You could pay absolutely no attention to the cannabis industry, and you’ve probably still heard of the chemicals THC and CBD. THC and CBD are the two active compounds in the cannabis plant – they’re the chemicals associated with the effects and benefits of cannabis. As new products enter the legal market, producers are paying careful attention to the ratio of these two substances.

A product’s THC/CBD ratio is a good indicator of how it might affect you. However, there’s a lot of misinformation about what these two chemicals do for the human body, so we’re going to break down these two powerful components of the plant.

THC

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Most of the psychological effects associated with the plant come from THC, including changes to memory, behavior, thinking, information processing, and (in rare cases) hallucinations.

The chemical works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Usually, the neurochemical anandamide attaches to these receptors, but THC has a very similar structure to anandamide and thus produces the same feelings of elation, euphoria, and pain relief. THC can be incredibly potent, especially in individuals with a low tolerance to the chemical, but studies suggest that the chemical can be a powerful tool against chronic pain, epilepsy, and mental illness.

CBD

CBD (Cannabidiol) shares a very similar composition to its brother THC. CBD has a similar structure, affects the same receptors, and comes from the same plant. However, its effects are markedly different.

Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it cannot produce the psychological effects that can alter memory, thinking, and behavior. What it can do is produce the sensation of relaxation and pain relief associated with cannabis. CBD is the primary component of medical cannabis, and studies suggest it can have a powerful impact on chronic pain, anxiety and depression, and certain symptoms of cancer.

What’s the right ratio for me?

Well, it depends on a lot of factors. For one thing, it depends on what you’re looking for: products that are high in THC will have more of a psychoactive effect, whereas products that are mostly composed of CBD will primarily soothe feelings of pain and distress.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy, and the right ratio largely depends on your body and how well it receives each chemical. Some individuals looking only for pain relief might actually benefit from a small amount of THC. Others might actually report that CBD-only products are psychologically altering, even though the chemical is not psychoactive.

When it comes to THC/CBD ratios and the right dosage, there’s always a little trial and error involved. Seeking advice from a medical professional is the best way to find the right product for you, but understanding these two chemicals and their ratios can guide you in the right direction.

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