount of CBD and THC. Products with a 1:1 ratio provide mild psychoactive effects that can be very effective for relieving anxiety symptoms. These products allow the consumer to capitalize on THC's more potent soothing effects while the CBD lessens the likelihood of feeling THC's adverse effects.

The psychoactive effects of CBD/THC balanced cannabis products are typically mild and usually still allow the consumer to be functional throughout the day. This makes a balanced product another great daytime option for anxiety sufferers.

Other Ratios to Consider

1:9 or Greater

Products with a CBD/THC ratio 1:9 or greater have much more THC than CBD but still contain a small amount of CBD. These ratios can be especially helpful for those suffering from chronic pain, nausea, insomnia, or migraines.

2:1 to 4:1

Products with a CBD/THC ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 contain more CBD than THC. Products with these ratios do not induce an intense psychoactive effect but still have a small amount of THC that can make it more effective at combating anxiety. These ratios are excellent for anxiety sufferers who want to avoid heavy psychoactive effects but may need a more potent blend than a 1:0 product.

10:1 to 25:1

Products with a ratio of 10:1 to 25:1 also contain more CBD than THC but at a much higher amount. These products produce little psychoactive effects, but the small THC amount present allows the consumer to maximize its soothing results.

Using CBD and THC together can maximize the benefits of cannabis for people with anxiety. Anxiety sufferers that use cannabis for relief may find it useful to try out products with different cannabinoid ratios to see what works best for them. Generally, the more CBD present, the less you will feel the THC's effects, so you'll need to consider your needs when choosing a ratioed product.