While plenty of people enjoy the intoxicating effects of THC and are embracing the freedom of legal cannabis consumption, an increasing number of individuals are interested in strains that contain higher levels of CBD.
But are different CBD strains a real thing?
Absolutely.
CBD-dominant strains of marijuana are relatively new to the industry as a whole. In the past decade, the demand for CBD products has skyrocketed. Cannabis cultivators have taken notice, creating CBD-dominant marijuana strains that are becoming increasingly popular in this ever-changing industry.
What Are High-CBD Strains?
THC and CBD are the two most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis. Typically, cannabis strains are bred for their high-THC profiles that offer the high that marijuana is famous for. Not everyone who consumes cannabis, however, is into the often-intense psychoactivity associated with THC.
CBD-dominant strains have been bred to contain a higher percentage of CBD than THC. Strains high in CBD usually provide the benefits of cannabis without the heavy psychoactive effects THC is known for.
CBD/THC Ratios: What You Need to Know
CBD/THC ratios can be difficult to understand. Following is an explanation of what to expect when experimenting with these strains. Keep in mind that everyone is different when it comes to the way cannabis affects them. Those with zero tolerance to marijuana may experience cerebral effects, even when THC percentages are low.
- 18:1 —This is a high CBD, low THC ratio. This choice of a CBD strain won’t typically offer much intoxication, making it perfect for people who have never consumed cannabis before.
- 8:1 — This is another high CBD, low THC ratio. It is also a good choice for those new to cannabis who don’t know how they tolerate THC. It is rarely considered intoxicating.
- 4:1 — This is considered a high CBD, medium THC ratio. While it still contains more CBD than THC, it is best for those who have some experience with THC as it could cause mild to moderate intoxicating effects, depending on the individual.
- 1:1 — This is considered a balanced CBD to THC ratio. A 1:1 ratio is best used by individuals who can tolerate THC and have some experience with it. It is known to be intoxicating in moderate doses, something that should be considered if interested in experimenting with these different strains of CBD.
The higher the percentage of CBD, the less likely you are to get high from the THC content a CBD strain contains.
If you’re a THC novice, it’s recommended you start with strains that contain a higher CBD/THC ratio and experiment until you find what works best for you. Your best bet is to speak directly to a budtender at your local dispensary to see what options might be best for you.
CBD Strains: Hemp vs. Marijuana
Just a decade ago, there were only a handful of people hip to CBD. Today it’s trendy. Not only are there countless CBD companies to choose from, but CBD oil is sold practically everywhere. From high-end Hollywood boutiques to Texas truck stops to everywhere in between, CBD has officially gone mainstream.
Marijuana strains that are high in CBD, however, are a bit different from the CBD oil that’s available virtually everywhere. They’re both sourced from cannabis. However, one is sourced from hemp and the other from marijuana.
CBD from Hemp
The CBD that’s widely available is sourced from hemp and must contain less than 0.3% THC. This is the CBD you’ll find online and at different retailers across the country. At Joy Organics, all of our CBD is derived from hemp and has had any trace amounts of THC removed. While some enjoy having THC in their CBD products, a large number of people prefer a product without any.
CBD from Marijuana
Marijuana is typically prized for the THC it contains, but there are strains bred specifically to contain more CBD than THC. These CBD strains are only permitted in states that have passed recreational and/or medical cannabis laws.
Different CBD Strains: Just the Beginning
The world of cannabis is one that is rapidly changing with each passing year. Less than ten years ago, CBD was virtually unheard of. Today, it has become a household name. With the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis in some states, the stigma surrounding marijuana is slowly beginning to fade.
While different CBD strains are relatively new to the cannabis scene, it’s likely only a matter of time before we see more breeders turn to the cultivation of CBD-specific strains. We imagine there will come a time when CBD strains are just as popular as THC strains, and one’s cannabis experience can be more customized to fit anyone’s specific wants and needs.